Country of Origin: Canada

Milk-type: Pasteurized Cow’s Milk

Tasting Notes: Milky sweet, sea salt

Monterey Jack is a firm white cheese with a mild flavour, modelled after a cheese first developed by Franciscan friars living in Monterey, Alta California in the 1700s.

Monterey Jack cheese features prominently in Southwestern cuisine, and many iterations of Mexican-American cuisine, including Tex-Mex. It grates easily, has a mellow, slightly salty and somewhat sweet flavour, and produces a favourable melt—for which reason it is often used for topping nachos, melting in quesadillas, enchiladas, or bean and cheese burritos; or as primary component seven-layer dip or chili con queso.

See also our varieties of Monterey Jack flavoured with added chili peppers—Monterey Jalapeño Jack, Monterey Jack with Red Chili Pepper, and Monterey Jack with Habanero and Black Pepper—and our coloured version of classic Monterey Jack cheese.

Suggested Pairings: Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon

Similar Cheeses: Oaxaca, Cheddar (Mild or Medium White)