Chili Oil & Garlic Confit Oaxaca Cheese Spread

Combining garlic confit, chili oil, and Oaxaca cheese creates a sumptuous cheese dip that balances the creaminess of cheese with the deep, mellow flavors of garlic confit and the spicy kick of chili oil. Oaxaca cheese, which hails from Mexico, is known for its stringy, mozzarella-like texture, making it perfect for melting. It adds a creamy, stringy texture and a mild taste that serves as the perfect backdrop for the robust flavors of the other ingredients.

This dish effortlessly bridges the gap between rustic warmth and culinary sophistication. At its heart, this dip/spread combines the creamy, stretchy melt of Oaxaca cheese, reminiscent of mozzarella, with the deep, mellow sweetness of garlic that’s been slowly poached to perfection in oil. This confit method transforms the pungent garlic into soft, golden morsels of umami richness.

Enter the chili oil, and the dip takes on a new dimension. The fiery zest of the chili oil doesn’t just bring heat; it introduces a kick that accentuates and contrasts the sweetness of the garlic confit, creating a dance of flavors on the palate. The result is a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and creamy that is both comforting and invigorating.

What is Oaxaca cheese?

Oaxaca cheese, pronounced “wa-HA-ka,” is a white, semi-hard cheese from Mexico, specifically from the southern state of Oaxaca. It’s traditionally produced by stretching the cheese into long ropes and then winding these ropes into balls. When you pull it apart, it comes apart in thin, stringy layers.

The cheese has a mild flavor, somewhat similar to unaged Monterey Jack, but with a slightly more tangy and buttery taste. Its mildness makes it versatile for various dishes. Oaxaca cheese is especially popular for melting, as it melts smoothly and easily.

Its stretchy nature, combined with its delightful taste, has made Oaxaca cheese a beloved staple in many Mexican households and beyond. It stands out both as a star in many traditional recipes and as a delightful snack on its own.

Chili Oil & Garlic Confit Oaxaca Cheese Spread

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SidesCuisine: Mexican, FusionDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Combining garlic confit, chili oil, and Oaxaca cheese creates a sumptuous cheese dip that balances the creaminess of cheese with the deep, mellow flavors of garlic confit and the spicy kick of chili oil.

Ingredients

• 14 ounces Oaxaca cheese, grated

• 1/2 cup garlic confit (including cloves and oil)

• 2 tablespoons chili oil

• diced tomatoes, for garnish

• chopped green onion, for garnish

Equipment

• 10u0022 cast iron skilletBuy here
• Mixing bowlBuy here
• Sauce panBuy here

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add about 2-3 tbsp of the garlic-infused oil from the confit. Add in the shredded Oaxaca cheese. Stir continuously to ensure even melting and prevent sticking.
• Once the cheese starts melting, mix in the remaining garlic confit and the chili oil.
• Mix until the cheese is smooth and stretchy.
• Optional: Transfer to a 10″ cast iron skillet or oven safe dish and bake for 10-15 minutes.
• Garnish with chopped green onion and diced tomato. Serve warm with tortilla chips, fresh bread, or even veggie sticks.