Spicy jack cheese is a creamy, semi-soft cheese made from cow’s milk that has been seasoned with peppers to give it a kick of heat and spice. It is an American original cheese that was first made in California in the 1990s. Spicy jack gets its name from Monterey Jack cheese, which it is based on, and the addition of hot peppers.
What does spicy jack cheese taste like?
The taste of spicy jack cheese can vary depending on the type and amount of peppers used, but it is generally described as having a creamy, tangy Monterey Jack base with a building heat that lingers on the palate. The cheese itself has a smooth, supple texture that becomes soft and spreadable when at room temperature.
When you first bite into spicy jack cheese, you will likely notice its mild, mellow flavor reminiscent of Monterey Jack. As you continue to chew, you’ll feel a warm tingle that slowly builds in intensity and spreads across your mouth. The level of heat can range from a gentle punch to quite a fiery kick, depending on the pepper blend used. Some versions have a sharper, more pronounced pepper flavor in addition to the heat.
Underneath the peppery burn, you will detect the signature tang and creaminess of Monterey Jack. Notes of butter, grass, and nuts round out the cheese’s overall flavor profile. The texture becomes oozy and viscous when melted, making it a popular choice for cooking, grilling, and dips.
What kind of peppers are used in spicy jack cheese?
There are many types of peppers that can be used to make spicy jack cheese. Some commonly used varieties include:
- Jalapeño – Provides mild to moderate heat with grassy, green pepper flavor.
- Habanero – Imparts intense, scorching heat with tropical fruit notes.
- Chipotle – Smoky, warm heat from smoked jalapeño peppers.
- Serrano – Sharp, biting heat with citrusy flavor.
- Poblano – Mild chile flavor with minimal heat.
- Anaheim – Mildly spicy with a touch of sweetness.
- Ghost pepper – Extremely spicy with fruity undertones.
The specific blend and quantity of peppers provides spicy jack with its signature heat level and flavor profile. Jalapeños and chipotles are commonly used for a mild to medium burn, while habaneros and ghost peppers pack some serious fire.
How spicy is spicy jack cheese?
Just like the peppers used, the spiciness of spicy jack cheese can range quite a bit between mild and flaming hot. Here is a general spice scale for the various levels of heat you may encounter:
- Mild: Just a tingle of heat with full, rounded Monterey Jack flavor. Great for those new to spicy cheeses.
- Medium: Warm burning sensation that builds but is still comfortable for most. Nice balance of cheese and chiles.
- Hot: Strong spicy kick that lingers and makes you sweat. For hardcore pepper lovers.
- Extra Hot: Intense burning heat that overwhelms the palate. Expert-level scoville only.
Your tolerance for spice is a big factor in how you’ll experience any particular spicy jack cheese. If you are spice-averse, a mild variety makes a good introduction to kicked-up Monterey Jack. Chili heads can seek out the extra hot versions made with habaneros or ghost peppers for a face-melting experience.
What is spicy jack cheese made of?
The main ingredients used to make spicy jack cheese include:
- Milk – Usually pasteurized cow’s milk, the same used for Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cultures – Added to acidify and develop flavor. Can include options like Mesophilic and Lactobacillus.
- Rennet – An enzyme that causes the milk to coagulate and form curds.
- Salt – For flavor and preservation.
- Peppers – Such as jalapeño, habanero, anaheim, etc. Adds spice and heat.
- Enzymes – Help develop texture and ripen the cheese.
That’s it for basic ingredients! Just good quality cow’s milk and some peppers to give it a fiery personality. Other herbs and spices may also be added to create unique flavor profiles.
How is spicy jack cheese made?
Authentic spicy jack cheese is made using a process very similar to Monterey Jack. Here are the basic steps for making spicy jack cheese at home or on a commercial scale:
- Heat pasteurized cow’s milk to approximately 90°F and add bacterial cultures.
- Add rennet to coagulate the milk into solid curds.
- Cut the curd into small cubes and cook gently to expel moisture.
- Drain off the whey liquid and spread curd pieces out to dry.
- Add salt and chopped peppers to taste.
- Put curds into molds and press to form blocks.
- Age the cheese from 1 month up to a year to develop flavor.
- Enjoy the smooth, peppery finish of spicy jack cheese!
The process requires precise temperature control, timing, and sanitation to achieve the perfect balance of spice, tang, and creaminess. Skilled cheesemakers can tweak the protocol to create custom spice blends and textures.
What are some varieties of spicy jack cheese?
There are many delicious varieties of spicy jack cheese to suit different heat preferences. Some popular kinds include:
Jalapeño Jack
Made with chopped jalapeño peppers. Has mild heat with nice complexity.
Habanero Jack
Incorporates smoky, fruity habanero chiles. One of the spiciest styles.
Ghost Pepper Jack
Uses the world’s hottest ghost peppers for extreme heat. A true chilihead’s cheese.
