What is Monterey Jack Cheese?
Origins: Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-hard cheese, made from cow’s milk, originating in California. It was originally made in the Monterey area in the 18th century. David Jacks, a Monterey businessman, was one of the first to sell it – leading to the cheese eventually being named ‘Monterey Jack’ after him. Its origins are one of the reasons it’s so popular in American recipes today.
Flavour: Boasting a mild flavour, with a slight sweetness to it, Monterey Jack adds a buttery element, elevating many different recipes. For more on the uses of Monterey Jack in cooking, read on.
Texture: Monterey Jack is a smooth, semi-hard cheese; its supple texture and high fat and moisture content make it great for melting into your dishes to add a buttery creaminess.
Appearance: This smooth cheese is most often pale yellow in colour.
Uses: Monterey Jack cheese is an extremely versatile cheese, with a profile lending itself to multiple dishes, including sandwich fillings, pastas, burgers, bakes, casseroles and even soups, to name but a few. Its melting point makes it ideal for Mexican dishes like quesadillas and nachos.
