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    Home » Recipes » Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa (Queso Panela en Salsa Roja)

    Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa (Queso Panela en Salsa Roja)

    Last Updated November 25, 2020. Originally Posted August 29, 2017 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Queso Panela en Salsa Roja, or Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa, is a yummy light meal or easy appetizer idea. Not very spicy and a great crowd pleaser. Hope you enjoy!
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Queso Panela en Salsa Roja, or Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa, is a delicious appetizer that also makes a great light meal. Creamy and not too spicy. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    I could eat an entire meal made up of just appetizers. Actually, I’ve often done this. It’s fun eating little bites of something. Appetizers scream: Time to get your boogie on! Put on your party hat (or sombrero) and get ready for fun! If you’re looking for an easy appetizer (or light meal) that very few people have heard of north of the border and involves only a few ingredients, you should try Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa (or Queso Panela en Salsa Roja).

    Queso Panela

    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

    You start with Queso Panela. You will find this in the dairy section next to the cream cheese and sour cream. It is usually by the Queso Fresco, but don’t confuse the two cheeses. Queso Fresco is more crumbly and you do not want to make a crummy dish. Queso Panela is firmer, and you can cut into it without the cheese falling apart. That’s why it’s perfect for this recipe.

    Queso Panela en Salsa Roja, or Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa, is a delicious appetizer that also makes a great light meal. Creamy and not too spicy. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    For my Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa (or Queso Panela en Salsa Roja), I diced the cheese. You can leave it in long strips as well. Some people will even leave it in large, steak-like cheese slices. This is a totally different kind of “cheese steak.” Not the Philly kind. Although those are pretty good too…

    tomatoes

    To make the red sauce, I’m using very ripe tomatoes. Not “squeezably soft.” Just ripe. I also like diced onions. Some people use sliced onions. Whatever you prefer is fine.

    Queso Panela en Salsa Roja, or Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa, is a delicious appetizer that also makes a great light meal. Creamy and not too spicy. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    To this recipe, I’m adding Epazote. This is a Mexican herb that gives incredible flavor, but it can be hard to find. If that’s the case, have no worries. Your Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa (or Queso Panela en Salsa Roja) will still be delicious without it. The cheese only needs a few minutes in the pan to warm up so keep a close eye on it. Serve immediately with tortillas, tortilla chips, or saltine crackers. You can also serve this dish as a light yet satisfying meal next to some refried beans and a small salad. Hope you enjoy!

    Queso Panela en Salsa Roja, or Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa, is a delicious appetizer that also makes a great light meal. Creamy and not too spicy. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Queso Panela en Salsa Roja, or Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa, is a delicious appetizer that also makes a great light meal. Creamy and not too spicy. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa (Queso Panela en Salsa Roja)

    Queso Panela en Salsa Roja, or Panela Cheese in Mexican Red Salsa, is a yummy light meal or easy appetizer idea. Not very spicy and a great crowd pleaser. Hope you enjoy!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Lunch
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes
    Total Time: 12 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 250kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 2 tomatoes diced
    • 1 garlic
    • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
    • ½ onion diced
    • 1 serrano pepper finely minced
    • 1 epazote leaf optional
    • ½ lb queso panela diced
    • Pinch Salt

    Instructions

    • Add the tomatoes and garlic to a blender.
    • Blend until smooth.
    • If you need water, add a splash. Only what is necessary to blend.
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil.
    • Add the onion and stir until translucent. 1 minute.
    • Add the serrano pepper, stir for 1 more minute.
    • Now add the tomato mixture to the pan along with the epazote (if using) and a pinch of salt.
    • Stir to combine.
    • Add the queso panela, coating everything with the sauce.
    • Let simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes.
    • Serve with tortillas, tortilla chips, or saltine crackers.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

     You will find this in the dairy section next to the cream cheese and sour cream. It is usually by the Queso Fresco.
    Queso Panela is firmer, and you can cut into it without the cheese falling apart.
    The cheese only needs a few minutes in the pan to warm up so keep a close eye on it. 
    Serve immediately with tortillas, tortilla chips, or saltine crackers.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 430mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 983IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!


    Filed Under: Appetizers, Mexican, Recipes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alicia Trautwein

      August 29, 2017 at 3:35 pm

      I have never had a salsa made with Panela cheese, but these sounds absolutely delicous! I will have to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 30, 2017 at 9:36 am

        It’s so good. You’ll love this recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Lauren @ Delicious Little Bites

      August 29, 2017 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never heard of Panela cheese! I’m going to have to pick some up this week to try!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 30, 2017 at 9:35 am

        You’re going to love it. Panela is delicious!

        Reply
    3. Michael @ Super Millennial

      August 29, 2017 at 7:03 pm

      Never head of Panela cheese either but this recipe looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 30, 2017 at 9:34 am

        Panela is the “other” well-known Mexican cheese. Hope you check it out next time you’re at the grocery store. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Deborah

      August 29, 2017 at 8:35 pm

      Wow this looks so good, and so fresh too! I need to try this.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 30, 2017 at 9:33 am

        I hope you do. This is one of my favorite easy appetizers or light lunch. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Brandi

      August 30, 2017 at 4:31 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! This is the first I have seen this. Looks great and easy to make!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 30, 2017 at 5:26 pm

        It so is. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Luci

      August 30, 2017 at 4:45 pm

      Oh this looks delicious. I love queso and add tomatoes to it makes it even better.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 30, 2017 at 5:26 pm

        Yes! It’s so good.

        Reply
    7. Cynthia | What A Girl Eats

      August 30, 2017 at 6:29 pm

      I’ve got tomatoes galore right now! This would be perfect!

      Reply
    8. Ginny McMeans

      August 30, 2017 at 8:22 pm

      5 stars
      This is a very interesting recipe. I love your salsa and I’m having an idea to put my tofu squares in it too. Thanks!

      Reply
    9. Sandra

      August 30, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      I love eating appetizers as my main meal, especially during the weekend. This Panela cheese looks filling. Hope I can find it at my local Mexican stores to try!

      Reply

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