Chipotle Jack
Gets its spice from smoky chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. Rich, lingering heat.
Pepper Jack
Generic name for any spicy Monterey Jack. Heat and flavors can vary widely.
There are also many unique proprietary blends crafted by artisan cheesemakers using their own custom pepper mixes.
What does spicy jack cheese pair well with?
Spicy jack cheese pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods and beverages. Consider these tasty combinations:
- Bread, crackers, and bagels – Great foundations to build upon.
- Cured meats like pepperoni, salami, and chorizo.
- Roasted veggies, onions, peppers, and potatoes.
- Tex-Mex classics like tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and chili.
- BBQ featuring pulled pork, brisket, chicken, or hot links.
- Fruity hot sauces and salsas to play up the chiles.
- Crisp lagers, ales, or wheat beers to tame the heat.
The spice of the cheese contrasts beautifully with sweet and savory flavors. Try stuffing spicy jack in grilled sandwiches, melting it over meats, or serving cubed alongside a fresh fruit salsa.
Can you freeze spicy jack cheese?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze spicy jack cheese to extend its shelf life. Here are some tips for freezing spicy jack cheese:
- Cut the cheese into 1/2 pound blocks and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil or freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze at 0°F or below for 4-6 months of storage.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- Use thawed spicy jack cheese within 1 week for best quality.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which degrade texture.
With proper freezing techniques, you can keep spicy jack cheese fresh for months while retaining its signature kick. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying the smooth, peppery melted cheese goodness.
What are some delicious recipes using spicy jack cheese?
Spicy jack cheese adds zip and flavor to all kinds of savory recipes. Some delicious ways to use it include:
Quesadillas
Grilled tortillas stuffed with melty spicy jack cheese, chicken, and sautéed peppers and onions.
Jack Cheese Sauce
A simple sauce made by melting spicy jack into milk or cream. Pour over burgers, tacos, or nachos.
Cowboy Pasta
Cavatappi pasta tossed in a creamy spicy jack alfredo sauce with bacon, peas, and scallions.
Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño peppers stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese and shredded spicy jack, then breaded and fried.
Spicy Cheese Bread
Savory quick bread with pieces of spicy jack cheese baked into the batter. Serve warm.
Let your creativity run wild with this versatile pepper jack cheese. Its unique kick livens up Tex-Mex favorites, grilled sandwiches, dips, sauces, and more!
Where can you buy spicy jack cheese?
There are many places to find spicy jack cheese including:
- Grocery stores – Major chains often stock it near other specialty cheeses.
- Cheese shops – Look for artisanal local and imported varieties.
- Farmer’s markets – Direct from local cheesemakers.
- Online – Many cheesemakers nationwide will ship it.
- Warehouse clubs – May offer value bulk packs.
- Restaurants – On southwestern or cheese-centric menus.
For the widest selection, check out dedicated cheese stores or browse online. Look for cheeses made with specific pepper varieties like jalapeño or habanero for different flavors and heat levels.
Is spicy jack cheese gluten free?
Yes, traditional spicy jack cheese is naturally gluten-free. Since it contains just a few basic ingredients – pasteurized milk, cultures, enzymes, salt, and peppers – spicy jack cheese is free of any gluten-containing grains.
However, some mass-produced spicy jack cheeses may use anti-caking agents that contain gluten, such as wheat starch. Be sure to check ingredient labels carefully if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.
When made properly using just real cheese ingredients, spicy jack cheese can be safely consumed on a gluten-free diet. Opt for brands that state “gluten-free” on the packaging or buy your spicy jack from a trusted artisanal cheesemaker.
Is spicy jack cheese good for you?
While high in fat and sodium, spicy jack cheese does offer some nutritional value:
Benefits
- Protein – Provides amino acids for muscle tissue.
- Calcium – For bone strength and nerve function.
- Phosphorus – Supports energy production.
- Vitamin A – Important for eye and skin health.
- Vitamin B12 – Essential for red blood cell formation.
- Capsaicin – Compound in peppers may boost metabolism.
Downsides
- High in saturated fat – Can raise cholesterol.
- High in sodium – May increase blood pressure.
- Low in vitamin C, D and calcium versus other cheeses.
- Peppers may cause digestive issues for some.
When enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, spicy jack cheese can provide nutritional benefits. Just be mindful of your portion sizes.
Conclusion
With its savory pepper kick, spicy jack cheese adds some excitement to classic Monterey Jack. This creamy, semi-soft cheese carries a nice tang along with mild to intense spice from an assortment of chile peppers. It melts beautifully and pairs well with a variety of foods.
Made via a straightforward cheesemaking process, spicy jack can be adapted with different pepper types and amounts of heat. Look for it at cheese shops, specialty grocery stores, or online to enjoy its unique flavor in recipes, appetizers, sandwiches, and more. Just watch out for its spicy bite!