Frederic Melton
Monterey Jack, often shortened to Jack, is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, slightly nutty flavour. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its creamy texture and versatility in dishes. The cheese originated in Monterey, California, and was first sold by businessman David Jack in the late 1800s. Over time, different varieties of Jack cheese have been created, including Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, and Dry Jack. So, is Monterey Jack similar to sharp cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-hard, semi-soft, semi-firm |
| Texture | Creamy |
| Flavour | Mild, slightly tangy, delicate, buttery, slightly tart, nutty, sweet |
| Colour | White |
| Place of origin | Monterey, California |
| History | Franciscan monastic style of farmer's cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Monterey Jack's history
Although Monterey Jack cheese is often labelled as an American or Californian product, its history is a lot more complex. The cheese was officially dubbed "Monterey Jack cheese" by the Food and Drug Administration in 1955, but its origins can be traced back to the 18th century.
Monterey Jack, sometimes shortened to Jack, is a semi-hard cheese made using cow's milk, with a mild flavour and slight sweetness. It originated in Monterey, California, and has been called "a vestige of Spanish rule in the early 19th century, deriving from a Franciscan monastic style of farmer's cheese". In its earliest form, Monterey Jack was made by 18th-century Franciscan friars of Monterey, combining Spanish techniques with local ingredients. The fusion of Spanish and Mexican influences resulted in a cheese that perfectly complemented the vibrant and bold flavours of Mexican dishes.
However, the commercialisation of Monterey Jack cheese is often attributed to Scottish immigrant David Jacks, who arrived in Monterey during the Gold Rush in the 1800s. Through aggressive and questionable business practices, he built an empire of dairies and started exporting cheese to San Francisco and beyond. Labeled “Jacks Monterey Cheese,” it soon became known as Monterey Jack. There are, however, several competing stories and controversies surrounding the origins of the cheese, with some claiming that Jacks stole the recipe or was not the first to sell it commercially.
Regardless of its exact origins, Monterey Jack has become an integral part of Mexican cuisine, commonly used in dishes such as enchiladas, quesadillas, and chiles rellenos. Its ability to melt evenly without overpowering other ingredients has made it a staple, adding a creamy texture and rich flavour to a variety of dishes. Since the 1950s, Monterey Jack has also given rise to hybrids such as Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, and Cheddar Jack.
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Taste and texture
Monterey Jack, sometimes shortened to Jack, is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It is made from cow's milk and has a creamy, smooth texture that makes it a versatile cheese for a variety of dishes. The cheese is aged for a short period, typically a few weeks to a few months, and has a mild flavour that is not overpowering. It is a popular choice for melting and is often used in dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and quesadillas. The cheese pairs well with a wide range of foods, including crackers, sliced apples, and grapes. It is also a common ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, such as tacos, burritos, and nachos.
One of the unique characteristics of Monterey Jack is its versatility in terms of taste and texture. The cheese can be found in various forms, including aged (Dry Jack), peppered (Pepper Jack), and smoked. Each of these variations offers a distinct flavour and texture experience. For example, Pepper Jack, a popular derivative, includes small pieces of spicy jalapeño peppers, adding a kick to the mild flavour of the original cheese. On the other hand, Smoked Monterey Jack has a distinct smoky flavour, making it a go-to choice for recipes that require a smoky cheese taste.
Dry Jack, another variation of Monterey Jack, has a harder texture and a longer aging time. It was created by accident in 1915 when a San Francisco wholesaler forgot about some wheels of fresh Jack cheese he had stored. During World War I, when shipments of hard cheese from Europe were interrupted, he rediscovered the wheels, which had aged and developed a taste similar to classic hard cheeses like Parmesan. This accidental discovery led to the creation of Dry Jack, a harder and more mature version of the original Monterey Jack.
