Here you’ll find 11 Mexican foods that start with Q that begin with Q, organized from “Quesadilla” to “Queso relleno”. They range from street‑food favorites to regional specialties, useful for menu planning, travel guides, and home cooking.

Mexican foods that start with Q are traditional dishes and regional specialties whose names begin with Q. Many, like “quesadilla”, reflect centuries of culinary fusion and show lively regional variations across Mexico.

Below you’ll find the table with Dish (Spanish), English translation, Region, and Core ingredients.

Dish (Spanish): The traditional Spanish names used in Mexico; you can use them to search menus or authentic recipes quickly.

English translation: A concise English name or translation that helps you recognize the dish and compares it with familiar foods.

Region: The Mexican state or regional origin so you can understand local variations and where recipes commonly come from.

Core ingredients: A short list of two to five main ingredients so you can judge flavor profiles and cooking requirements quickly.

Mexican foods that start with Q

NameRegionMain ingredientsType
QuesadillaNationaltortilla, cheese, meat, vegetablesSnack
Queso fundidoNationalmelted cheese, chorizo, onion, poblano chileAppetizer
Queso flameadoNorthern Mexicomelted cheese, chorizo, onionAppetizer
Queso rellenoYucatán, CampecheEdam cheese, ground pork, almonds, raisinsMain dish
Quesillo (Queso Oaxaca)Oaxacacow’s milk, rennet, saltCheese
Queso frescoNationalcow’s milk, rennet, saltCheese
Queso panelaCentral Mexicocow’s milk, rennet, saltCheese
Queso Chihuahua (Menonita)Chihuahuacow’s milk, rennet, saltCheese
Queso CotijaMichoacáncow’s milk, saltCheese
Queso añejoNationalcow’s milk, rennet, saltCheese
Queso de bolaYucatáncow’s milk, saltCheese

Descriptions

Quesadilla
Folded or grilled tortilla filled with melted cheese and often meats or vegetables; regional variations abound and it’s a ubiquitous street food or home snack across Mexico.
Queso fundido
Skillet of molten cheese often mixed with chorizo or mushrooms, served hot and scooped onto tortillas; a popular shared starter in homes and restaurants.
Queso flameado
Like queso fundido but flambéed with liquor for a smoky, theatrical finish; served hot with tortillas for scooping in northern Mexican eateries.
Queso relleno
Yucatecan specialty of a hollowed ball of Edam stuffed with spiced meat, nuts and raisins, baked and served in a savory sauce at festive meals.
Quesillo (Queso Oaxaca)
Pulled, stringy white cheese from Oaxaca with a stretchy texture; used in quesadillas, tlayudas and melted dishes throughout southern Mexico.
Queso fresco
Fresh, crumbly mild cheese used to top tacos, soups and salads; a pantry staple sold at markets across Mexico.
Queso panela
Slightly firm fresh cheese that holds its shape when grilled or fried; often sliced for tacos, salads or antojitos.
Queso Chihuahua (Menonita)
Mild, buttery melting cheese developed by Mennonite communities in Chihuahua, prized for quesadillas, chiles rellenos and other melted preparations.
Queso Cotija
Hard, salty aged cheese from Cotija used grated over elotes, beans and salads; bold flavor often compared to Parmesan in Mexican cooking.
Queso añejo
Aged, firm cheese produced in many regions; grated for a sharper, saltier finish on dishes and as a preserved dairy staple.
Queso de bola
Wax-coated Edam-style cheese popular in Yucatán, especially at holidays; dense and slightly nutty, commonly used in regional recipes like queso relleno.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.