Monterey Jack is a delicious, creamy cheese that is perfect for everything from tacos to pizza.
But what do you do when you’re out of Monterey Jack and need to make a substitution?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will list some substitutes for Monterey jack that taste just as good (or even better!).
We’ll also give you the ratios to use for each substitute so that your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Substitutes for Monterey Jack
- Gouda cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Colby cheese
- Havarti cheese
- Edam cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Muenster cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Comte cheese
- Provolone
- Emmenthal cheese
Gouda cheese
Gouda cheese is a great substitute for Monterey jack cheese. This Dutch cheese is just as creamy and tangy, but with a subtly sweet flavor that comes from goat milk.
Gouda is sem-hard with a springy texture and is a good source of calcium and protein.
We’ve used gouda cheese as a Monterey jack substitute in many different recipes, including macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and quesadillas. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different dishes.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is a type of cow milk cheese that originated in England. It has a firm texture and is available in both young and aged varieties. Young cheddar is typically white or pale yellow in color, while aged cheddar is more orange or yellow.
Cheddar cheese melts well and is often used as a topping on burgers and other sandwiches. It can also be used as a substitute for Monterey Jack cheese.
When substituting cheddar for Monterey Jack, it is best to use aged cheddar, as it has a more intense flavor. Aged cheddar will also provide a more orange color to dishes, which may be desired for certain recipes.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese made from cow milk. It has a strong flavor and is often used as a grating cheese.
Parmesan can be substituted for Monterey Jack in many dishes. The two kinds of cheese have similar flavors, but Parmesan is firmer and less creamy than Jack. Parmesan is also a bit saltier, so you may want to reduce the amount of salt in your recipe if you use Parmesan as a substitute.
Parmesan cheese is most commonly used in Italian dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara and lasagna. You can also use it in Tex-Mex dishes, such as quesadillas and enchiladas.
Parmesan cheese can be used in many recipes that call for Monterey Jack, such as soups, sauces, casseroles, and gratins. You can also grate it over pasta, salads, and vegetables. For a quick and easy snack, you can even melt it over bread or crackers.
When substituting Parmesan for Jack, it is best to use a young Parmesan that has not been aged for more than two years. This is because aged Parmesan has a more intense flavor that may not be suitable for all dishes.
Colby cheese
Colby cheese is a type of cow milk cheese that originated in Colby, Wisconsin. It is similar to Monterey Jack cheese, in that it is also soft and moist with a more open texture. It is also white or pale yellow in color and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Colby cheese is semi-hard and can be used as a substitute for Monterey Jack cheese in many recipes. Young Colby cheese is a better option than aged Colby cheese. This is because the latter tends to get dry and starts cracking.
Colby cheese makes a good substitute for Monterey Jack cheese in dishes where the cheese will be melted, such as in quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and nachos. It also works well in dishes where the cheese will be shredded, such as in tacos and enchiladas.
Havarti cheese
Havarti cheese is a semi-hard Danish cheese that is made from cow’s milk. Just like Monterey jack, Havarti cheese has a buttery flavor and it melts easily. The only difference is, that Havarti is slightly sweeter and creamier.
We’ve used Havarti as a Monterey jack substitute in macaroni and cheese, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches. And we’ve found that it works really well in all of those dishes.
Edam cheese
Edam cheese has a cylindrical shape and a red wax coat. The texture is springy and firm, making it a great choice for sandwiches and burgers.
Aged Edam cheese has a stronger flavor that can be a great addition to salads and pasta dishes.
When substituting aged Edam cheese for Monterey Jack cheese, keep in mind that it will have a slightly different flavor. Meanwhile, young Edam tastes almost like Monterey jack and it has a creamy texture.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a type of cheese that is traditionally made from Italian buffalo milk. Low-moisture mozzarella is a great substitute for Monterey jack. It has a mild, creamy flavor and a firm texture that makes it ideal for melting.
Mozzarella is also a very versatile cheese that can be used in both cooked and uncooked dishes. It is also a very good melting cheese, which makes it an excellent choice for dishes that require melted cheese.
