Monterey Jack Cheese – History, Substitutes, Taste, and Uses

It is the truth that Americans are cheese lovers. They experiment with a wide variety of cheese in their dishes. They mostly prefer mild-flavored and edible cheeses.

Is Monterey Jack Cheese Healthy? A Nutritional Analysis

When comes to the list of some mouthwatering American cheeses, you may notice the name ‘Monterey Jack cheese’.  No doubt, Monterey jack cheese is an excellent option that fills your tummy and heart with its savoriness.

This cheese is one of the active ingredients used by Americans. Read on to learn more about Monterey jack cheese and its characteristics.

What is Monterey Jack Cheese?

Monterey jack cheese is a white, semi-hard cheese that originated in the Mexican Franciscan friars of Monterey, California. Today, Monterey jack cheese is made elsewhere in California, notably in Sonoma county. The name Monterey jack cheese is closely associated with the name of an entrepreneur named David Jack.

Do you know the reason behind this connection? An American entrepreneur named David Jack started selling jack cheese all over California, and eventually, the cheese acquired the entrepreneur’s name. Monterey jack cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. The mild and smooth texture makes Monterey jack cheese different from other cheeses.

Compared to other cheeses, Monterey jack takes a small period for the maturing process. In particular, it takes three weeks for ripening. The nutty, buttery, and sweetness make jack cheese a perfect pair for nachos, sandwiches, soups, and quesadillas. However, Monterey jack cheese is commonly used in most Mexican and Spanish cuisines.

There are variants of monetary cheeses available in supermarkets, including pepper jack and Monterey jack. 

What are the substitutes for Monterey Jack Cheese?

Sometimes you may struggle to find the specific cheese you need. In such situations, you can use the best alternatives that show similar qualities to jack cheese.

Here are the best substitutes for Monterey jack cheese.

• Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is one of the most popular cheeses in the world and is widely used as a substitute for Monterey jack cheese. A less matured parmesan has a close resemblance to Monterey jack cheese. Aged parmesan is not the same as Monterey jack cheese. But it is similar in creamy texture.

• Colby Cheese

Colby cheese is known to be a great substitute for Monterey jack cheese. Both are made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Colby cheese is a semi-hard cheese that maintains a similar texture to jack cheese. If you consider alternatives to Monterey jack cheese, it’s better to use young Colby cheese for better results. 

• Edam Cheese

Edm cheese has a similar texture to jack cheese. Edam cheese is unique from other cheeses because it has a red wax coat and cylindrical shape. Younger Edam cheese gives a nutty and buttery flavor as Monterey jack cheese. 

• Muenster Cheese

Muenster cheese is similar to Monterey jack cheese but has a few differences. It is a semi-hard cheese that melts well and can be paired with pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. If you want to add a creamy texture to your dish, muenster cheese is an excellent option.

• Harvati Cheese

Harvati cheese is a commonly used alternative to Monterey jack cheese. Its texture, flavor, and melting qualities are similar to jack cheese. If you consider a creamy texture and buttery flavor in your dish, Harvati cheese can offer similar qualities to jack cheese.

How to store Monterey Jack Cheese?

Monterey jack cheese should store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. An opened packet of jack cheese can last about three weeks. Once you opened, wrap the cheese well in a plastic cover, place it in an airtight plastic or glass container, and keep it in the refrigerator.

Final Verdict – [Monterey Jack Cheese: The Perfect Melting Cheese]

There are two varieties of Monterey jack cheese available in supermarkets that is low-moisture and high-moisture varieties.

Compared to high-moisture jack cheese, low-moisture varieties can last even longer. If you notice mold on the cheese, cut those parts with a knife and you can reuse it.