Pepperjack Cheese: Best Meat Pairings For A Zesty Bite

Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-soft, smooth, and tangy cheese with a kick of spice. It is made from cow's milk and originated in the United States, though it is commonly used in Mexican and American cuisine. Its spicy flavour comes from the addition of peppers, commonly jalapeños, serrano peppers, and habañero peppers. The cheese's versatility makes it a great addition to many dishes, especially when melted. So, what meats go well with Pepper Jack cheese?

Pepper Jack Cheese in Burgers

Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-soft, smooth, and slightly tangy cheese with a kick of spiciness. It is a popular choice for burgers as it melts beautifully, adding a bold and creamy texture to the dish. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating Pepper Jack cheese into your burgers:

Choosing the Right Meat

Pepper Jack cheese pairs well with a variety of meats, but it is especially delicious with beef. Opt for a juicy beef patty that will complement the creaminess of the cheese. You can season the beef with your favourite spices and herbs to enhance the flavour.

Burger Construction

When constructing your burger, consider placing a cube of Pepper Jack cheese in the centre of the patty before cooking. This way, as the burger cooks, the cheese will melt and ooze, creating a delicious surprise with every bite. Alternatively, you can place slices of Pepper Jack cheese on top of the cooked patty and cover it for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

Toppings and Sauces

Pepper Jack cheese goes well with a variety of toppings and sauces. Consider adding grilled onions, crispy bacon, or fresh tomatoes to enhance the flavour and texture of your burger. For sauces, a healthy dose of Cotija cilantro sauce or a spicy mayonnaise can take your burger to the next level.

Side Dishes

To complete your meal, serve your Pepper Jack cheeseburger with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some grilled vegetables. You can also offer a variety of condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, or relish, to cater to different taste preferences.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, a light beer or a slightly sweet white wine like Chardonnay or Riesling can complement the spiciness and creaminess of the Pepper Jack cheese in your burger. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade can also pair well with the flavours of the burger.

Grilled Pepper Jack Cheese Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of soft white bread
• 2 teaspoons of bacon-flavoured oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 slices of pepper jack cheese
• Butter
• Optional: roasted sweet mini peppers, pastrami, cream cheese, jalapenos, pickles, and cola

Recipe:

To make these sandwiches, start by brushing both sides of the bread slices with bacon-flavoured oil or vegetable oil. You can also butter the bread instead of using oil. Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of one slice of bread and cover it with the other slice.

Heat a griddle or a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Place the sandwich on the griddle and grill for about 1 minute on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If you are using butter, melt it in the grill pan before placing the sandwiches to cook for 2 minutes on each side.

For an extra kick of flavour, you can add roasted sweet mini peppers and pastrami to the sandwich. Grill the peppers for about 4 minutes on each side before assembling the sandwich. You can also char jalapenos over an open flame or under the broiler, steam them, and then slice and add them to the sandwich.

Serve the grilled pepper jack cheese sandwiches immediately, and pair them with bread and butter pickles and a cold cola for a special treat.

Enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness of these grilled pepper jack cheese sandwiches!

Pepper Jack Cheese with Smoked Meats

Pepper Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a smooth texture and a slightly tangy taste. It is made from cow's milk and blends the creamy, buttery flavour of Monterey Jack cheese with the heat of spicy peppers. Jalapeños, serrano peppers, and habañero peppers are all used to create a kick of heat that intensifies as the cheese ages.

Pepper Jack is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own, melted on sandwiches, or grated over dishes. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit of spice and is often used in Mexican and American cuisine. The cheese melts well, making it perfect for quesadillas, hot sandwiches, and nachos.

When it comes to smoked meats, Pepper Jack is an excellent pairing. Its bold flavour and creamy texture complement barbecued meats such as beef, burgers, and steaks. The cheese can be grated over these dishes or stuffed inside, as in the case of a chicken breast wrapped in bacon. For a unique twist, a cube of Pepper Jack can be placed inside a homemade burger, resulting in oozing melted cheese with every bite.

