Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares for a Spicy Treat Recipe
Introduction
Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares are a delightful spicy treat perfect for any occasion. Combining sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, crispy bacon, and tangy jalapeños, these cheesy squares are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re ideal as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Ingredients
- 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 16 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ½ cup pickled jalapeños, diced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 15 oz evaporated milk
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, crumbled bacon, and diced pickled jalapeños. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, flour, and eggs until smooth and free of lumps.
- Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients over the cheese mixture. Stir well until the mixture is thick but spreadable.
- Step 4: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the cheesy mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes to firm up, then slice into squares.
- Step 7: Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or savory snack and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add finely chopped fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Swap bacon for cooked chorizo or sausage for a different smoky flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a spicier kick.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Storage
Store leftover cheese squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cheese squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bake just before serving to ensure freshness and the best texture.
How spicy are the jalapeño cheese squares?
The pickled jalapeños add a mild to moderate heat, balanced by the creamy cheese. Adjust the amount or type of jalapeños to suit your preferred spice level.
Print
Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares for a Spicy Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
Description
Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares offer a spicy and cheesy treat perfect for an appetizer or savory snack. Combining sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, crispy bacon, and tangy pickled jalapeños baked into a creamy, golden dish, these squares deliver bold flavors with a rich, cheesy texture.
Ingredients
Cheese & Flavor Base
- 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 16 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ½ cup pickled jalapeños, diced
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 15 oz evaporated milk
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Combine the Cheeses, Bacon, and Jalapeños: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, crumbled bacon, and diced pickled jalapeños. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, flour, and eggs until smooth and free of lumps. This will form a creamy base for your cheesy squares.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients over the cheese mixture. Stir well to combine, making sure everything is incorporated into a thick but spreadable mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the cheesy mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the center should bubble up. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes to firm up. Once cooled, slice it into squares, and get ready for the cheesy goodness!
- Serve Immediately: Serve these warm, cheesy squares right away. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a savory snack to share. Watch them disappear in no time!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños based on your desired spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with vegetarian bacon bits.
- Letting the dish cool before slicing helps the squares hold their shape better.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: jalapeño cheese squares, spicy cheese appetizer, baked cheese squares, cheddar Monterey Jack cheese recipe, bacon cheese snack
