Randy Chandler
Whether or not to put cheese on chilli is a matter of personal preference. However, it is a popular option, with some recipes specifically calling for cheese to be stirred into the chilli. Tex-Mex custom decrees that chilli be eaten with cheese, and popular cheeses to use include cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and mozzarella.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Custom | Tex-Mex custom suggests that chilli be eaten with a handful of grated cheese on top |
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, American processed cheese |
| Texture | Melted, Grated, Chopped, Torn |
| Serving Suggestions | Baked potatoes, tortilla chips, bread, salad, coriander/cilantro |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is a popular choice to stir into chilli
While cheddar cheese is the most popular choice to serve with chilli, mozzarella is also a well-liked option to stir into the dish. This is a common practice in Tex-Mex cuisine, where chilli is often served with grated cheese on top. By stirring in chopped or torn mozzarella, it melts into the meat, creating a hearty and indulgent meal.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can complement the flavours in chilli without overwhelming them. Its mild, creamy taste and texture can add a comforting dimension to the dish. The cheese also helps to stretch the chilli further, making it a cost-effective option for feeding a larger group.
When stirring mozzarella into chilli, it is essential to do so just before serving to ensure the cheese melts evenly and does not become overly stringy. This final step of stirring in the cheese also adds a layer of richness and depth to the dish, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal.
For those who enjoy their chilli with a bit of crunch, baking potatoes can be served on the side, providing a vessel for the cheesy chilli. Alternatively, tortilla chips or freshly sliced bread can be dunked into the chilli for a more casual and playful presentation.
Additionally, mozzarella-topped chilli can be paired with a crisp green salad, dressed with a sharp vinaigrette, and a small cup of fresh coriander or cilantro for a refreshing contrast to the hearty main course. This combination of flavours and textures makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Cheddar is a classic chilli cheese, especially sharp cheddar
When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with chilli, cheddar is a timeless classic. While any variety of cheddar can be used depending on personal preference, sharp cheddar is particularly worth highlighting for its ability to add a bold, tangy kick to the dish.
Cheddar cheese is a widely beloved pairing with chilli, and for good reason. Its sharp, pungent flavour and smooth, creamy texture make it an ideal complement to the hearty, spicy warmth of chilli. The cheese's sharpness cuts through the richness of the dish, providing a pleasing contrast that enhances the overall flavour profile.
Sharp cheddar is especially well-suited for this purpose due to its more intense and pronounced flavour compared to milder varieties. Its bold, sharp taste can stand up to and balance out the robust flavours commonly found in chilli, such as the heat from spices or peppers, the tang of tomatoes, or the savouriness of meats like beef or chorizo.
Additionally, cheddar's melting properties make it a versatile option for incorporating into chilli. It can be grated or chopped and stirred into the chilli as it cooks, creating a creamy, indulgent texture. Alternatively, it can be sprinkled on top of the chilli just before serving, adding a layer of salty, savoury flavour to each bite.
For those who enjoy a more pronounced sharpness, extra sharp cheddar can be a superb choice. Its stronger flavour can provide an even more distinctive tanginess to the chilli, appealing to those who relish robust and assertive flavours in their dishes.
Whether grated, chopped, or melted, sharp cheddar cheese is a time-honoured and much-loved addition to chilli. Its distinctive flavour and texture make it a versatile and delectable option, enhancing the dining experience and making it a perennial favourite among cheese enthusiasts and chilli connoisseurs alike.
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Monterey Jack is milder than cheddar
When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with chilli, personal preference is key. While cheddar is a popular choice, Monterey Jack is also a good option.
Monterey Jack, often shortened to Jack, is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild, slightly tangy, and buttery flavour, with a creamy texture. It is a versatile cheese that melts easily, making it ideal for creating smooth and creamy textures in dishes. Its mild flavour also makes it a great base cheese to mix with other cheeses or ingredients, such as peppers or chillies, to create new flavour profiles. For example, combining Monterey Jack with Colby cheese results in Colby-Jack, while mixing it with cheddar creates Cheddar-Jack.
