Jalapeno cheddar is a spicy and flavorful cheese made with cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeno peppers. It can add a kick of heat and a creamy, salty taste to dishes like nachos, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, cheese dips, and more.
Jalapeno cheddar gets its name from its two main ingredients – aged cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeno chili peppers. Cheddar is a hard, off-white cheese known for its rich, tangy flavor. Jalapeno peppers are medium-heat chili peppers with a crisp texture and bright, grassy flavor.
When combined, the aged sharpness of cheddar balances beautifully with the fresh bite of jalapeno. The cheese provides a creamy base while the jalapeno brings the heat. This winning flavor combination makes jalapeno cheddar an ideal choice for spicing up Tex-Mex favorites, appetizers, snacks, and cheese boards.
How is jalapeno cheddar made?
Jalapeno cheddar is made similarly to traditional cheddar, with a few added steps. Here is an overview of the jalapeno cheddar cheesemaking process:
1. Make the cheddar base
Like regular cheddar, jalapeno cheddar starts with fresh cow’s milk. The milk is pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. Then, starter cultures are added to acidify the milk and begin the cheesemaking process. Rennet is added next to coagulate the milk into soft curds and whey.
The curds are cut, cooked, and pressed together to expel more whey. Once the desired moisture content is reached, the cheddar curds are milled, salted, and packed into blocks or wheels for aging.
2. Age the cheddar
For jalapeno cheddar, the cheddar blocks are aged for 1-3 months to develop a sharper, tangier flavor. Longer aging gives more pronounced cheddar notes. The aging takes place in climate-controlled storage rooms.
3. Prepare the jalapenos
Fresh jalapeno chili peppers are rinsed, stemmed, and seeded. Removing the seeds and membranes reduces some heat. The peppers may be sliced or diced depending on the cheesemaker’s preference.
4. Combine the ingredients
The aged cheddar and fresh jalapeno peppers are shredded and mixed together in the ideal ratio. Common jalapeno cheddar ratios are:
- 85% aged cheddar, 15% jalapenos
- 80% aged cheddar, 20% jalapenos
- 75% aged cheddar, 25% jalapenos
The jalapenos are gently folded into the shredded cheddar until well incorporated. More jalapenos means more heat.
5. Shape and package the cheese
The spicy cheddar mix can be left loose or shaped into blocks, slices, shreds, or crumbles. Jalapeno cheddar is packaged directly for sale or aged for 1-2 weeks to allow flavors to mingle. Then it’s ready to eat and enjoy!
Types of jalapeno cheddar
There are a few basic styles of jalapeno cheddar:
Mild Jalapeno Cheddar
Uses fewer jalapenos and often strips out some or all of the seeds and membranes for a lower level of spice. The jalapeno flavor comes through but without too much heat.
Medium Jalapeno Cheddar
Contains a moderate amount of jalapenos with some seeds and membranes left intact. Delivers a noticeable kick but not an overwhelming burn. One of the most popular heat levels.
Hot Jalapeno Cheddar
Packs plenty of spicy jalapenos with the seeds and membranes. This amped up version offers an intense, lip-smacking heat that chile heads crave.
Smoked Jalapeno Cheddar
Starts with naturally smoked cheddar for deeper, smokier flavor before mixing in the jalapenos. Great for cheese plates, burgers, and Tex-Mex dishes.
Aged Jalapeno Cheddar
Uses extra sharp cheddar aged over 6 months for bolder cheddar flavor. The longer aging gives a sharpness that contrasts the fresh jalapeno taste.
Flavor profile
When you bite into jalapeno cheddar, you’ll experience an exciting flavor profile:
Texture
Smooth and creamy cheddar with crunchy flecks of jalapeno throughout. The cheddar provides a supple, velvety base.
Taste
Cheddar lends a rich, nutty taste. Jalapenos bring bright, vegetal notes plus heat that builds slowly. The combination is well-balanced and complex.
Smell
You’ll detect the pungent smell of cheddar plus fresh jalapeno aromas like green pepper, grassy spice, and chile heat.
Spiciness
Depending on the amount of jalapenos and seeds, jalapeno cheddar ranges from mildly spicy to mouth-burning hot. The jalapeno heat is immediate and concentrated in the finish.
How to use jalapeno cheddar
Thanks to its crowd-pleasing flavor, jalapeno cheddar shines in a wide variety of dishes:
Nachos
Melted over tortilla chips, it makes the ultimate nacho cheese sauce. Sprinkle over chips before baking or dipping.
Quesadillas
Oozes perfectly between toasted tortillas with chicken, steak, or veggies.
Burgers
Slices or shreds are perfect burger toppers. The cheese provides creamy contrast to the charred meat.
Mac and Cheese
Mix in shreds to spike up the heat in cheesy baked macaroni dishes.
Potatoes
Load up baked potatoes, potato skins, or french fries for a spicy twist.
