
Monterey Jack cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from casseroles to sandwiches. It is a popular choice for those looking to add a creamy, cheesy element to their meals. The cheese's mild flavour and melting texture make it a perfect topping for pizzas, tacos, and nachos, as well as an excellent binder for dips and sauces. Its versatility extends to being used in simple recipes, such as garlic bread, or more complex dishes, like seafood pasta. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or an impressive dish for guests, Monterey Jack cheese is a great option to consider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Casseroles, sandwiches, tacos, hors d'oeuvre, wraps, dips, pasta, pizza, quesadillas, nachos, soups, etc. |
| Ingredients | Chicken, shrimp, turkey, beef, bacon, vegetables, chorizo, pepper, bell peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, cumin, etc. |
| Number of recipes | There are over 500 recipes with Monterey Jack Cheese |
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What You'll Learn

Monterey Jack cheese in sandwiches and casseroles
Monterey Jack cheese, sometimes shortened to Jack, is a Californian white, semi-hard cheese made using cow's milk. It has a mild flavour and slight sweetness. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, including sandwiches and casseroles.
Monterey Jack Cheese in Sandwiches
Monterey Jack can be used in sandwiches in numerous ways. It can be melted on top of a chicken club pizza, providing a crunchy texture to complement the vegetables. It can also be used in a breakfast sandwich, paired with sliced mushrooms and olives. For a spicier option, it can be used in sandwiches with turkey and green chillies.
Monterey Jack Cheese in Casseroles
Monterey Jack is a popular choice for casseroles, often providing a gooey, cheesy texture. It can be used in a one-skillet dip with chorizo and pepper jack for a spicy kick. It is also a key ingredient in a Tex-Mex-inspired casserole, combining bell peppers and chicken salad. For seafood lovers, Monterey Jack pairs well with shrimp and herbs in a baked angel hair pasta casserole.
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Chicken club pizza
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pizza crust (pre-made or homemade)
- Cream cheese
- Shallot
- Shredded chicken
- Bacon
- Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Ranch dressing salad mix
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
Instructions
Now, let's get into the preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the pizza crust on an ungreased pizza pan or a cookie sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese with minced shallot and spread this mixture evenly over the crust, creating a delicious base.
- Top the cream cheese layer with shredded chicken and bacon. Go generous on the toppings!
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken and bacon. This cheese will melt beautifully and add a wonderful flavour to your pizza.
- Bake the pizza in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is lightly browned.
- While the pizza is baking, prepare the ranch dressing by combining sour cream, milk, and ranch dressing salad mix in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Before serving, sprinkle chopped lettuce and dice tomatoes over the pizza, giving it a fresh crunch.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the pizza, adding a tangy twist to the flavours.
And there you have it! Your very own Chicken Club Pizza with the goodness of Monterey Jack cheese. Enjoy the combination of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables in every bite. Feel free to experiment with additional toppings or swap out the ranch dressing for barbecue sauce to create your perfect pizza masterpiece.
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Seafood and pasta/rice
Monterey Jack cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that is perfect for melting into pasta or rice dishes. Its smooth and versatile nature makes it an excellent pairing with seafood, especially shrimp.
One recipe idea is a baked pasta casserole, such as Monterey Spaghetti. This dish combines tender spaghetti with a creamy sauce, spinach, and crispy onions, all topped with a generous layer of Monterey Jack cheese. To prepare this dish, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. In a separate bowl, beat an egg and add sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and the Monterey Jack cheese. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the egg mixture, along with spinach and half of the onions. Finally, bake the casserole until it's golden and crispy. This recipe can also be adapted to use other short pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
Another option is to create a shrimp-based dish, such as Shrimp Monterey. This recipe involves preparing a mild, fresh-tasting sauce with herbs, garlic, and wine, which pairs beautifully with the Monterey Jack cheese. The shrimp and sauce can be served over pasta or rice, creating a delicious and impressive dish for special occasions. To make this dish, sauté the shrimp and garlic in butter until the shrimp turn pink. Transfer the shrimp to a baking dish, add wine to the skillet, and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Pour the reduced wine sauce over the shrimp, sprinkle with cheese and parsley, and bake until the cheese is melted. This dish can be served over linguine or rice, depending on your preference.
Additionally, you can explore variations of baked pasta casseroles that incorporate shrimp or other seafood options. These casseroles often include herbs, salsa, and multiple types of cheese, creating a flavourful and indulgent dish.
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White queso dip
To make this dip, you will need a can of evaporated milk, 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and spices of your choice. Start by heating the milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil and then add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until melted. This process should take about 5 minutes.
For added flavour, you can sauté onion and garlic with butter and add them to the dip. Additionally, spices such as cumin, as well as chiles, jalapeños, or tomatoes can be included to taste. If you prefer a spicier dip, you can use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack.
To keep the dip in a liquid state for longer, maintain it in a crockpot on low heat, a double boiler, or simply reheat it in the microwave as needed.
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Chicken and chorizo skillet
Ingredients
- Chicken (rotisserie chicken is a good option)
- Chorizo
- Onion
- Peppers
- Spices (including salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne)
- Cheese (Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or cheddar)
- Mexican crema or sour cream
- Cilantro
- Pickled jalapenos
- Avocado
- Tortillas
- Rice
Instructions
- Cook the ground chorizo in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Set the chorizo aside in a separate bowl and wipe the skillet clean.
- In the same skillet, heat some oil over medium heat and saute the peppers, onions, spices, and salt for about five minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken and broth to the skillet and saute for another five minutes until the chicken is hot.
- Top the chicken with the cooked chorizo and grated Monterey Jack cheese. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid for about five minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- While the cheese is melting, thin the Mexican crema or sour cream by adding a couple of tablespoons of milk. You can also add water to thin it out.
- Once the cheese is melted, drizzle the crema over the top and garnish with cilantro.
- Serve with warm tortillas, rice, avocado, cilantro, and pickled jalapenos on the side.
Tips:
- This recipe can be made ahead of time using shredded rotisserie chicken. It is recommended to shred the rotisserie chicken while it is still warm and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for later use.
- For a fun twist, serve this dish with margaritas, such as pineapple or peach margaritas.
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Frequently asked questions
Some easy recipes with Monterey Jack cheese include quesadillas, tacos, sandwiches, casseroles, and dips.
Some specific recipes that use Monterey Jack cheese include chicken club pizza, chicken fajita quesadillas, and white queso dip.
Some dishes that pair well with Monterey Jack cheese include seafood, chicken, and Mexican or Spanish cuisine.

