In contrast, cheddar cheese has a sharper taste and a firmer texture than Monterey Jack. The flavour of cheddar varies depending on the length of aging, with longer-aged cheddars having a stronger flavour.
Monterey Jack is recommended for those who suffer from migraines due to its low content of tyramine, an organic compound associated with headaches. Additionally, its mild flavour makes it a good option for those who prefer a less intense cheese experience.
When deciding between Monterey Jack and cheddar for chilli, consider the desired flavour profile and texture. Cheddar will provide a sharper, more pronounced flavour, while Monterey Jack will contribute a milder, tangier note that blends seamlessly with other ingredients. Personal preference plays a significant role in this choice, as both cheeses are popular pairings with chilli.
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Pepper Jack adds spice
When it comes to adding cheese to chilli, Pepper Jack is an excellent choice if you're looking for some extra heat. This variety of cheese is known for its spicy kick, which can take your chilli to the next level. The pepper in Pepper Jack cheese comes from the addition of peppers or pepper sauce during the cheese-making process, resulting in a product that is creamy, spicy, and full of flavour.
While some people may prefer milder cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar, Pepper Jack offers a bolder option for those who enjoy a spicy dish. The spice in the cheese pairs well with the warmth of the chilli, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. If you're looking to amp up the spice even more, you can opt for extra sharp Pepper Jack cheese, which has a more intense flavour and a slightly harder texture.
One of the key advantages of using Pepper Jack cheese in chilli is its melting properties. This cheese has a higher melting point compared to other varieties, allowing it to retain its shape and texture even when subjected to high temperatures. This makes it ideal for sprinkling on top of chilli, as it will melt slightly and create a creamy, spicy topping without becoming overly greasy or losing its form.
For those who enjoy experimenting with flavours, combining Pepper Jack with other cheeses can create interesting taste profiles. For instance, mixing Pepper Jack with mozzarella can result in a chilli that is both spicy and stringy, offering a unique textural experience. Additionally, the spice of Pepper Jack can be balanced out by mixing it with milder cheeses like Monterey Jack or American processed cheese, resulting in a more subtle heat.
Whether you prefer your chilli mild or mouth-burning, Pepper Jack cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be tailored to your taste preferences. By adjusting the amount of Pepper Jack added or combining it with other cheeses, you can create a dish that suits your desired level of spice. So, if you're looking to add a kick to your chilli, consider incorporating Pepper Jack cheese into your recipe.
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Grate the cheese for a Tex-Mex style chilli
Grated cheese is a popular topping for chilli, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. The type of cheese you grate depends on your personal preference and the desired level of spiciness.
For a classic Tex-Mex style, mozzarella is a popular choice. Simply grate the mozzarella and stir it into the chilli, allowing it to melt into the meat. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, you can bake potatoes in the oven and use them as a vessel for your cheesy chilli. This not only complements the flavours but also makes the dish more substantial and filling.
Other cheese options for a Tex-Mex style chilli include cheddar and Monterey Jack. If you prefer a spicier option, opt for Pepper Jack cheese, which will add a nice kick to your chilli. You can adjust the sharpness of cheddar to your taste, choosing between mild, medium, or sharp varieties.
For a unique twist, some people enjoy adding crunchy cheese like Goldfish or Cheezits on top of their chilli. This adds a textural contrast to the dish.
Remember, when grating the cheese, use a generous amount to ensure your chilli is nice and cheesy. You can also offer a variety of grated cheese options to your guests, allowing them to customise their chilli to their taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Popular cheeses to put on chilli include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper Jack. Cheddar can be mild, medium, or sharp, while Monterey Jack is milder than cheddar and pepper Jack adds spice.
You can cook the cheese into the chilli or sprinkle it on top. To cook cheese into the chilli, add it to the chilli in the pan and stir until it melts. To sprinkle cheese on top, cook the chilli as normal and then top with grated cheese.
Chilli with cheese can be served on its own, with tortilla chips, or with a loaf of bread for dunking. For a more substantial meal, serve chilli with a baked potato.
Yes, you can add other toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, tomatoes, cilantro, or coriander.
Yes, chilli without the cheese can be made up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. To make it with cheese, cook the chilli and then stir in the cheese until melted before serving.
