Best Substitutes for Monterey Jack Cheese: Top Cheese Options

Finding the Best Substitute for Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is a popular semi-soft American cheese known for its mild flavor and versatility. With its creamy texture and subtle tang, it shines in recipes from grilled cheese sandwiches to Tex-Mex dishes. However, if you don't have Monterey Jack handy, several other cheese make excellent substitutes.

What is Monterey Jack Cheese?

Monterey Jack cheese originated in California in the 1700s. It's an off-white cheese made from cow's milk that can be aged from just a few weeks up to over a year. Young Monterey Jack has a very mild, milky taste, while aged versions take on a sharper, more complex flavor.

Monterey Jack can be found in block or pre-shredded forms. Its melting properties make it a popular choice for quesadillas, nachos, baked dishes, omelets and sandwiches.

Reasons to Substitute Monterey Jack

There are several reasons you may need to use an alternative for Monterey Jack cheese:

• You don't have Monterey Jack on hand
• You want a less expensive option
• You need a vegan substitute for dietary reasons
• You want a cheese with stronger flavor
• You need a cheese that melts differently

Tips for Substituting Cheeses

Here are some useful tips for substituting Monterey Jack or any cheese in recipes:

• Consider texture - Pick a cheese with similar softness or hardness.
• Think about flavor - Choose a cheese with a comparable or preferable taste.
• Factor in melting - Look for cheeses that melt in a similar way.
• Read the recipe - Note quantities and cheese uses to pick the best sub.
• Adjust for moisture - Add a little extra liquid if the sub cheese is drier.
• Mix and match - Combining 2 cheeses can give the closest flavor and texture.

The Best Substitutes for Monterey Jack

With its mild profile and creamy melting texture, several cheeses make suitable alternatives in recipes calling for Monterey Jack. Here are some of the best options:

Mozzarella

Both fresh and low-moisture mozzarella offer a wonderfully melty texture just like Monterey Jack. Low-moisture mozzarella provides a closer flavor match, though fresh has a milky sweetness. Use mozzarella for quesadillas, casseroles and melted applications.

Muenster

Muenster has a similar soft, smooth texture to Monterey Jack. It melts well and provides a mild flavor that works in most of the same dishes. Muenster gives a perfect substitution for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Provolone

Try a mild provolone cheese in place of Monterey Jack. Aged provolone has more robust flavor, but mild provolone mimics the mellow taste. It also has excellent melting abilities for quesadillas, pizza, paninis and the like.

Young Cheddar

Mild yellow cheddar that hasnt been aged more than 3 months makes an affordable, easily-melting match for Monterey Jack. Its flavor is slightly sharper when melted, but complements most recipes well.

Edam

Edam rounds have a mild, delicate flavor profile quite similar to Monterey Jack. This Dutch cheese melts smoothly, making it a seamless sub for melting, sandwiches and snacking.

Gouda

Like cheddar, young gouda can work in place of Monterey Jack, offering easy melting with a subtle sweetness. Regular gouda has a harder texture, so stick to the softer smoked gouda variations.

Colby

Colby has an almost identical taste and texture to Monterey Jack. Another semi-soft American cheese, it swaps seamlessly into any recipe. Use Colby for quesadillas, cheese sauces, baked pasta, omelets and grilled cheese.

Fontina

Italian fontina has a rich, nutty flavor that's a bit stronger than Monterey Jack. The semi-soft texture melts wonderfully, so it works great in cooking. Substitute fontina in hot dishes like pizza, soups, pastas and fondue.

Havarti

Creamy, smooth havarti makes the perfect choice when you want a melted cheese with more flavor punch. It switches easily for Jack in grilled cheese and quesadillas where you want more complex taste.

Vegan Substitutes

If you need a vegan cheese alternative, these plant-based options mimic the properties of Monterey Jack well:

Vegan Mozzarella

Several brands now offer vegan mozzarella that melts, stretches and browns similar to the real thing. Use vegan mozzarella in vegan pizza, lasagna, tacos and more.

Vegan Cheddar

For a sharper flavor, swap in meltable vegan cheddar style shreds or slices. It works for grilled cheese, nachos, burgers, bakes and anywhere you want cheesy flavor.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy umami flavor to vegan dishes. Use it in sauces, dressing or sprinkled on pasta, pizza and salads.

