Jack cheese refers to a few related varieties of cheese that originate in the United States. The most well-known is Monterey Jack, a creamy, mild white cheese that melts smoothly. Jack cheese is a favorite for cooking and snacking due to its versatility and approachable flavor.
Monterey Jack forms the base for other Jack cheeses like pepper Jack, Colby Jack, and Cheddar Jack which mix in spices or other cheese varieties. While Jack cheese has humble beginnings in the California missions, today it's produced across America, especially in Wisconsin.
The roots of Jack cheese can be traced back to 18th century Spanish missionaries in what is now California. As part of the missionization of the native peoples, the Spanish brought cattle and made a simple white cheese they called "queso blanco."
After California became part of the United States in 1848, the ranch lands around Monterey fell into the hands of a ruthless businessman named David Jack. He capitalized on the popular local white cheese, marketing it across California as "Jack's Cheese." Over time this became known as Monterey Jack cheese.
So while Mr. Jack was no hero, he did help popularize and spread the deliciously melty white cheese that still bears his name today.
Making Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is classified as a semi-hard cheese. It's made from cow's milk and then cured for a short period of 1-2 months. This gives it a creamy, flexible texture that melts smoothly when heated.
The process for making Monterey Jack starts with pasteurized milk. Cultures and rennet are added to help the milk separate into soft curds and liquid whey. The curds are cut up, then cooked and pressed to remove excess moisture.
Once formed into blocks or wheels, Monterey Jack is coated in wax or other sealant. As it cures, the cheese develops a pale yellow color and its distinctive mild, buttery taste. The curing time can vary to produce both softer versions and drier, firmer varieties like dry Jack.
Key Takeaway: Monterey Jack is made through a basic process of curdling and pressing pasteurized cow's milk, then curing for 1-2 months to develop its signature creamy, melty texture and mild flavor.
Flavor and Uses
With its Approachable Mild Taste, Monterey Jack can fit into many dishes or enjoy on its own. It has a subtle flavor reminiscent of butter or cream. Young Jack has a fresh dairy flavor, while longer aged versions take on nutty and tangy notes.
Since it melts smoothly, Monterey Jack shines when heated. It's a go-to topping for burgers, grilled cheese, quesadillas, nachos, and more. Shredded Jack also makes mac and cheese extra creamy. In cold dishes, slices or cubes of Monterey Jack pair well with crackers, fruit, and cured meats.
Jack's versatility and neutral flavor allows it to blend well with other ingredients. Mix-ins like jalapeños and spices are easy to incorporate. Combining it with sharper cheeses balances out their stronger tastes. That's why Jack is used as the base for pepper Jack, Colby Jack, and Cheddar Jack.
Popular Varieties of Jack Cheese
While traditional Monterey Jack is white and mild, specialized Jack cheeses abound. By modifying the base Jack recipe, cheesemakers create distinctive flavors. Here are some popular types:
Pepper Jack
Pepper Jack has Monterey Jack mixed with spicy chilies and herbs like cayenne, jalapeño, and red pepper. The result is a cheese that provides a lively kick of heat. Pepper Jack works well in Tex-Mex dishes like chilies, tacos, and quesadillas or on a cheese board with cured meats and crispy bread.
Colby Jack
To make Colby Jack, cheesemakers combine Monterey Jack with Colby, a mild yellow cheese originally from Wisconsin. Colby Jack has a subtle cheddar-like flavor and orange color. It melts especially well, so it's handy for nachos, grilled cheese, casseroles, and other hot dishes.
Cheddar Jack
Cheddar Jack blends the creamy sweetness of Monterey Jack with the sharp tang of cheddar. It falls somewhere between mild Jack and strongly-flavored cheddar. The mix of flavors and textures makes Cheddar Jack popular for snacking, melting, cooking, and garnishing.
Dry Jack
Dry Jack is aged longer to produce a drier, firmer texture. It has a rich nutty taste that intensifies the older it gets. Dry Jack grates well so it can be used like Parmesan. Eat it chunks, shred it over pasta, or pair it with cured meats and bold red wines.
Smoked Jack
Smoked Jack is cold smoked up to 14 days to give it smoky BBQ flavors. Pair smoked Jack with hearty beers or wines. It's great in grilled cheese or on burgers and sandwiches.
Garlic Jack
Garlic and herbs are mixed into Monterey Jack curds to create garlic Jack. It has a creamy, garlicky bite. Use garlic Jack on pizza, in pastas, atop bruschetta, or baked into bread.
Flavored Jack
With Jack's mild base flavor, the variations are endless. Jack cheese can also be made with ingredients like dill, pesto, chili peppers, leeks, and more to suit different tastes.
Nutrition Facts
Monterey Jack is a good source of calcium and protein. One ounce (28g) provides:
- Calories: 101
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Calcium: 20% Daily Value
Like many cheeses, Jack contains a good amount of saturated fat. However, research shows that fermented dairy like cheese may have less negative health impact than once believed when eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Buying and Storing Jack Cheese
Look for Jack cheese sold in blocks, slices, shredded, or crumbled. Many large grocery stores carry it since it's a widely popular cheese in the US. You can also order specialty Jack cheeses from cheese shops online.
