Cheese And Jalapenos: Perfect Pairing For A Spicy Kick

Jalapenos are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses. When paired with cheese, they can create a range of flavours, from mild to mouth-watering. The right cheese can complement the heat of the jalapeno, creating a delicious combination that is perfect for snacks, such as jalapeño poppers, or as a topping for burgers and nachos. The type of cheese you choose can make all the difference, enhancing or mitigating the spice of the jalapeno.

Cream cheese

Jalapeno poppers are a fun appetiser that can be served before dinner or at a barbecue. While the ingredients are simple—jalapeno peppers, oil, and cheese—the type of cheese you use can make a big difference. Cream cheese is the most common choice for jalapeno poppers because of its neutral taste that won't overpower the peppers.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
• 1 cup of finely shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ tablespoons of taco seasoning mix
• 12 medium jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 2 tablespoons of fine bread crumbs, or to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
• Blend the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasoning mix together in a bowl.
• Spread the mixture into the jalapeno halves and arrange them onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Sprinkle bread crumbs over the cheese filling.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the peppers are just tender.

If you don't want to use taco seasoning, you can try stuffing the peppers with a mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, and chopped pepperoni, or cream cheese, blue cheese, and dry ranch dressing mix. You can also add cooked bacon to the recipe for an extra kick.

For a creamier option, try making a 5-minute jalapeno cream cheese spread. This can be used on bagels, crackers, sandwiches, or pasta. Here is a recipe that serves 12:

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) block of softened cream cheese
• 1/3 cup of shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
• 1 jalapeno, sliced in half vertically with the inner white membrane and seeds removed

Instructions:

• Add the jalapeno and remaining ingredients to a food processor.
• Blend for 30 seconds, then stop and scrape down the sides. Repeat this sequence two more times, until the cream cheese is well blended and fluffy, and the jalapeno is well distributed.
• Taste and add more of the jalapeno membrane and seeds if you want it spicier.
• Store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 6 days.

Feta cheese

A popular recipe idea is to stuff jalapeños with a mixture of feta and cream cheese. The peppers are first marinated in oil and vinegar, then baked, and finally filled with the cheese mixture. This can be served as an appetiser or side dish.

For those who enjoy the true taste of cheese, feta is a good option to consider when looking for a cheese to pair with jalapeños. Its tangy, briny flavour can hold its own against the heat of jalapeños, making it a tasty and interesting pairing.

Cheddar cheese

For jalapeño poppers, a combination of cheeses is often used, and cheddar is a popular choice for one of the components. For example, a recipe for three-cheese jalapeño poppers includes 4 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 ounces of feta cheese, and 4 ounces of cream cheese. The poppers are then baked in the oven until the cheese is bubbly. Another recipe for baked cream cheese jalapeño poppers includes 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1 cup of finely shredded cheddar cheese, and 12 medium jalapeño peppers.

When using cheddar cheese with jalapeños, it is important to consider the strength of the cheese. For a strongly flavored jalapeño popper, a sharp, aged cheddar can be used, such as Barely Buzzed, which has a coffee rub that gives it a kick. If the cheese is being melted to create a filling, a milder cheddar, such as Pour Me a Slice, may be preferable.

In addition to jalapeño poppers, cheddar cheese can also be used in other dishes that combine jalapeños and cheese. For example, a recipe for cheddar jalapeño beer bread includes shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickled jalapeños, and beer.

Goat's cheese

Additionally, you can make a jalapeño goat cheese spread by combining farmer's goat cheese, olive oil, and jalapeño chunks in a food processor. This spread can be served as an appetizer with crackers or pita chips, or as part of a cheese plate with hummus, tabbouleh, almonds, and olives.

Blue cheese

When choosing a blue cheese to pair with jalapenos, a creamy variety such as Saint Agur is recommended over a crumbly cheese. This is because a creamy blue cheese will have a better texture when melted, and will pair well with the crunch of bacon, if used.

Frequently asked questions