monterey jack cheese shredded

DairyYear-round. As a shelf-stable cheese product, shredded Monterey Jack is available consistently throughout the year.

Good source of calcium and protein, containing approximately 110 calories and 7 grams of protein per ounce. Also provides vitamin A and phosphorus, though relatively high in saturated fat and sodium.

About

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese originating in Monterey County, California in the 1890s. Developed by Spanish missionaries and later refined by David Jack, a Scottish businessman, the cheese features a pale golden color with a smooth, supple texture. The flavor profile is mild and buttery with a slightly sweet undertone, becoming creamier and more complex with age. Shredded Monterey Jack is produced by grinding aged cheese into thin strands, often with anti-caking agents added to prevent clumping during storage and use.

Monterey Jack is frequently blended with jalapeños and other peppers to create spicy variants (such as Pepper Jack), which are also commonly shredded for culinary applications.

Culinary Uses

Shredded Monterey Jack is a versatile melting cheese widely used in Southwestern and Mexican-inspired cuisines. It melts smoothly and evenly, making it ideal for enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos, gratins, and baked pasta dishes. The mild flavor allows it to complement rather than overpower other ingredients, pairing well with chiles, tomatoes, and cumin. In California and Texas cuisine, it appears in chiles rellenos, chile con queso, and breakfast burritos. The shredded form dissolves readily into sauces, soups, and casseroles, while its buttery character works well in sandwich applications and as a topping for baked potatoes and grilled vegetables.

Forms & Preparations

  • Shredded — Cut into thin strands with anti-caking additives, ready for immediate use in melting applications
  • Block — Solid form available for home shredding, offering fresher taste without additives
  • Sliced — Pre-cut into uniform portions for sandwiches and direct melting on burgers or baked items
  • Powder/Grated — Finely ground form used in dry rubs, sprinkle toppings, and as a base for cheese sauces
  • Pepper Jack — Shredded blend incorporating jalapeños and other chiles for added spice and flavor complexity

Substitutes

  • Unknown — Use in equal quantities; provides similar melting properties with a slightly tangier, more complex flavor profile. Better for traditional Mexican applications.
  • Unknown — Substitute at 1:1 ratio; slightly more pungent but melts smoothly. Works well in casseroles and baked dishes.
  • Unknown — Use in equal amounts; firmer texture with more pronounced flavor. Better suited for cooked applications than raw use.
  • Unknown — Use at 1:1 ratio; a soft, fresh melting cheese from Mexico with similar melting properties but creamier texture.
  • Unknown — Substitute in equal quantities; sharper flavor requires reduction of added salt in recipes. Works in most melted applications.

Recipes Using monterey jack cheese shredded (2)

RCI-SW.004.0019.001

Enchilada Casserole I

In large skillet heat oil over high heat. Add beef, onion, pepper and garlic then sauté stirring constantly until meat is browned. Drain off fat. Stir in corn and remove mixture to large bowl.

RCI-EG.003.0111.001

Potato Bacon Casserole

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Wagner Estate in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1991.