A.K.A

California Jack, or simply Jack Cheese

What is it?

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk. It’s most widely available in its unaged form, which is creamy white in color and very mild—bordering on bland—in flavor. Because it has mellow flavor, a high moisture content, and good melting properties, Monterey Jack is great for making toasted sandwiches; topping soups or vegetable tarts; adding richness to baked pasta dishes; and folding into biscuit, scone, and bread dough. It also blends smoothly into other dishes, such as polenta, mashed potatoes, risotto, and soufflés.

In its earliest form, Monterey Jack was made by monks in Monterey, California. David Jack, a California businessman, was the first to produce and mass market this mild white cheese which came to be known first as “Jack’s Cheese”, and eventually as “Monterey Jack.”

Aged Monterey Jack (pictured above) is more like cheddar, with a firmer texture, sharper flavor, and a deeper yellow color. Unaged Monterey Jack is available throughout the U.S., but aged versions are usually only found in specialty cheese shops.

Recipes

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  Steak Fajita Quesadillas

  Sizzling spiced steak and peppers paired with gooey cheese is a win-win combination.

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  Spicy Mexican Burger

  This burger by Joe Isidori from Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is so flavorful you almost don’t need any toppings. If you like, try it with ground turkey (or…

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  Turkey and Spinach Hand Pies

  These turnover-like pastries make a nice lunch paired with a green salad. Or enjoy them for a casual weeknight dinner.

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  Ham and Mushroom Quesadilla

  Quesadillas don’t always need to feature Mexican ingredients. The flavors in this one are more European than south of the border. Sour cream? Sure. Salsa? Nah.

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  Mixed Squash Tacos

  With creamy avocado, sweet corn, a drizzle of adobo, cheese, and sour cream, these vegetarian tacos pack so much flavor that you won’t miss the meat.

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  Sausage and Sweet Pepper Grilled Pizza

  Little Italy's favorite street sandwich—Italian sausage and peppers—comes to life on top of this crispy, smoky pizza crust. This way you get more toppings and less bread. Now that's amore!

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  Cajun Chicken Panini with Spicy Dipping Sauce

  Spicy, tender chicken, onion, and cheese make a delicious panini, but what elevates this dish is the cool, creamy jalapeño-and-cilantro sauce served with it. It’s so good that you’ll wonder…

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  Skillet Mac and Cheese with Artichokes

  一个简单和优雅的老最喜欢的,这一点mac and cheese has subtle notes of artichoke, rich garlic undertones, and a crisp breadcrumb topping.

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  Southwestern Beef and Black Bean Chili