For the best taste, let Jack come to room temperature before serving. To store, rewrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Keep refrigerated for 2-3 weeks. Well-wrapped Jack will keep for months in the freezer.
Making Dishes with Jack Cheese
Jack cheese is useful in so many recipes thanks to its melty texture and neutral flavor. Here are some tasty ways to cook with Jack:
- Quesadillas - Stuff tortillas with shredded Jack cheese, beans, veggies, and other fillings. Grill until the cheese is fully melted.
- Mac and Cheese - For extra creamy mac, combine grated cheddar and Monterey Jack. Top with crispy breadcrumbs.
- Stuffed Peppers - Mix together cooked rice, ground meat, Jack cheese, and seasonings. Stuff into bell peppers and bake until hot and melty.
- Grilled Cheese - Use sliced Jack or Colby Jack between bread slices. Grill in butter for an ooey-gooey sandwich.
- Cheese Crisps - Top crackers with shredded spicy Jack. Bake until the cheese melts into delicious crisps.
- Twice Baked Potatoes - Scoop out baked potatoes and mix the insides with bacon, Jack cheese, milk, and scallions. Stuff back into the skins and broil.
- Cheese and Veggie Casserole - Toss cubed Jack cheese, steamed vegetables, breadcrumbs, and cream into a casserole dish. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
With a bit of creativity, Jack can improve so many foods. Experiment with different varieties to find new favorites.
Pairing Wine and Beer with Jack Cheese
Compatible wines and beers enhance Jack's inherently mild, crowd-pleasing flavor. Here are some tasty pairings to try:
Wine
- Chardonnay - A buttery California Chardonnay complements Monterey Jack's buttery notes.
- Sauvignon Blanc - The bright citrus flavors of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc contrasts nicely with mild Jack.
- Beaujolais - The light fruity flavors of this French red wine match up with young Jack's fresh flavor.
- Rosé - A dry rosé wine quenches the palate between bites of creamy Jack.
- Sparkling Wine - The effervescence of bubbly cuts through Jack's richness.
Beer
- Wheat Beer - Jack pairs well with fruity, crisp hefeweizens and Belgian witbiers.
- Lager - Light, refreshing lagers let Jack's subtle flavors come through.
- Pale Ale - The mild bitterness and citrusy hops of pale ales complement Jack's tang.
- Brown Ale - Toasty, malty brown ales match the sweetness of Jack cheese.
- Porter - A rich, chocolatey porter stands up to aged, nutty Jack cheese.
Where to Buy Jack Cheese
As an all-American original, Jack cheese is easy to find at any major grocery store. Look for brands like Tillamook, Kraft, Cabot, Sargento, and BelGioioso. Many stores carry both blocks of Jack for slicing as well as convenient pre-shredded bags.
Well-stocked supermarkets will also have some of the popular pepper Jack and Colby Jack varieties. For more unique flavors and aged Jack, try specialty cheese shops or order online from cheesemakers like:
- Roth Cheese - Award-winning Wisconsin producer offering garlic & herb Jack, dill Jack, and others.
- Vella - Family-owned company and original makers of dry Jack in California.
- Rumiano Cheese - Their Monterey Jack with basil and roasted garlic is excellent.
- Sartori - This Wisconsin cheesemaker makes a habanero Jack cheese that packs some heat.
- Beehive Cheese - Try their smoked Jack aged with black truffle for a double punch of flavor.
For locally-made artisan Jack cheese, seek out small creameries in your state or region. They're making new and inventive Jack varieties that deserve to be tasted.
Key Takeaway: Major grocery brands offer shredded, sliced, and block Jack cheese. For unique flavors and aged styles, order from specialty cheesemakers or local creameries.
FAQs
What's the difference between Monterey Jack and cheddar?
Monterey Jack has a semi-hard, creamy texture compared to cheddar's firm, crumbly texture. Jack is also much milder tasting than aged cheddar's sharp bite.
Is Monterey Jack healthy?
Like many full-fat cheeses, Monterey Jack is high in saturated fat and sodium so portion size matters. But when eaten in moderation, it can fit into a balanced diet. The high amounts of calcium and protein in cheese offer health benefits as well.
What cheese is similar to Monterey Jack?
Young Jack's creamy, melty quality is similar to fontina, havarti, gouda, and mozzarella. For a tangy flavor, Cambazola or Chihuahua cheeses substitute well.
Can you freeze Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, Jack cheese freezes well for 3-6 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Grated or shredded Jack may become crumbly after thawing but still retains its great taste.
What is the difference between Monterey Jack and pepper Jack?
Traditional Monterey Jack is a plain white cheese. Pepper Jack adds spicy chilies and peppers that provide a hot kick and usually an orange marbling throughout the cheese.
Conclusion
Jack cheese, especially versatile Monterey Jack, has earned its place as a go-to snacking and cooking cheese thanks to its melty texture and approachable flavor. While originally from California, today Jack is made by cheesemakers across the country putting their own spin on this classic.
With its high meltability and mild taste, Monterey Jack shines when baked, grilled, and incorporated into both savory and cheesy dishes. From the familiar pepper Jack to regional varieties like dill Jack or dry Jack, there's a type of Jack cheese for almost every palate to appreciate and enjoy.