Quick Answer
Yes, you can melt Colby Jack cheese. Colby Jack is a semi-soft cheese that is a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It has a mild flavor and melts very well, making it a popular choice for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, nachos, and casseroles. When melted, Colby Jack becomes smooth and creamy.
What is Colby Jack Cheese?
Colby Jack cheese is a hybrid of two other cheeses – Colby and Monterey Jack. It was first created in the 1920s by Joseph Steinwand in California. Steinwand set out to create a cheese that combined the best properties of each cheese into one.
Here are some key facts about Colby Jack cheese:
- It’s a semi-soft cheese with a smooth, creamy texture.
- The color ranges from yellow to white.
- It has a very mild flavor and is not as sharp as other cheeses.
- It melts exceptionally well.
- It’s often sold as a block or sliced into strips.
- It has some small eyes or holes throughout but the holes are smaller than Swiss cheese.
- It’s made by mixing together curds of Colby and Monterey Jack before pressing into blocks.
The blend of Colby and Monterey Jack gives Colby Jack the best properties of each cheese. Monterey Jack brings creaminess and excellent melting ability while Colby lends its mild flavor and smooth texture.
Why Does Colby Jack Melt So Well?
There are a few reasons why Colby Jack cheese melts so beautifully:
1. High moisture content
Colby Jack has a moisture content of about 39%. This higher moisture level allows the proteins in the cheese to break down more easily when heated, turning soft, smooth, and liquidy. Low moisture cheeses become tough and rubbery when melted.
2. Moderate fat content
The fat in Colby Jack also supports a smooth, creamy melted texture. It has a fat content around 23%. Too little fat won’t melt well but too much fat can also lead to separation rather than melting.
3. Low acidity
Colby Jack is not very acidic, with a pH around 5.2. More acidic cheeses like goat cheese curdle more when melted. The lower acidity of Colby Jack allows it to melt evenly into a cohesive sauce.
4. No aging
Colby Jack is not aged for a long time. Aging cheeses for months or years causes them to become more firm and less meltable. Young, fresh cheeses like Colby Jack retain their melting properties.
How to Melt Colby Jack Cheese
Melting Colby Jack cheese is simple since it melts so readily. Here are some tips:
On the Stovetop:
Add cubed or shredded Colby Jack to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until fully melted and creamy, 5-10 minutes. Adding a splash of milk or cream can make it melt even more smoothly.
In the Oven:
Put Colby Jack slices or shreds on a baking sheet or pan in a 350°F oven. Bake for 5-10 minutes, checking often, until melted through. Broiling for just 1-2 minutes at the end will bubble and brown the cheese nicely.
In the Microwave:
Place cheese in a microwave-safe bowl or mug and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted. This works best with shredded cheese rather than slices.
On the Grill:
Use sliced Colby Jack to make grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas or cheeseburgers on the grill. Cook over indirect heat until the bread is toasted and cheese is fully melted in the middle.
Dishes to Make with Melted Colby Jack Cheese
Because it melts so beautifully, Colby Jack cheese is delicious in all kinds of warm, comforting dishes. Here are some great ways to use melted Colby Jack:
- Classic grilled cheese sandwiches
- Quesadillas or queso fundido
- Macaroni and cheese
- Potato, broccoli, or cauliflower gratin
- Cheese souffle, dip, or fondue
- Cheese enchiladas or burritos
- Cheese sauce for vegetables, pasta, or nachos
- Stuffed peppers or mushrooms with cheese
- Chicken cordon bleu or parmesan
- Cheese omelet or scramble
Colby Jack also combines well with other ingredients like bacon, tomatoes, spinach, ham, jalapeños, and more! It’s a versatile melty cheese that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Tips for Melting Colby Jack Cheese
To get the creamiest, smoothest melted Colby Jack cheese, follow these tips:
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that inhibit melting.
- Make sure the cheese is at room temperature before melting for the fastest, smoothest melting.
- Cut or shred the cheese into small, equal sized pieces so it melts evenly.
- Heat the cheese slowly and gently, stirring frequently.
- Consider adding a little evaporated milk, cream, or butter to get an ultra creamy melted cheese.
- If adding other ingredients, make sure they are already cooked through before adding cheese to melt over the top.
- Avoid overheating the cheese or it can become greasy or separate.
- Allow baked dishes to rest 5 minutes before serving so the cheese finishes melting.
Following these best practices will give you silky, creamy melted cheese every time.
Can You Freeze Colby Jack Cheese?
Yes, it’s possible to successfully freeze blocks of Colby Jack cheese to extend the shelf life. Here’s how:
- Cut the cheese into usable portions or slices before freezing.
- Wrap the pieces very tightly in plastic wrap, squeezing out all air.
- Place the wrapped cheese in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
The cheese may become slightly crumbly after thawing but will still melt smoothly. Grated or shredded Colby Jack cheese can also be frozen by spreading it out on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to bags.
Pre-shredded packaged Colby Jack should not be refrozen as it will turn soggy. For best quality and texture, it’s better to grate it fresh.
Common Questions
What’s the difference between Colby and Colby Jack cheese?
Colby Jack is a blend of Colby cheese and Monterey Jack. Colby itself is very similar but it does not contain any Monterey Jack. Plain Colby has an even milder flavor and more rubbery texture when melted compared to Colby Jack.
Is Colby Jack cheese good for melting?
Yes, Colby Jack melts wonderfully! Its smooth, creamy texture when melted makes it an ideal choice for grilled sandwiches, nachos, fondue, and more.
Can you brown Colby Jack cheese?
Absolutely! Colby Jack browns nicely under the broiler or when grilled. Use high heat for just 1-2 minutes until the surface turns golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning. The brown crust pairs great with the melted interior.
What cheeses melt the best for nachos?
Colby Jack, cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Mexican-style cheeses like queso quesadilla all melt deliciously into nacho cheese sauce. Avoid crumbly or acidic cheeses.
Can you microwave Colby Jack cheese?
Yes, Colby Jack cheese can be melted in the microwave. Cut into cubes or shreds and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and hot. This prevents overheating.
Conclusion
Colby Jack cheese is a wonderfully melty cheese that lend itself well to cooking and melting applications. Its creamy, smooth texture when melted makes it perfect for grilled sandwiches, dips, baked pasta dishes, nachos, and more. Melting Colby Jack is simple on the stove, in the oven or microwave. Just be sure to use fresh, properly stored cheese and heat it gently for the best results. With its meltability and mild flavor, Colby Jack is a versatile cheese to keep stocked in your fridge for all kinds of melted cheese needs.