Craft Beer And Monterey Jack: The Perfect Pairing

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy, buttery, and mild flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from Mexican cuisine to sandwiches, burgers, and pasta. With its excellent melting properties, it is a popular choice for dishes like quesadillas, nachos, and grilled cheese sandwiches. So, what beer goes well with Monterey Jack cheese?

When it comes to beverage pairings, Monterey Jack cheese is quite versatile. It goes well with a variety of beers, from light and crisp lagers to more robust ales. A crisp and refreshing lager, such as a pilsner or a pale ale, can complement the cheese's mild flavour without overwhelming it. For those who prefer more robust flavours, an India Pale Ale (IPA) or a nutty brown ale can also be a good choice. The key is to avoid overly bitter or heavy beers that may clash with the delicate flavour of the cheese.

Monterey Jack's history

Monterey Jack, sometimes shortened to Jack, is a semi-hard cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It is made from cow's milk, and its curds are washed in water, resulting in its characteristic mild flavour and smooth texture. The cheese is typically aged for around one month, although variations like Dry Jack are aged for longer for a firmer texture and deeper flavour.

David Jacks is said to have been the first person to sell this cheese, popularising it in central California. However, other ranchers in the area also produced the cheese, including Andrew Molera, who built a successful dairy operation in Big Sur, and his Monterey Jack was especially well-regarded.

Monterey Jack is one of the few cheeses that originated in the United States and has become a culinary superstar, finding its way into countless dishes. Its versatility, mild flavour, and excellent melting properties make it a popular choice for various dishes, from Mexican cuisine to sandwiches, burgers, and pasta.

Characteristics of the cheese

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It is made from cow's milk and is typically aged for around one month, although some varieties are aged for longer to create a firmer texture and deeper flavour.

The cheese is known for its versatility, with a mild, creamy flavour and excellent melting properties that make it a popular choice for various dishes. It is often used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines, such as enchiladas, nachos, and quesadillas, due to its ability to melt smoothly. It is also a common ingredient in sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes.

Monterey Jack has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century when it was first made by Spanish Franciscan friars in Monterey, California. It was later commercialised by an American businessman named David Jacks, from whom the cheese gets its name.

The cheese has a semi-hard, creamy texture and is usually off-white to pale yellow in colour. It has a mild, faintly sweet and buttery aroma, lacking the pungency of many strong cheeses. As it ages, it becomes slightly crumblier but still melts well, becoming creamier and gooey when heated.

In terms of taste, Monterey Jack is delicate and mild, with a slight tartness and a rich, buttery flavour. There are also subtle nutty undertones. The finish is clean and slightly sweet, leaving a pleasant, lingering buttery taste.

How it's made

While enjoying a beer with Monterey Jack cheese, it is worth noting the rich history of this creamy, mild-flavoured cheese. The cheese was first made by Spanish Franciscan friars in Monterey, California, during the 18th century. It was later commercialised by an American businessman named David Jacks, hence the name.

The Process

Monterey Jack is made from pasteurised cow's milk. The milk is heated with cultures and rennet is added to separate the curds and whey. The curds are then washed in water, which contributes to the mild flavour and smooth texture. They are then drained and pressed into cheese. A rind forms, and oil is added to aid the ageing process. The cheese is typically aged for around one month, although variations like Dry Jack are aged for longer, resulting in a firmer texture and deeper flavour.

Variations

There are several variations of Monterey Jack, including Colby-Jack, a mix of Colby and Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, which includes spicy chilli peppers and herbs, and Dry Jack, which is aged for a longer period.

Pairing

Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from Mexican cuisine to sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Its mild flavour also makes it a great pairing with a variety of beverages, including light white wines such as Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Chardonnay, or light red wines such as Pinot Noir or Syrah. For a more casual evening, a pale ale, pilsner, or wheat beer would also be excellent choices to complement the creamy, buttery flavour of the cheese.

What to eat it with

Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many different ways and is a great pairing option for a wide range of drinks, including beer. Here are some ideas on what to eat it with:

Mexican and Spanish Cuisine

Monterey Jack is a popular choice for Mexican and Spanish dishes due to its mild flavour and excellent melting properties. It is frequently used in quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and chiles rellenos. Its ability to melt smoothly makes it a key ingredient in these dishes, adding a creamy texture and subtle flavour.

Grilled Cheese and Sandwiches

The creamy, mild taste of Monterey Jack makes it a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It can also be used in a variety of other sandwiches, such as burgers, club sandwiches, and those featuring bologna or ham. Its melting properties ensure a gooey, delicious bite every time.

Snacks and Appetizers

Monterey Jack can be enjoyed as a snack or appetiser. It pairs well with fruits like apples, pears, and grapes, as well as crackers, baguettes, and tortillas. For a more indulgent treat, try it with honey, mustard, or fig jam. It is also a great addition to cheese platters, providing a mild contrast to stronger cheeses.

Soups and Salads

Grated Monterey Jack can add a savoury flavour and creamy texture to soups. Its mild taste also makes it a good choice for sprinkling over salads, adding a subtle cheesy note without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Main Courses

Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of main courses. It pairs well with roasted chicken, beef, turkey, and grilled shrimp or salmon. It can be melted on top of these dishes or served on the side as a tasty topping. The cheese also goes well with pasta, especially in baked dishes like casseroles and lasagna.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, Monterey Jack is quite versatile. It pairs well with light white wines such as Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Chardonnay. For a fruitier option, a Sauvignon Blanc can be a good choice. If you prefer red wine, lighter varieties like Pinot Noir or Syrah will complement the cheese nicely.

Of course, as you suggested, beer is also an excellent pairing option for Monterey Jack. A Pale Ale, Pilsner, or Wheat Beer will go well with the cheese's mild, buttery flavour.

So, whether you're enjoying a casual evening with a beer or a more formal gathering with wine, Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that can enhance a variety of dishes and drinks.

What to drink with it

When it comes to drinks that complement Monterey Jack cheese, you have several options, depending on your preference.

If you're a wine drinker, a light white wine like Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Chardonnay will go well with the cheese's mild, buttery flavour. You could also try something more fruity and flavourful, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red like Pinot Noir or Syrah will pair nicely with the cheese.

For beer drinkers, a pale ale, pilsner, or wheat beer will pair nicely with the cheese. And if you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, apple cider or pear cider are good choices.

When deciding what to drink with Monterey Jack cheese, it's important to consider the other foods you'll be pairing with the cheese. For example, if you're having the cheese with Mexican or Spanish dishes, you might want to choose a drink that complements those flavours as well.

Frequently asked questions