Monterey Jack
Varieties
Most Jack cheese is made from pasteurized cows’ milk, through a process similar to that used to produce Colby. It is available in whole, skim, and part-skim varieties, and spiced with jalapeño peppers. Jack is typically prepared in wheels that weigh from 6 to 12 pounds (2.7 to 5.4 kg) and is sold in sticks, bricks, wedges, or individual slices.
Young Jack
This is the fresh, semisoft, mild cheese.
Sharp Jack
After being aged for three to six weeks, Jack, like many cheeses, takes on a sharper flavor.
Pepper Jack
Perhaps the best-known Jack variety, this cheese is seasoned with jalapeño peppers.
Dry Monterey or Dry Jack
These are aged skim and part-skim varieties with a rich flavor, intended for grating and table cheese. Some Jack varieties intended for grating may be coated with a peppery oil.
Mexican Jack Cheese
This variety has a firmer texture and the flavor has more bite to it.
Preparation, Uses, & Tips
Serve Monterey Jack sliced; pair it with beer and spicy foods, or with white wine or fruit juice. Jack cheese is a great choice for such quick snacks and meals as breakfast tacos (scrambled eggs, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cheese), bean-and-cheese nachos (tortilla chips spread with refried beans and shredded, melted cheese), and broiled open-face sandwiches. Enjoy it in Southwestern and Tex-Mex dishes, melted over refried beans and rice, and in stuffed enchiladas.
Storing
Store Jack cheese according to its age. Young, semisoft Jack can be stored for about two weeks. Aged, sharp Jack can be stored for about two to four weeks. Well-aged Dry Jack can be stored for several months or longer.
Nutrition Highlights
Monterey Jack, 1 oz. (28g)
- Calories: 106
- Protein: 6.9g
- Carbohydrate: 0.2g
- Total Fat: 8.6g
- Fiber: 0.0g
*Excellent Source of: Calcium (212mg)
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