Pizza
Gives pizza extra flava and kick as a shredded topping or in the sauce.
Grilled Cheese
Makes an awesome gooey grilled cheese with rye or sourdough bread.
Chili
Stir in cubed jalapeno cheddar at the end for a creamy, spicy finish.
Omelets
Shred it into egg omelets with veggies for a breakfast wake-up call.
Nutrition
Jalapeno cheddar is a good source of:
- Protein – essential for building muscle and bone
- Calcium – important for bone health
- Vitamin A – key for immune function and eye health
- Phosphorus – aids mineral balance and energy production
- Vitamin B12 – helps make DNA and red blood cells
The table below shows the nutrition data for a 1 oz. serving of jalapeno cheddar made with whole milk (Source: USDA FoodData Central):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 | 6% |
| Total Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 180mg | 8% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Calcium | 200mg | 15% |
| Vitamin A | 170 IU | 4% |
As a cheese, jalapeno cheddar is high in calories, fat (especially saturated fat), and sodium. Moderation is key, but the flavor makes it worth the occasional indulgence!
Where to buy jalapeno cheddar
Here are some places to buy fresh and high-quality jalapeno cheddar:
Grocery stores
Look in the specialty cheese section at well-stocked grocers like Whole Foods, Kroger, Publix, etc. Many carry their own fresh store-made jalapeno cheddar. Imported and domestic brands are options too.
Cheese shops
Specialized cheese shops will have knowledgeable staff to help you pick the perfect jalapeno cheddar. They may allow you to taste before buying as well.
Farmers markets
Markets are a great spot to find small, local creameries selling their handcrafted jalapeno cheddars. You can meet the cheesemaker and learn more about their process.
Online
Order from cheese websites like Igourmet.com, Murray’s Cheese, and Artisanal Cheese for quick delivery if stores near you have limited selection.
Wholesale food distributors
Restaurants, delis, and food service businesses can buy from restaurant supply companies for bulk cases of jalapeno cheddar.
Direct from the creamery
To go straight to the source, check out creamery websites to see if they ship or offer pickup at their facility.
How to store jalapeno cheddar
Follow these tips to keep jalapeno cheddar fresh:
Fridge storage
For best quality and food safety, refrigerate jalapeno cheddar sealed in its original packaging. The fridge prevents spoilage and drying out.
Optimal temperature
Store jalapeno cheddar at 35°F to 40°F in the refrigerator. Avoid temperature fluctuations which can affect texture.
Use by date
Consume jalapeno cheddar by the “best by” or “use by” date printed on the packaging. This ensures freshness and flavor.
No freezer storage
Do not freeze blocks of jalapeno cheddar, as freezing causes texture issues. However, shredded jalapeno cheddar can be frozen for later use.
Proper packaging
Keep jalapeno cheddar well wrapped in its original packaging or an airtight container. This prevents drying out, mold growth, and absorption of fridge odors.
Ideal humidity
Cheese needs higher humidity. Store jalapeno cheddar in the high-humidity crisper drawer if possible. You can also wrap it in parchment paper.
Following these guidelines, properly stored jalapeno cheddar keeps 2 months refrigerated past its use by date. Discard if mold grows or if the cheese smells or tastes off.
Common FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about jalapeno cheddar:
Is jalapeno cheddar spicy?
Yes, jalapeno cheddar has a spicy kick from the fresh jalapeno peppers used. However, the level of heat can range from mild to extra hot depending on the amount and type of jalapenos added.
What kind of cheddar is used?
Jalapeno cheddar is most commonly made with aged sharp cheddar for a stronger, tangier flavor that balances the jalapenos. Milder medium cheddar is sometimes used for a more subtle cheese taste.
Can I make my own?
Absolutely! You can easily make DIY jalapeno cheddar at home with just shredded cheddar and minced jalapenos. Simply mix together at your preferred ratio, shape into a log or block, and refrigerate to meld the flavors.
Does jalapeno cheddar melt well?
Thanks to its creamy cheddar base, jalapeno cheddar melts smoothly when heated. This makes it perfect for nachos, quesadillas, burgers, grilled cheese, and other melted cheese applications.
What drinks pair well with it?
Cool, refreshing beverages help balance the spiciness. Pair jalapeno cheddar with Mexican lager, pale ale, margaritas, sangria, iced tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Conclusion
With its winning combination of aged cheddar and lively jalapeno peppers, it’s easy to see why jalapeno cheddar has become a beloved cheese option. Its versatile flavor profile with just the right amount of heat makes it a go-to choice for enhancing Tex-Mex favorites, grilled cheeses, burgers, nachos, and more. Whether you opt for mild or extra hot, jalapeno cheddar’s creamy, spicy goodness amps up the flavor of any dish or cheese board. Just be sure to follow proper storage methods to keep this tasty cheese fresh. So next time you’re looking to add some zest to meals or snacks, reach for the zip of jalapeno cheddar!