What Is Pepper jack cheese and How Can I Use It?

Here's everything worth knowing about pepper jack cheese and how to pick it, what it is, how to store it, and what to use instead, plus 22 recipes to cook tonight.

What is pepper jack cheese?

Pepper jack cheese is a derivative of Monterey Jack that includes spicy hot peppers for flavor.

Spicy, delicate and buttery, pepper jack cheese is semi-soft and open textured with a slightly tart flavor.

Pepper jack is often used as an alternative cheese in dishes such as quesadillas, and also eaten with bread or crackers. The name was made popular by the Rumiano Cheese Company.

A variation of pepper jack cheese involves using specific peppers. The most common varieties of this specific-pepper jack cheese are jalapeño jack and habanero jack, but other varieties are available.

Where found

Pepper jack cheese is usually found in the cheeses section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

In Chinese:	辣椒插孔奶酪
British (UK) term:
en français:	poivre prise fromage
en español:	queso pepper jack

Recipes using pepper jack cheese

There are 22 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Quinoa & Arugula Salad with Pears, Walnuts, Dried Fruits, & Jack Cheese

Quinoa is getting more and more popular, it has a very unique and delicious taste, also it is high in fibre and protein. In this recipe, we use fresh pears, arugula, lightly toasted walnuts and dried fruits, mixing in some Jack cheese. It can be served as a side dish, but it also can be a delicious and nutritious main dish!

Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

This is my copycat of the popular salad sold at McDonald's. It's the only thing I eat off their menu and I was anxious to replicate it at home.

Scrambled Egg Burritos

Soft scrambled eggs with green chiles and pepper jack cheese rolled in whole wheat tortillas, served with a smoky black bean and tomato salsa. Vegetarian breakfast in 30 minutes.

Mexican Brunch Tortillas

Mexican brunch tortillas folded around soft-scrambled eggs, soy patty crumbles, melty pepper jack, and topped with chopped avocado and salsa. A vegetarian handheld brunch ready in 20 minutes.

Mexican Potato Omelet

Simple and tasty omelet, nice breakfast selection.

Awesome Hash Brown Quiche

Hash brown quiche with a crispy shredded-potato crust, no pastry needed, loaded with diced ham and three melty cheeses in a soft egg custard. A naturally gluten-free brunch centerpiece.

Southwestern Beef & Bean Burger Wraps

Southwestern beef and bean burger wraps with quick guacamole, pepper jack, and salsa rolled into whole-wheat tortillas. A 25-minute broiled burger with refried beans mixed into the patty for extra flavor and fiber.

Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro-Lime Pesto

Pork tenderloin stuffed with cilantro-lime pesto, pepper jack cheese, and toasted pine nuts, tied and roasted until juicy. A bold, Mexican-inspired stuffed pork roast.

Smoked Turkey Grab N Go

Warm tortillas loaded with shredded smoked turkey, black beans, pepper jack cheese and crunchy coleslaw, drizzled with a sweet honey barbecue sauce. Dinner in 20 minutes flat.

Jalapeno Chicken Fajitas

Jalapeno chicken fajitas with lime-garlic marinated chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, and fresh toppings in warm flour tortillas. Simple marinade, big Tex-Mex flavor.

Party Rotel Dip

Rotel cheese dip loaded with browned ground beef, sausage, Velveeta, and pepper jack. The crowd-favorite Super Bowl dip that disappears in minutes.

Catskill Mountain Jalapeno French Bread

Spicy bread originating from the Catskill mountains.

Southwest Corn Muffins

Savory Southwest corn muffins stuffed with diced ham, pepper jack cheese, green chiles, and red bell pepper. Hearty enough for a meal with a side salad.

Mushroom, Pepper Jack & Thyme Turnovers

Try these savory turnovers, they are too delicious to stop eating. Sauteed mushrooms gives the meaty texture and delicious flavor, the pepper Jack cheese adds extra cheesy bite, and the thyme adds the fresh taste. These tasty and delicate turnovers are perfect appetizer, or can be a delicious vegetarian main course.