Randy Chandler
Pepper jack cheese is a spicy variety of cheese that can be melted to make queso dip. The cheese is shredded and tossed with cornstarch, and then cooked with butter, onion, pepper, cumin, garlic, and milk. The cheese is then added in batches and stirred until melted. This dip is often served with tortilla chips and can also be made in a Crock-Pot or slow cooker.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting | Pepper Jack cheese melts |
| Taste | Spicy |
| Texture | Smooth |
| Colour | Yellow |
| Uses | Queso dip, grilled cheese sandwich |
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What You'll Learn
Pepper jack cheese melts to make pepper jack queso dip
Queso is a Tex-Mex staple of melted cheese that is used for dipping or spooning. It is the perfect cheese dip when having friends over or to enjoy solo while watching your favourite show or movie. Pepper jack is a semi-soft cheese that melts easily and adds sharpness and heat to the dip.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Diced onions
- Minced garlic
- Canned evaporated milk
- Cornstarch
- Spices (cumin, salt, black pepper)
- Pepper jack cheese, shredded
- Cilantro
- Tortilla chips, for dipping
Optional Ingredients
You can add in cooked, crumbled chorizo or ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed poblano peppers or mushrooms, fresh jalapeño, corn, canned black beans, bacon bits, pico de gallo, black olives, salsa, or anything else you can dream up!
Stovetop Method
- Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion, pepper, cumin, and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to soften and become translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the milk and bring to a simmer.
- A handful at a time, add the cheese to the saucepan, stirring after each addition until melted.
- Let the queso simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Taste the dip (caution—it's hot!) and adjust for seasoning (be careful with salt because tortilla chips are usually already pretty salty).
- Transfer the queso to a bowl. Top with some cilantro and serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
Slow-Cooker Method
- Add the half-and-half, white American cheese, pepper jack, and green chiles to the base of a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 50 minutes, stirring halfway through and again at the end.
- Reduce the temperature of the slow cooker to warm and keep covered until ready to serve, up to 2 hours, or transfer to a serving dish.
Tips
- It is preferable to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often has another ingredient added that can impact the consistency of the final product.
- Toss the shredded cheese with cornstarch, which makes it easier to add into the saucepan in increments and helps keep the sauce from separating.
- To reheat queso dip, put it in a microwave-safe container and microwave for 30-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth and heated through.
- Queso will last for a few days just fine stored in the refrigerator after it has cooled down. (It will thicken when it cools.)
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It's best to melt shredded pepper jack cheese
Pepper jack cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be melted to create a range of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to queso dip. While you can melt a block of pepper jack cheese, shredding the cheese first is the best method for achieving a smooth and even melt.
Shredded pepper jack cheese has a larger surface area, which allows it to melt more quickly and evenly. This is especially important when making dishes like queso dip, where you want a smooth and creamy consistency. By shredding the cheese, you can avoid lumps and ensure that your dip is perfect for pouring over nachos or dipping tortilla chips.
Additionally, shredding the cheese allows for better distribution of the pepper flakes that give pepper jack its unique flavour. When melted, the pepper flakes can separate more easily from the cheese, ensuring that each bite has a consistent level of spice. This is especially important if you are using pepper jack cheese in a recipe where it is just one of several ingredients, such as a grilled cheese sandwich or a cheesy pasta dish.
Shredded pepper jack cheese is also easier to measure and portion, which is important when following a recipe. It can be easily tossed with other ingredients, such as cornstarch, to create a delicious and consistent coating. This makes it ideal for dishes like macaroni and cheese or stuffed peppers, where you need an even distribution of cheese throughout the dish.
Finally, shredding pepper jack cheese can be a more cost-effective option. When melted, shredded cheese can stretch further and cover more surface area. This means that you may be able to use less cheese overall while still achieving the desired flavour and texture in your dish.
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Melt pepper jack cheese in a skillet or saucepan
Yes, pepper jack cheese can be melted in a skillet or saucepan. In fact, melting pepper jack cheese is a key step in making queso, a Tex-Mex staple of melted cheese used for dipping.
To melt pepper jack cheese in a skillet or saucepan, start by warming butter or oil over medium heat. Next, add in your aromatics—typically, this is onion, pepper, cumin, and garlic—and cook until the onions are translucent. Then, add in milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Now it's time to add the cheese. Shredded pepper jack cheese should be added a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until melted. Keep adding and stirring until all the cheese has melted.
Finally, let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to thicken. You can then serve your pepper jack queso with tortilla chips, pretzels, pita chips, or veggies for dipping.
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You can also melt pepper jack cheese in a slow cooker
Pepper jack cheese is a semi-soft American cheese made from cow's milk. It is a type of Monterey Jack cheese, which is known for its mild flavour and versatility in various recipes. This cheese can be melted and is often used in Mexican and American cuisine, making it a popular choice for dishes like quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and nachos.
To melt pepper jack cheese in a slow cooker, simply place the cheese in the cooker and set the temperature to low. Let the cheese melt for 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally until smooth and creamy. It is important to monitor the temperature and melting time to prevent the cheese from separating. The ideal temperature for melting Monterey Jack cheese is below 130°F (54°C).
Additionally, pepper jack cheese can be combined with other cheeses to create a blend of flavours and textures. Popular combinations include blending pepper jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or other types of Monterey Jack cheese. When melting pepper jack cheese with other cheeses, consider their melting points and textures. For example, if combining pepper jack with a harder cheese like cheddar, grate the cheddar and mix it with the pepper jack before melting to create a smooth and even texture.
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Serve melted pepper jack cheese with tortilla chips
Pepper jack cheese is a great choice for melting, and serving it melted with tortilla chips is a popular option. You can make a simple pepper jack queso dip by melting shredded pepper jack cheese and adding cornstarch, butter, onion, pepper, cumin, garlic, and milk. You can also add in other spices and ingredients like chiles, tomatoes, chorizo, and mushrooms to customize your dip. Once the cheese has melted and the dip has simmered for a few minutes, it's ready to serve with tortilla chips. This dip can also be served with pretzels, pita chips, or veggies.
If you're looking for a more substantial snack, you can make nachos by layering tortilla chips with pepper jack cheese sauce and adding toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges. You can also bake the nachos in the oven by layering chips, shredded cheese, and pickled jalapenos, and baking until the cheese has melted. Another option is to make "cheater nachos" by simply layering tortilla chips with shredded pepper jack cheese and microwaving until the cheese has melted.
For a heartier meal, you can also drizzle the pepper jack cheese sauce over tacos, burritos, or baked potatoes, or mix it with rice and roasted broccoli. The sauce can also be served on the side for dipping. This cheese sauce can be made by sauteing onions and garlic in butter, adding flour and half-and-half, and then adding in the shredded pepper jack cheese and any additional spices or ingredients.
Pepper jack queso dip and pepper jack cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or transfer to a saucepan with a little milk and heat over medium heat, stirring until smooth and creamy again.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pepper jack cheese melts.
There are various methods to melt pepper jack cheese. One way is to cook it on a stovetop in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 6 minutes.
Yes, you can melt pepper jack cheese in a microwave. Place the cheese in a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment, until it is completely melted.
Yes, you can melt pepper jack cheese in a slow cooker. Simply add the cheese to the base of the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 50 minutes, stirring halfway through and again at the end.
One popular recipe that uses melted pepper jack cheese is pepper jack queso dip. This dip is made by melting the cheese and mixing it with various spices and ingredients such as onions, garlic, milk, and cilantro. It is then served with tortilla chips for dipping.