In terms of taste and texture, Monterey Jack has some similarities to other cheeses. Colby cheese, for instance, is known for its similarity to Monterey Jack in both texture and flavour. Both cheeses are mild and great for melting, making them versatile ingredients in dishes like macaroni and cheese. Gouda, a semi-hard cheese, also shares a similar texture to Monterey Jack, along with a slightly nutty flavour. Smoking Gouda adds another dimension to its flavour profile, making it a delicious option for sandwiches and grilled cheese.
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How it compares to other cheeses
Monterey Jack, often shortened to Jack, is a semi-hard Californian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild, slightly tangy, and sweet flavour profile. It is a good melting cheese and is often used in Southwestern-style cooking. It is also used in place of traditional Mexican cheeses in Tex-Mex recipes.
Monterey Jack is the base cheese for many other types of Jack cheeses, including Pepper Jack, Colby-Jack, and Cheddar-Jack. Pepper Jack is a version of Monterey Jack flavoured with chilli peppers and herbs, providing some heat. Colby-Jack is made by marbling Monterey Jack with Colby, which has a nuttier flavour and a rich orange hue. Cheddar-Jack, meanwhile, is made by marbling Monterey Jack with yellow Cheddar, which gives it a sharper flavour.
Monterey Jack is also sometimes aged for longer to make Dry Jack, a harder cheese. During World War I, when shipments of hard cheese from Europe were interrupted, it is thought that the longer aging of Monterey Jack created a product that could substitute classic hard cheeses like Parmesan.
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How to cook with it
Monterey Jack, sometimes shortened to Jack, is a semi-hard, creamy, and mild-flavoured cheese with a slight sweetness. It is made from cow's milk and originates from Monterey, California. The cheese is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including:
Casseroles
Monterey Jack's creamy texture and mild flavour make it an excellent choice for casseroles. It can be combined with other ingredients such as chicken, bell peppers, and chorizo to create a rich and flavourful dish.
Sandwiches
Its mild flavour and meltability also make Monterey Jack a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or paninis. It can be paired with a variety of fillings, such as chicken, vegetables, or even fruit, to create a range of flavour profiles.
Mexican and Spanish Dishes
Monterey Jack is commonly used in Mexican and Spanish cuisine. It can be added to enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, or chiles rellenos to give them a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. It can also be used as a dip, paired with spicy chorizo and pepper jack for a kick.
Other Recipes
Monterey Jack can also be used in a variety of other recipes, such as stuffed shells, turnovers, or even on its own as a snack. Its mild flavour makes it a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to suit a range of dishes.
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Where to buy it
There are a variety of options available for purchasing Monterey Jack cheese. One option is to buy it online from specialty cheese retailers such as Meister Cheese, Renard's Artisan Cheese, and Shullsburg Creamery. These websites offer a range of Monterey Jack cheeses with different flavors, such as tomato, garlic, parsley, and basil, and banana peppers. They also provide detailed descriptions of the cheese's characteristics, suggested wine and beer pairings, and shipping options.
Another option is to purchase Monterey Jack cheese from larger online retailers such as Amazon.com, which offers a range of packaged Monterey Jack cheeses with options for free shipping and delivery.
For those who prefer in-person shopping, high-end grocery stores and delis, such as Publix Deli, are recommended for finding premium brands like Boar's Head. Additionally, specialty cheese shops or delis may offer samples, allowing you to taste the cheese before purchasing.
If you are located in or near Wisconsin, you can also try sourcing Monterey Jack cheese directly from award-winning cheesemakers like Nasonville Dairy, Inc. in Marshfield, Wisconsin, which offers online shopping and may provide information on local purchase options.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour.
Monterey Jack is a pressed uncooked, creamy cheese that originated in the United States, specifically in Monterey, California. It is made from cow’s milk.
Sharp Cheddar is a hard cheese with a strong, sharp flavour. It is often aged for a longer period, resulting in a more intense flavour.
The taste of Monterey Jack is quite mild and buttery, while Sharp Cheddar has a much stronger, sharper flavour.
