10 Best Monterey Jack Cheeses
When it comes to varieties of cheese, many of us feel like we don't know Jack. Monterey Jack that is! Although most Americans have tasted this mild, semi-hard concoction, how many know that Jack is an especially American product? How many know the relationship between Monterey, California; Monterrey, Mexico; and Monterey Jack Cheese? It is much easier to consume cheese than it is to learn the ins and outs. But if we leave the cheese-finding process to our tummies alone, we will be trapped without a rationale for why we eat the cheeses we eat.
That's why we promote the use of the brain in evaluating cheese. The smarter the selection, the better the cheeses one can fill their life with. We find that the more informed consumers make the best cheese buying decisions and subsequently enjoy their cheese much more if they have some background knowledge on what exactly makes a Monterey Jack cheese a Monterey Jack cheese.
So let's fill those heads before we fill those bellies and tackle some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about Monterey Jack cheese.
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Monterey Jack Cheese FAQ
1. What Exactly Is Monterey Jack?
2. Who Invented Monterey Jack Cheese?
3. Does Monterey Jack Cheese Really Prevent Migraines?
4. Where Can You Buy Monterey Jack Cheese?
How We Reviewed
Image via Pexels
Cheese is serious business. We know many migraine sufferers reach for Jack due to its headache-preventing properties, and thus we understand the stakes for such a venture are higher than just taste. In reviewing the types of Monterey Jack we evaluated each product's distinct features, production notes, pros, cons, price points, and brand reputations.
Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)
The quality and rarity of the Jack cheese will greatly determine its price point. However, we have found that on average you can expect to pay around 50 to 60 cents an ounce. Some cheeses of this type will cost considerably more, and these are better suited to occasional cheese trays than for everyday melting.
What We Reviewed
Applegate Sliced Monterey Jack Jalapeno Cheese
Flavor
“Watergate, more like Applegate Sliced Monterey Jack Jalapeno Cheese”, that is what your party guests will be saying at the next party you host due to the absolute knock-off-your-socks quality of this cheese. Mild and creamy, you can't be less than dress-to-impress with this under your belt.
This natural cheese is created from rBGH-free milk. There are no artificial or GMO ingredients in it. Additionally, it is gluten-free and humanely raised, so you really can't go wrong with this cheese even if you are a so called tree-hugging hippy.
Pros
Cons
Texture
Creamy and dreamy, this cheese has a great texture.
Flavor
Everything from the company of Tillamook is great, so you can expect no different from their Monterey Jack cheese. Tillamook is never going to knock your socks off with its flavor, but if you are on a budget and cannot stand the taste of cheap cheese, then this is a great choice.
The texture, flavor, and scent are always much better than you would expect.
Pros
Cons
Texture
The texture has the cheese feel of cream and substance that you know you love.
Flavor
The added spice is on par with that of the Spice Girls. Jalapenos add a hint of flavor that makes the whole cheese taste worth it. You can expect this cheese to live up to its name for certain.
While this cheese is not a gourmet cheese, it does have flavor that is out of this world for a consumer like the American public. Reviews describe this product as “tasty!”
Pros
Cons
Texture
This is a typical cheese product with a typical cheese and mouth feel. The texture is creamy and tasty.
Flavor
The flavor is great on this hunk of cheese. You may want to run down to the store and buy this before everyone else reads this review and gobbles it all up.
Tart with a hint of that special cheese flavor, we know why this cheese often runs out of stock in the local stores.
Pros
Cons
Texture
The texture is crumbly and harder than most cheese. It has a mouth feel that you might not expect.
Flavor
Coming all the way from Joseph Farms, this Monterey Jack cheese is one you might not want to miss if you love that your cheese comes in large amounts. Reviews always mention the size of this block.
The flavor is about average for a cheese of this stature. So if you want that full flavor taste then you might want to skip this guy and go for the more gourmet cheese.
Pros
Cons
Texture
Creamy, creamy, creamy, this cheese has one of the best textures on the market.
Flavor
Boy, have you never had a dry Jack like this before. The first slice may not impress you, but the second and third slices certainly will. The more you eat, the more you will like it.
Consider trying this Jack with some friends because they will love the flavor as well.
Pros
Cons
Texture
The texture is typical of a dry Jack cheese.
Flavor
You might love a creamy Jack, and this might be the cheese for you. It is organic for anyone that loves that feature and the texture is really great!
Pros
Cons
Texture
The texture is great for the price point; you will not find a creamier cheese for the price.
Flavor
Some like it hot and some like it creamy. You will find this cheese to be dreamy. Poems for cheese lovers aside, the flavor on this block will impress you due to the heat and bold taste.
Pros
Cons
Texture
The cheese is from Wisconsin, so the texture reflects that.
Flavor
The key features of this product include the great texture and the safe practice of the company. The cheese is organic and made from raw milk; these are big pros on our list.
Pros
Cons
Texture
Organic cheese as it turns out has about the same text as regular cheese, so you can expect that the texture of this Jack will impress.
Flavor
Made right in the New Braunfels Smokehouse, this smoked Monterey Jack does not skimp on that smoky flavor. You may have thought pepper or herbs or even marblings of other cheeses were what Monterey Jack needed. Well, this smoky flavor will have you thinking twice about the best.
Pros
Cons
Texture
The texture might be more towards dry Jack by the time it reaches you. That just means it is time to get shredding.
The Verdict
Even though it does not meet the qualifications for a “gourmet” option, we found that our favorite of these cheese was… Heluva Good!'s Monterey Jack with Jalapenos. The extra shovels of heat from real jalapenos greatly outclasses the competition, and it turns out that its creaminess is the perfect counterbalance for its added spice. Give this cheese a try!
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