Queso Cotija is a hard, crumbly cheese named after the town of Cotija in the Mexican state of Michoacán. This salty cheese is often compared to Parmesan for its robust flavor and granulated texture, although it’s typically more salty and strong-flavored. It is made from cow’s milk and is typically aged for several months. Due to its hard texture and high salt content, Cotija is perfect for grating and is often used to add a finishing touch to many Mexican dishes, including tacos, tostadas, and elote (Mexican street corn).