What to Avoid as a Monterey Jack Substitute

Some cheeses make poor substitutes for Monterey Jack in recipes because of pronounced differences in flavor and texture:

Blue Cheese

The bold flavor of blue cheese is typically much too strong to sub for mild Monterey Jack. Only use it if you want to intentionally add its pungent taste.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese has a tart, tangy taste that clashes with the mellowness of Monterey Jack. It also has a crumbly texture when melted.

Parmesan

Hard, dry parmesan has a very different melting ability and bite compared to creamy, soft Monterey Jack. Dishes like quesadillas will not turn out well.

Swiss

While decent melted, Swiss has a much firmer texture and stronger, earthier flavor than Monterey Jack.

Feta

Briny, salty feta tends to get rubbery when melted. Its bold taste overpowers recipes where you want Monterey Jack's subtle flavor.

How to Store Cheese Substitutes

Properly storing your substitute cheese helps maintain freshness and quality. Here are some storage tips:

Refrigerate Below 40F

Keep all substitute cheeses refrigerated in the cooler below 40F, just like you would Monterey Jack.

Seal Airtight

If storing an open block or sliced cheese, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.

Use Promptly

Try to use substituted cheeses within 5-7 days for peak freshness and texture.

Keep Away From Odors

Store cheese substitutions separately from strong-smelling foods that can transfer flavors.

Cut Off Mold

If hard cheeses get surface mold, cut off at least 1 inch around the moldy area before using.

Freeze for Long-Term

Grated or crumbled cheeses can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Tips for Using Cheese Substitutes

These tips will help you seamlessly incorporate cheese substitutes into your cooking:

Shred vs Slice

Shred or slice the sub cheese to match the form called for in the recipe.

Adjust Quantity

If the substitute has a stronger flavor, use a little bit less than the Monterey Jack amount.

Prevent Overbrowning

Some sub cheeses brown faster, so keep an eye on cooking temps and times.

Boost Flavor

Add herbs, spices or a dash of citrus to boost mild-flavored sub cheeses.

Check Melting

If the cheese isn't melting well, add a teaspoon of cornstarch or flour to help it along.

Mix It Up

Blend two sub cheeses for the ideal melty texture and balanced flavor.

Delicious Recipes Using Monterey Jack Substitutes

Here are some tasty recipe ideas that work flawlessly with substitute cheeses:

Quesadillas

Fill tortillas with Monterey Jack subs like Colby, Gouda or Havarti plus veggies, beans or chicken.

Mac and Cheese

For creamy comfort food, make macaroni and cheese with melted Muenster, Provolone or Vegan Cheddar.

Cowboy Casserole

Mix ground beef, vegetables and southwestern spices. Top with grated Cheddar or Pepper Jack before baking.

Baked Brie

Sub in a round of Camembert and bake until ooey-gooey. Serve with crackers and fruit.

Cheese Enchiladas

Roll up chicken and veggies in tortillas with Monterey Jack alternatives and smother with enchilada sauce.

Tips for Buying Cheese Substitutes

Follow these tips when purchasing substitute cheeses:

Check the Label

Read the label closely to ensure you are getting the actual cheese type, not just a product labeled "cheese food".

Look for Sales

Stock up on cheese substitutes when they go on sale to save money.

Buy Store Brand

Opt for store brand cheese substitutes to keep costs lower.

Purchase Smaller Packs

Buy 8 or 12 ounce packs of substitutes you use infrequently so they stay fresh.

Compare Price Per Ounce

Check the price per ounce between different sizes and brands to find the best deals.

The Best Monterey Jack Cheese Substitutes

Monterey Jack is prized for its creamy melting texture and mild flavor. Thankfully, many other delicious cheeses mimic these properties. Choosing substitutes like Colby, Muenster, Havarti or Vegan Mozzarella will ensure your recipes turn out successfully.

With these handy recommendations, you can swap cheeses seamlessly. Keep this guide on hand to find the perfect substitute whether you run out of Monterey Jack, need a vegan option or just feel like a change of flavor.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.