The Perfect Pairings For Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is one of the original American cheeses, first produced by Mexican Franciscan monks in Monterey, California. It is usually sold as a young, high-moisture, and melting cheese with a nutty tang and a rich, buttery flavour. A good pairing for this cheese is a fruity Zinfandel or a brown ale to complement its buttery notes.

Monterey Jack with a fruity Zinfandel

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour and slight sweetness. It is a cow's milk cheese that originated in Monterey, California. The cheese has a sweet, nutty flavour with a tart aftertaste, similar to cheddar. When aged, the taste becomes sharp and tangy.

When it comes to wine, a fruity Zinfandel is an excellent choice to pair with Monterey Jack. The slight spiciness of the Zinfandel can harmonise beautifully with the cheese, especially if you opt for a spicier variety of Monterey Jack, such as those flavoured with jalapeño peppers or habanero peppers.

In addition to Zinfandel, other recommended wines to accompany Monterey Jack include Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines offer a range of flavours that can complement the sweet and nutty notes of the cheese.

When creating a cheese platter, consider adding neutral or slightly seasoned crackers, fresh or dried fruits like apples, pears, or grapes, and nuts such as roasted almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds. Meats like prosciutto or salami can also be a delicious addition to the platter, providing a savoury contrast to the sweet and nutty cheese.

Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or melted into dishes like quesadillas, burritos, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pasta. Its mild flavour and good melting quality make it a popular choice for various recipes.

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Monterey Jack with brown ale

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour and a slight sweetness. It is often used in Mexican and Spanish cuisine because it melts well and has a mild flavour. It is similar in taste and texture to Colby and Cheddar.

When it comes to pairing cheese with beer, a good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the cheese with the intensity of the beer. A brown ale is a maltier, slightly sweeter beer that is low to medium in intensity. Therefore, it will pair well with a mild cheese like Monterey Jack.

The nuttiness and slight sweetness of a brown ale can complement the slight sweetness and buttery flavour of Monterey Jack. The beer's maltiness can also balance the creaminess of the cheese.

When creating a cheese board to pair with brown ale, in addition to Monterey Jack, consider including other mild cheeses such as Colby, mild Cheddar, or even a young Gouda. Complement the cheeses with fresh fruits like apples or pears, and some nuts or crackers.

For a heartier snack or light meal, use melted Monterey Jack in a grilled cheese sandwich, a quesadilla, or a burrito bowl. Enjoy these dishes with a brown ale for a well-rounded, satisfying flavour profile.

Raw-milk Monterey Jack

The Schoch family, a Swiss immigrant family that has been settled in California's Salinas Valley since the 1940s, produces this variety of Monterey Jack. Their creamery is one of the few remaining in Monterey County. The family makes the cheese using milk from their own small herd of Holsteins, and the milk is never chilled—it goes straight from the milking parlor to the cheese vat. Animal rennet is used in the cheese-making process, which is a traditional and increasingly rare practice that gives the cheese some bite.

The aging room at the Schoch family creamery relies on the natural environment to control temperature and humidity. Instead of artificial refrigeration or a humidifier, the creamery uses the moist night air from nearby Monterey Bay. The result is a raw-milk farmstead cheese with a unique flavour and texture.

Pair this variety of Monterey Jack with a fruity Zinfandel or a brown ale to complement the cheese's buttery notes.

Monterey Jack on sandwiches, enchiladas, eggs and tacos

Monterey Jack is a true original American cheese, first produced by Mexican Franciscan monks in Monterey, California. It is a young, high-moisture, melting cheese with a nutty tang and a rich, buttery flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, enchiladas, eggs, and tacos.

When it comes to sandwiches, Monterey Jack is an excellent choice due to its meltability. Its mild taste and creamy texture make it a perfect complement to other sandwich ingredients. For a simple yet delicious option, try a grilled cheese sandwich with Monterey Jack. You can also pair it with other ingredients such as tomatoes, avocados, or cured meats for added flavour and texture.

In enchiladas, Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy texture and a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavour of the dish. Its meltability ensures that it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a cohesive and tasty filling. For a heartier option, you can combine Monterey Jack with other cheeses, such as cheddar or Colby Jack, to create a cheesy, indulgent enchilada.

Monterey Jack is also a great choice for egg dishes. Its mild flavour and melting capabilities make it ideal for omelettes, quiches, and frittatas. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a hint of nuttiness to scrambled eggs or egg bakes. You can also sprinkle it on top of shakshuka or use it as a topping for eggs Benedict to add a savoury, buttery note.

When it comes to tacos, Monterey Jack shines as a versatile and flavourful ingredient. Its meltability and mild taste make it a perfect topping for a variety of taco fillings. Try using it in fish tacos, or pair it with spiced ground beef or pulled pork for a delicious, messy taco experience. You can also combine Monterey Jack with other cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper Jack, to create a taco that's extra cheesy.

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