If you’ve ever had tacos al pastor with cheese, you know they’re a flavor explosion—juicy marinated pork, charred edges, and a hint of sweetness from pineapple. But today, we’re taking this Mexican street food favorite to the next level by adding melty cheese! Trust me, once you try cheesy tacos al pastor, you’ll never go back.
Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat or a Taco Tuesday feast, these tacos are bold, smoky, cheesy, and absolutely addictive. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love These tacos al pastor with cheese💛
✔️ Authentic flavors – Marinated pork with classic Mexican spices.
✔️ Cheese makes everything better – The gooey, melty cheese complements the smoky-sweet pork beautifully.
✔️ Easy to make at home – No trompo (vertical spit) required! We’ll use a skillet or grill.
✔️ Great for meal prep – The pork can marinate overnight for even more flavor.
✔️ Versatile – Serve in tortillas, as a quesadilla, or even over rice!
What Do Tacos al Pastor Taste Like?
Imagine succulent pork infused with smoky achiote, guajillo chiles, garlic, and citrus, caramelized beautifully with hints of sweet pineapple. Now add melty cheese—stretchy, gooey, and rich—to balance the bold flavors. It’s magic! ✨
Ingredients for Cheesy Tacos al Pastor
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, seeded & rehydrated
- 2 tbsp achiote paste
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Tacos:
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Tools You’ll Need 🛠️
✔️ Blender – To blend the marinade until smooth.
✔️ Skillet or Grill – To cook the pork to crispy perfection.
✔️ Tongs – For easy flipping.
✔️ Cheese grater – If using block cheese.
How to Make Cheesy Tacos al Pastor
1️⃣ Marinate the Pork
- Blend the marinade – In a blender, combine rehydrated guajillo chiles, achiote paste, garlic, pineapple juice, vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Coat the pork – Toss the thinly sliced pork in the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!).
2️⃣ Cook the Pork
- Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Add a little oil, then cook the pork in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until charred and caramelized.
- Toss in diced pineapple and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
3️⃣ Assemble the Tacos
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat.
- Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Once the cheese starts melting, add a scoop of cooked pastor pork.
- Fold the tortilla and press gently, letting the cheese crisp up slightly.
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Top with onions, cilantro, and extra pineapple.
- Serve with lime wedges and your favorite salsa!
What to Serve with Tacos al Pastor 🌮
These tacos pair perfectly with:
🥑 Guacamole & Chips – For a creamy, crunchy contrast.
🌶️ Spicy Salsa Verde – Adds a fresh kick.
🍚 Mexican Rice – A classic side.
🥗 Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad) – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Tacos al Pastor
✔️ Slice the pork thinly – This ensures quick cooking and crispy edges.
✔️ Use fresh pineapple – It caramelizes better than canned.
✔️ Don’t skimp on marinating time – The longer, the better!
✔️ Crisp the tortillas – Let the cheese brown slightly for extra flavor.
✔️ Want extra cheesiness? – Sprinkle a little cheese inside and on top for a “quesataco” effect!
Storage & Reheating
🧊 Store – Keep leftover meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat – Warm in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Avoid microwaving—it can make the pork rubbery.
❄️ Freeze – The marinated raw pork can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different meat?
Yes! You can swap pork for chicken or beef, though it won’t be traditional al pastor.
2. Can I make these vegetarian?
Try marinating jackfruit or mushrooms instead of pork for a plant-based version!
3. What’s the best cheese for these tacos?
Oaxaca cheese is the best—it’s stringy and melts beautifully. Monterey Jack or Mozzarella work too!
4. Do I need a trompo to make authentic al pastor?
Nope! A cast-iron skillet or grill works perfectly. The key is getting that charred, caramelized crust.
Final Thoughts – Make These ASAP! 😍
If you love tacos al pastor, you HAVE to try this cheesy version! The combo of smoky, juicy pork and melty, crispy cheese is pure perfection. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself (no judgment!), these tacos are guaranteed to impress.
🔥 Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below & tag me on Pinterest with your cheesy taco creations!
🌮 Craving more tacos? Check out these recipes next:
- Birria Tacos – Juicy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping!
- Carne Asada Tacos – Smoky, grilled perfection.
- Crispy Chicken Tacos – Crunchy, cheesy, and delicious!
- Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies
Now go forth and make some cheesy tacos al pastor! 🎉