For a hearty sandwich, Pepper Jack pairs well with cube steak, seasoned with salt and grilled onions. The meat is then smothered in a healthy dose of Worcestershire sauce and topped with slices of Pepper Jack, creating a savoury, mouth-watering meal.

In addition to beef, Pepper Jack can be paired with smoked meats such as pulled pork and bison burgers. The cheese's spiciness also complements smoked sausages, such as the Streb Meats Fresh Smoked Sausage.

When serving Pepper Jack with smoked meats, consider a side of melons, grapes, pickled vegetables, or olives to provide a contrast in texture and flavour.

So, the next time you're looking to add some spice to your meal, consider the versatile and bold Pepper Jack cheese to elevate your smoked meat dishes.

Pepper Jack Cheese in Mexican Food

Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a smooth texture and a slightly tangy taste. It is made from cow's milk and blends the creamy, buttery flavour of Monterey Jack cheese with the heat of spicy peppers. Jalapeños, serrano peppers, and habañero peppers are all used to create a kick of heat. The cheese's spiciness can vary depending on the brand and recipe, ranging from mild to fiery.

Pepper Jack cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many Mexican dishes. Its ability to melt makes it perfect for quesadillas, nachos, and hot sandwiches. It can also be grated over Mexican dishes, such as tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, to add a burst of spiciness. Pepper Jack cheese pairs well with Mexican food due to its origins—it was created by Mexican-American cheesemakers who combined spicy peppers with traditional Monterey Jack cheese.

In addition to its heat, Pepper Jack cheese also contributes a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to Mexican dishes. It blends well with other cheeses and seasonings, making it a popular choice for queso dips and cheese sauces. The cheese's mild flavour enhances the other ingredients in a dish without overwhelming them.

When using Pepper Jack cheese in Mexican cooking, consider the following tips:

• Pair it with barbecued meats such as beef, or use it in burgers and steaks.
• Create a flavour explosion by stuffing it into a chicken breast and wrapping it with bacon.
• For a simple yet delicious snack, serve cubes or slices of Pepper Jack cheese with melons, grapes, pickled vegetables, and olives.
• For a refreshing beverage pairing, choose a slightly sweet white wine like Chardonnay or Riesling, or a light lager.

Pepper Jack Cheese in Salads

Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-soft, creamy, and tangy cheese with a kick of spice. It is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed on its own, melted on sandwiches, or grated over dishes. Here are some ideas for incorporating Pepper Jack cheese into salads:

Southwest Salad with Creamy Avocado Salsa Dressing

This salad combines the creaminess of avocado with the spice of Pepper Jack cheese, creating a delicious and flavourful dish. The recipe includes a 4.51/5 rating from online reviews.

Tex-Mex Salad Bowls

Another option for a salad with a kick is to create Tex-Mex salad bowls. This dish scored 4.51/5 in online reviews and is a great way to add some spice to your lunch or dinner.

Taco Salad

A taco salad is a fun and tasty way to enjoy the flavours of Mexico. This salad, which includes Pepper Jack cheese, received a rating of 4.51/5 from online reviews.

Chicken Salad-Stuffed Peppers

For a unique and tasty presentation, try making chicken salad-stuffed peppers. This recipe combines the creaminess of chicken salad with the spice of Pepper Jack cheese, all served inside sweet or bell peppers.

Frito Corn Salad

This side dish is a family favourite for a reason! Frito corn salad combines the crunch of Fritos with the creaminess of corn and the spice of Pepper Jack cheese. It's the perfect dish to serve at a summer cookout or picnic.

These salad ideas showcase the versatility of Pepper Jack cheese and how it can enhance the flavour and texture of your dishes. Whether you're looking for a spicy kick or a creamy texture, Pepper Jack cheese is a great option to consider for your next salad creation.

Frequently asked questions