Melting Cheese: Prieto Tetilla PDO

The Icon of Galician Gastronomy: Queso de Tetilla is perhaps the most instantly recognisable cheese in Spain due to its distinctive conical shape, which resembles a breast (tetilla in Spanish).

Produced by the respected dairy family behind the Prieto brand, this PDO cheese represents the pinnacle of Galician dairy tradition. It is made from the pasteurised milk of cows grazing on the fresh, green pastures of the Atlantic coast. This lush diet translates directly into the cheese’s character: pure, milky, and undeniably wholesome. As a source of calcium and high-quality dairy protein, it is a healthy, natural option for growing families and cheese connoisseurs alike, free from the additives found in processed slices.

A Texture Made for Melting: While it is delicious eaten raw, Tetilla is celebrated globally as a superior melting cheese. The maturation process lasts between 7 days to a month, resulting in a paste that is soft, uniform, and ivory-white with very few eyes. The flavour is clean, slightly acidic, and salty but predominantly buttery. However, the magic happens when heat is applied. Unlike harder cheeses that separate or become oily, Queso de Tetilla transforms into a thick, decadent cream. This makes it a far superior gourmet alternative to standard mozzarella or cheddar for culinary applications where texture is paramount.

How the Spanish Enjoy Queso de Tetilla In Galicia and across Spain

Tetilla is the ultimate comfort food. It is a staple at breakfast, often eaten fresh with toasted bread and jam. However, its most famous role is in the evening “picoteo” (snack time).

Spanish families will often serve thick wedges of Tetilla alongside Dulce de Membrillo (quince paste). The sharpness of the fruit cuts through the rich butterfat of the cheese, creating a perfect bite. Due to its superior melting qualities, it is also the secret ingredient in many Spanish kitchens, used to stuff Piquillo peppers, melted over lacon (boiled pork shoulder) with paprika, or sandwiched between slices of artisan bread for a luxurious, hot snack. It is an approachable cheese that appeals to children and adults equally.

Craftsmanship in Every Wheel: The Prieto dairy ensures that every wheel adheres to the strict guidelines of the Regulatory Council of the D.O.P. Tetilla. The iconic shape is not just for show; it is the result of traditional funnels used during the curdling process, allowing the whey to drain naturally by gravity. This gentle handling preserves the integrity of the milk fats, ensuring that creamy mouthfeel that defines the cheese. When you buy this product, you are buying a piece of Galician history that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Serving Suggestion:

For a quick gourmet treat, place a slice of Tetilla on a piece of crusty bread, top with a sprinkle of Pimentón de la Vera (paprika), and grill until bubbling and golden. Pair with a light beer or a crisp cider. And don’t forget all the possibilites it has as a melting cheese it in your creations.