Delicious Pairings For Pepper Jack Cheese: Exploring Perfect Matches

Pepper Jack Cheese is a cow's milk cheese that blends the creamy, buttery flavour of Monterey Jack cheese with the heat of spicy peppers. It is a very versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes. So, what goes well with Pepper Jack Cheese?

Sandwiches and melts

Pepper jack cheese is a great option for sandwiches and melts. The cheese melts very well, making it perfect for hot sandwiches. Its creamy colour and semi-firm texture make it an ideal choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some sandwich and melt ideas with pepper jack cheese:

Spicy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This sandwich combines the comforts of a classic grilled cheese with a spicy kick from the pepper jack cheese. To make this sandwich, start by roasting some jalapeno and red peppers in the oven. Spread butter on both sides of two slices of brioche bread or your preferred bread. On one slice, place two slices of pepper jack cheese, and on the other, add two slices of cheddar cheese. Top the pepper jack cheese with the roasted pepper mixture, and then place the cheddar-topped bread slice on top. In a skillet, melt some butter over medium heat and cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.

Ham and Pepper Jack Cheese Sandwich

This sandwich is a tasty variation of a classic ham and cheese. Simply layer pepper jack cheese, ham, and your favourite condiments between two slices of bread. You can grill the sandwich in a skillet or panini press until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

Chicken Fajita Sandwich

This sandwich combines the flavours of a chicken fajita with the creaminess of pepper jack cheese. Start by cooking some chicken breast strips with fajita spices. Then, layer the chicken, pepper jack cheese, and your favourite fajita toppings (such as peppers, onions, and salsa) on a hoagie roll or tortilla.

Tex-Mex Burger

For a spicy twist on a traditional burger, try using pepper jack cheese. Form ground beef into patties and grill or pan-fry to your desired doneness. Place the patties on burger buns and top with avocado slices, roasted red peppers, lettuce, mayonnaise, and pepper jack cheese.

Mac and cheese

Ingredients

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper
• Onion powder
• Ground mustard
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried parsley
• Elbow macaroni
• Half & half
• Cream cheese
• Pepper jack cheese

Method

• Grate all the cheeses. This is important as pre-shredded cheese often has anti-clumping agents that can affect the texture of your sauce.
• Boil a pot of water and cook the macaroni for 5-6 minutes. Drain and return to the pot, stirring through butter to coat the pasta.
• In a separate pot, add the half & half and a beaten egg, whisking immediately. Then add the cream cheese and whisk until melted.
• To the cream cheese mixture, add one cup each of grated cheddar and pepper jack. Whisk until melted, then add the herbs and spices.
• Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is coated.
• Spoon half of the pasta into a casserole dish. Top with half of the leftover grated cheeses.
• Add the rest of the pasta and cheese sauce, then top with the remaining grated cheese.
• Place the dish under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese.

Tips

• For the best texture, aim for the sauce and pasta to be ready at the same time.
• To get a melted cheese topping with a stove-top style creaminess, this recipe uses a combination of stove-top cooking and a short time under the broiler.
• To avoid a grainy sauce, be careful not to overcook the sauce.

Variations

This recipe is easily customisable. For a stronger pepper flavour, add fresh slices of jalapeño. For a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs. You could also experiment with different types of cheese—a good mac and cheese should include at least three!

Nachos and quesadillas

Pepper jack cheese is a great option for nachos and quesadillas. The cheese melts very well, making it perfect for these dishes.

Nachos

When making nachos with pepper jack cheese, you can simply use the cheese as a topping and let it melt over the nachos. You can also try making a cheese sauce with pepper jack cheese and pouring it over the nachos. This can be done by melting the cheese and adding milk or cream to thin it out. You can also add spices such as cumin, chili powder, or paprika to the sauce for an extra kick.

In addition to pepper jack cheese, you can add other toppings to your nachos such as:

• Beans
• Ground beef
• Chicken
• Jalapenos
• Olives
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Sour cream
• Guacamole

Quesadillas

For quesadillas, pepper jack cheese can be the star ingredient. Simply grate the cheese and place it on a tortilla, fold it in half, and grill it until the cheese melts. You can also add other ingredients to your quesadillas, such as:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Beans
• Vegetables (such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms)
• Other types of cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)

Drinks

To accompany your nachos or quesadillas, you can serve drinks that pair well with pepper jack cheese. This cheese goes well with slightly sweet white wines like Chardonnay or Riesling, as well as dessert wines. If you prefer beer, a light lager is a good option.

Grated over barbecued meats

Pepper Jack cheese is a great topping for barbecued meats. Its moist texture and spicy flavour make it an ideal addition to barbecued beef, burgers, and steaks. The cheese's heat comes from jalapeños, serrano peppers, and habanero peppers, and its peppery flavour intensifies as it ages.

When grated over barbecued meats, Pepper Jack cheese can add a spicy kick to your dish. The cheese's creamy, buttery flavour will also complement the smokiness of the barbecued meat. For an extra indulgent touch, try grating Pepper Jack cheese over a burger patty while it's still on the grill, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and form a crispy, caramelised crust.

If you're looking for a side dish to accompany your barbecued meat, consider a refreshing option like a melon and grape salad or some pickled vegetables. These contrasting flavours and textures will help balance the richness of the cheese and meat.

For those who enjoy a spicy challenge, try using a mature Pepper Jack cheese, which will have a more intense zesty flavour. Just remember to balance the heat with your choice of drink—a slightly sweet white wine like Chardonnay or a light lager will complement the spicy and creamy nature of the cheese.

With slightly sweet white wines

Pepper Jack cheese is a cow's milk cheese that blends the creamy, buttery flavour of Monterey Jack cheese with the heat of spicy peppers. When it comes to drinks, it is best paired with slightly sweet white wines.

Chardonnay, Riesling, and dessert wines are great options to consider. These wines complement the spicy and creamy nature of the cheese. The sweetness of the wine helps to balance out the heat from the peppers, while the wine's acidity can also help to refresh your palate between bites.

When choosing a Chardonnay, look for one with a touch of oak ageing. This can add a hint of sweetness and butteriness that will echo the creamy, buttery flavours of the cheese. For a Riesling, opt for an off-dry or semi-sweet style. These wines often have a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, creating a refreshing drink that won't overwhelm the cheese's flavour.

Dessert wines, such as late-harvest styles or ice wines, can also be an excellent choice. Their intense sweetness and concentrated flavours can stand up to the bold character of the Pepper Jack cheese. The key is to look for wines that have enough sweetness to balance the spice, but not so much that they become cloying or overpowering.

When serving Pepper Jack cheese with slightly sweet white wines, consider the weight and texture of both the cheese and the wine. The cheese has a semi-firm texture and a rich, creamy mouthfeel, so you'll want a wine that can cut through that creaminess without being too assertive. Aim for a wine that is medium-bodied, with a smooth, rounded palate and a crisp, clean finish.

In terms of serving suggestions, you could offer the Pepper Jack cheese as part of a cheese platter, accompanied by fresh and pickled fruits, as well as nuts and crackers. Alternatively, melt the cheese in a dish like mac and cheese, or stuff it into a chicken breast wrapped in bacon, and serve it with a glass of your chosen wine.

Frequently asked questions