Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack

Flavor and role

A mild, buttery semi-hard cheese from California that melts very well. Common in Mexican-style dishes.

Typical dishes and uses

White chicken chili, quesadillas, nachos, chile con queso

Substitutes

Replace 1:1 with cheddar (slightly stronger) or pizza mozzarella.

Storage

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 3-4 weeks; grated cheese freezes for 3 months.

Main countries

United States

Used in this book

White Chicken ChiliCarne Asada BurritoCampfire Skillet NachosChiles Rellenos (Cheese-Stuffed Poblanos)Sous Vide-Style Spinach and Cheese Egg BitesAloo Keema Quesadillas with Green Chutney Crema (Pakistani × Mexican)Coconut-Garlic Pork Quesadillas with Khmer Pickle Pico (Cambodian × Mexican)Bandeja Paisa Burrito with Hogao Salsa (Colombian × Mexican)Bibimbap Burritos with Gochujang-Lime MayoBirria Grilled Cheese with Consomé DipBulgogi Cheesesteak with Gochujang MayoBún Bò Huế Birria TacosChile Colorado Beef BurritoCaldo de Res Quesatacos with Broth Dip and Lime SlawChorizo and Crispy Potato Breakfast Burrito with Charred JalapeñoSteak Bite Cheese Melt ToastsCarne Asada Nachos with Fire-Charred SalsaChapati Chicken Quesadilla (Kenyan × Mexican)Chicken Biryani BurritoCheese-Stuffed Poblano Tempura with Ponzu Pico de Gallo (Japanese × Mexican)Chile Relleno Egg CasseroleElote Cheese QuesadillaCrispy Tortilla Empanada Pockets with ChimichurriThree-Chile Enchiladas GratinadasMexican Black Bean and Corn Gemista (Greek × Mexican)Cajun Gumbo Mac and Cheese with Andouille and ShrimpHawawshi Cheese Quesadillas with Tahini-Lime CremaChorizo-Jalapeño Khachapuri (Georgian x Mexican)Lomo Saltado Burrito with Ají Amarillo CremaChorizo and Jalapeño Queso MacChicken Fajita Mutabbaq with Pico de Gallo (Mexican × Saudi)Pabellón Burritos with Chipotle Mechada and Sweet PlantainPhilly Cheesesteak Quesadillas with Chipotle CremaPicadillo Smash TacosPozole Quesatacos with Red Consommé DipRogan Josh Birria-Style TacosScallion Pancake QuesadillaShish Tawook Quesadillas with Toum Crema and Pickled Onions (Lebanese × Mexican)Chipotle-Lime Shrimp and Corn Grits (Mexican × Southern)Chipotle Fideo Cheese BakeCrispy Smash TacosBaked Tamal Cups with Red Chile ChickenCharred Poblano White Chicken Chili with Seared ThighsWhite Chicken Chili Baked Taquitos with Lime CremaYukgaejang Birria Tacos (Mexican × Korean)

Updated 2026-10-10