Muenster cheese
Muenster cheese has a creamy texture and is semi-hard, making it a good stand-in for Monterey jack.
Muenster cheese has different flavor profiles, so it can add an interesting twist to your dish. It is a great way to add creaminess and depth of flavor to a dish without using Monterey jack cheese.
Muenster’s creamy texture and mild flavor make it a versatile cheese that can be used in many different dishes. It is a great substitute for Monterey Jack cheese in recipes that call for melted, liquidy cheese.
Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese is a very versatile option that can be used as a substitute for Monterey Jack in many cases. There are different varieties of Swiss cheese, but all of them are made from cow’s milk and have a creamy texture.
Swiss cheese is milder than most other cheeses, so it is a good choice for people who do not like strong flavors. It also melts well, making it ideal for use in grilled sandwiches and other dishes where you need gooey cheese.
Swiss cheese is a good substitute for Monterey jack because it has a similar taste and texture. You can easily use it in recipes that call for Monterey jack, such as in grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas.
Comte cheese
Comte cheese is a French cheese made from unpasteurized cow milk. It has a pale yellow color and a silky texture. Comte cheese is milder than most other cheeses, making it a good choice for people who do not like strong flavors.
Comte cheese can be used as a substitute for Monterey jack in many recipes because both have a similar mild, slightly sweet taste.
When Comte cheese is melted, it has a similar consistency to Monterey jack, making it a good choice for dishes such as quesadillas and nachos. Comte cheese also works well in grilled cheese sandwiches and omelets.
Provolone
Provolone is an Italian cheese that can be used as a substitute for Monterey Jack. It has a mild taste like Monterey Jack, with a sharp salty flavor and a slightly sweet finish.
Provolone can be used in any dish where you would use Monterey Jack, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or nachos.
Emmenthal cheese
Young Emmenthal cheese is a great substitute for Monterey Jack. It is yellow in color and made from cow milk. It is usually eaten cold and is best known for its semi-hard texture.
Young Emmenthal cheese is dense and firm, making it a great choice for sandwiches and wraps. It has a nutty flavor that is similar to Swiss cheese.
Just like Monterey jack, Emmenthal cheese is slightly sweet. But it’s better if you stick to the young variety. This is because aged Emmenthal has a stronger taste with a more spicy edge.
FAQs
Is Monterey cheese a kind of cheddar cheese?
No, Monterey jack is a type of cheese, while cheddar is a variety of cheese. Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that has a sharp, tangy flavor.
What’s the best substitute for Monterey jack?
There are many substitutes for Monterey jack, but the best one depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a cheese with a similar flavor, then Swiss or provolone are good choices. If you’re looking for a cheese with a similar texture, then Muenster or Comte are good substitutes.
Can I use cheddar instead of Monterey jack?
Yes, you can use cheddar as a substitute for Monterey jack. Cheddar has a sharp, tangy flavor that is similar to Monterey Jack. However, it is a hard cheese, so it will not melt as well as Monterey Jack.
How do you substitute Monterey jack in a recipe?
When substituting Monterey jack in a recipe, it is important to use a cheese that has a similar taste and texture. Some good substitutes include mozzarella, Muenster, Swiss, Comte, and provolone cheese. All of these cheeses are made from cow’s milk and have a creamy texture.
How can you use Monterey jack cheese in your cooking?
Monterey jack cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in both cooked and uncooked dishes. It is also a very good melting cheese, which makes it an excellent choice for dishes that require melted cheese.
Monterey jack cheese can be used in many different dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Quesadillas
- Nachos
- Omelets
- Soups
- Sauces
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Pizza toppings
Conclusion
Monterey jack is a type of cheese that is semi-hard and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. But if you’re out of it, some good substitutes include mozzarella, Muenster, Swiss, Comte, and provolone cheese.
All of these cheeses are made from cow’s milk and have a creamy texture. When substituting Monterey jack in a recipe, it is important to use a cheese that has a similar taste and texture.
We hope this article helped find the best Monterey jack substitute for your needs!