Frederic Melton
Pepper Jack cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It is a semi-soft, cow's milk cheese with an open texture and a spicy taste. The spice comes from the addition of jalapeño peppers, which are studded throughout the cheese. Its bold, buttery flavour and adaptability make it a must-have ingredient in your kitchen. It can be used in sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, mac and cheese, and even grilled hot dogs. Pepper Jack cheese melts easily due to its high moisture content, making it perfect for cheesy dips like queso. So, the next time you're looking to add a kick of spice to your dish, consider using Pepper Jack cheese!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-soft, semi-hard, cow's milk cheese |
| Texture | Open, grainy/gritty |
| Taste | Spicy, buttery, bold |
| Recipes | Sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, mac and cheese, casseroles, quiches, dips, chicken dishes, potato dishes, cheesecake |
| Pairs well with | Spicy food, crackers, appetizers, tortilla chips, ham popovers, chicken noodle soup |
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What You'll Learn
How to make Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- Pepper jack cheese (grated)
- Pasta (dried, short)
- Butter (unsalted)
- Cream cheese
- Pickled jalapeños
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt
Optional Ingredients
- Cayenne pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Cheddar cheese
Method
- Set a large pot of water to boil for cooking the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add salt, then add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until just barely al dente. Drain, then toss with butter, and set aside.
- Melt butter in a separate pot over medium heat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with sliced jalapeños, and mix well.
- Top with the grated pepper jack cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until browned and bubbling throughout.
- For a crispier topping, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with a green salad.
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How to make Pepper Jack Queso Dip
This homemade pepper jack queso dip recipe brings a moderate amount of spice and keeps the ingredient list to a minimum. It's the perfect dip to enjoy while watching your favourite show or movie, or when having friends over.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Diced onions
- Minced garlic
- Canned evaporated milk or half-and-half
- Cornstarch
- Spices (including cumin and black pepper)
- Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
- Rotel
- Cilantro
- Salsa (optional)
- Tortilla chips
Method:
Firstly, warm some butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, pepper, cumin, and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to soften and become translucent. This should take around 4 minutes. Next, add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Then, add the milk and bring to a simmer. Start adding the cheese a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until melted. Keep adding cheese and stirring until all the cheese is melted.
Once all the cheese is melted, stir in the Rotel, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Fold in cilantro. Top with salsa if you like.
You can serve this dip with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Tips:
- It is preferable to shred the cheese yourself as pre-shredded cheese can impact the consistency of the final product.
- Toss the shredded cheese with cornstarch to make it easier to add to the saucepan and to help keep the sauce from separating.
- You can also make this dip in a slow cooker or microwave.
- To make the dip creamier, you can add some half-and-half to loosen up the consistency.
- You can also add in cooked, crumbled chorizo or ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed poblano peppers, or mushrooms.
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How to use Pepper Jack Cheese in sandwiches
Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-soft, spicy cheese that is perfect for sandwiches. Its unique flavour and versatility make it a popular choice for sandwiches, adding a burst of spiciness to any sandwich creation. The cheese is made from cow's milk, with the addition of peppers and spices, giving it a distinctive flavour and a touch of heat. The most common types of peppers used are jalapeños, but other peppers such as serrano or habanero peppers may also be used to increase the heat level.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A classic grilled cheese sandwich with Pepper Jack cheese is a delicious and simple option. You can use any type of bread, such as homemade sweet potato yeast bread or a regular loaf. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place the buttered sides down on a clean work surface. Cover two slices of bread with Pepper Jack cheese, and feel free to be generous with the cheese! Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up. Heat a grill pan or a non-stick sauté pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Slice the sandwich into serving pieces and serve immediately.
Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese with Pastrami and Roasted Peppers
For a slightly more complex grilled cheese, try adding pastrami and roasted sweet mini peppers to your sandwich. Brush vegetable oil onto the peppers and grill them for about 4 minutes on each side. Prepare the sandwich as described above, layering the pastrami and roasted peppers on top of the cheese. Grill the sandwich for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Pepper Jack and Bacon Oil Sandwich
For a savoury twist, try adding bacon oil to your Pepper Jack grilled cheese. Brush both sides of each slice of bread with bacon oil before assembling the sandwich. You can also add other ingredients, such as pastrami or roasted peppers, to this sandwich for extra flavour. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Pepper Jack with Cream Cheese and Jalapeños
For an extra creamy and spicy sandwich, try adding cream cheese and jalapeños to your Pepper Jack grilled cheese. Char, peel, and de-seed the jalapeños before chopping them into small pieces. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place the buttered sides down. Spread cream cheese on two slices of bread, and sprinkle diced jalapeños on top. Add shredded Pepper Jack cheese and top with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheeses are melted.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and breads to create your own unique Pepper Jack grilled cheese sandwiches! The versatility of Pepper Jack cheese makes it a great base for a variety of sandwich creations.
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How to use Pepper Jack Cheese in salads
Pepper Jack cheese is a delightful addition to any salad, adding a burst of flavour and a kick of spice. This semi-soft cheese, with its smooth texture and slight tang, is incredibly versatile. It can be used in a variety of salads, from pasta salads to fruit salads, adding a unique twist to ordinary dishes.
For a simple yet delicious option, try a Pepper Jack pasta salad. Cut the cheese into small chunks or grate it, and toss it into a bowl with macaroni, red and green bell peppers, celery, green onions, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. This salad is perfect for summer potlucks and can be made ahead of time. The combination of ingredients creates a tasty, easy side dish that will impress your guests.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a summery chicken salad with a Pepper Jack twist. This hearty and creamy dish combines the sharpness of Pepper Jack with the tang of sour cream. It's a comforting meal that can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for those busy days.
For a lighter option, a fruit salad with Pepper Jack can be a unique and refreshing choice. Simply sprinkle grated Pepper Jack cheese on top of your favourite fruits for an unexpected twist. The sweetness of the fruit pairs surprisingly well with the spicy cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.
With its versatility and unique flavour, Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen. Don't be afraid to get creative and add it to your favourite salads for a spicy kick that will take your meals to the next level.
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How to use Pepper Jack Cheese in soups
Pepper Jack cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a spicy kick to soups. Here are some ideas for how to use Pepper Jack cheese in soups:
Pepper Jack Cheese Soup
This soup is a delicious and creamy option that is perfect for a chilly day. The soup uses a roux of flour and butter to thicken it, with the addition of milk, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and garlic to balance out the flavours. Here is a simple recipe:
- Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook until it comes to a boil.
- Stir the simmered broth and veggies into the thickened milk.
- Add the Pepper Jack cheese and cook over medium heat until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Creamy Pepper Jack Broccoli Soup
This soup combines the flavours of broccoli and Pepper Jack cheese for a delicious and hearty meal. Here is a simple recipe:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until softened.
- Add broccoli florets and cauliflower florets.
- Pour in milk and bring to a boil.
- Add in cheeses, sour cream, and shredded carrots. Simmer until the cheeses have melted and combined into a creamy sauce.
- Top with grilled cheese croutons for an extra indulgent touch.
Cheesy Pepper Jack & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
This soup is a perfect blend of spicy and creamy, with the addition of roasted red peppers for a depth of flavour. Here is a simple recipe:
- Roast red peppers in the oven by tossing them with olive oil and roasting until blackened.
- Puree the roasted red peppers with sauteed garlic, onion, vegetable broth, half-and-half, and Pepper Jack cheese.
- Blend the soup until smooth and slowly stir in the half-and-half.
- Add the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and keep warm on the stove.
- Serve with crusty bread or a grilled sandwich for a comforting meal.
These recipes showcase the versatility of Pepper Jack cheese in soups, adding a spicy and creamy dimension to a variety of flavours and ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Pepper jack cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and more. It is especially popular in recipes such as mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, and dips like queso.
When using pepper jack cheese, it is recommended to grate your own cheese as pre-grated cheese may not melt properly. Additionally, to avoid a grainy texture in sauces, remove the pot from the heat before adding the cheese.
Some popular brands of pepper jack cheese include Cabot Creamery and Cabot Pepper Jack Cheese. You can find these brands in stores or online.
