RECIPESPRODUCTSPANTRYSHOPPING
DAIRY /
CHEESE /
SHREDDED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE

Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Shredded Monterey Jack cheese is a popular American variety of semi-hard cheese known for its mild, buttery flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Made from cow's milk, Monterey Jack cheese is an off-white to pale yellow color and melts effortlessly, making it a popular ingredient in many different cuisines. Home cooks and consumers appreciate shredded Monterey Jack cheese for its versatility and easy-to-use form. Its mild taste pairs well with a variety of dishes, including nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, casseroles, and salads. The convenient, pre-shredded form saves time and effort in meal preparation, ensuring consistent heating and melting in recipes.
#40
IN CHEESE
393
CAL / 100G
$0.25
AVG / OZ
shredded monterey jack cheese
6%
CARBS
53%
FAT
41%
PROTEIN
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese FAQ
Cooking with shredded Monterey Jack cheese is generally straightforward, however there are a few common areas where people can go wrong. Overcooking or high heat can cause this cheese to become tough and chewy, creating a less desirable texture. When adding Monterey Jack cheese to a hot dish, it's best to do so near the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking. For the best flavor in your dishes, always choose high-quality Monterey Jack cheese. Low-quality or processed versions can have artificial flavors and don’t melt as well. Due to its nature, Monterey Jack melts easily which makes it perfect for baking or grilling dishes. A less well-known tip about Monterey Jack cheese is that it pairs exceptionally well with fruity flavors like grapes or apple slices, making it a great option for a cheese board or platter. Furthermore, it is quite versatile in terms of drinks. It pairs well with beers, especially lagers and pilsners, and wine like tannic reds or unoaked whites.
Can I use Monterey Jack cheese in place of mozzarella?
Is Monterey Jack cheese spicy?
Can Monterey Jack cheese be used in mac and cheese?
Does Monterey Jack cheese work well in grilled sandwiches?
What dishes is Monterey Jack cheese typically used in?
Can I use Monterey Jack cheese in casseroles?
What's a good substitute for Monterey Jack cheese in recipes?
Is Monterey Jack cheese lactose-free?
What is the difference between Monterey Jack and cheddar?
Can I eat Monterey Jack cheese without cooking it?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does shredded monterey jack cheese expire?
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese in a sealed, unopened package can last up to 2-3 weeks past the printed date on the package if stored in the refrigerator. Once the package has been opened, you can generally expect the cheese to remain good for 3-5 days. If you freeze your shredded cheese, it can extend the shelf-life to 6-8 months. However, freezing may slightly affect the cheese's texture upon thawing.
How do you tell if shredded monterey jack cheese is bad?
You can determine if shredded Monterey Jack cheese has gone bad by checking for a number of indicators. Firstly, look for any visible mold, often green, blue or white in color. If you see mold, it's best to toss the entire package, as mold spreads and might be present even in parts of the cheese where is it not visible. If there's no apparent mold, you can smell the cheese. Bad cheese will all have an unpleasant, sour or off smell. Lastly, if the cheese feels slimy or damp, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.
Tips for storing shredded monterey jack cheese to extend shelf life
• Always store your shredded Monterey Jack cheese in the refrigerator, ideally at temperatures between 34-38°F. • Keep the cheese in its original packaging until you use it. Once opened, transfer the remaining cheese to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and exposure to air. • If you don't plan on using the cheese in the near future, you can freeze it. Place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to protect it from freezer burn and to prevent the cheese from absorbing other odors in the freezer. • When defrosting frozen cheese, it's best to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator rather than using a more quick method. This will help maintain its texture and taste. Remember, once thawed, the cheese should be used within a few days.
EXPIRES WITHIN
3 - 5
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
0g
CARBS
8g
FAT
7g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
GLUTEN FREE
Contains these allergens
MILK
Recipes with what you have
Download Cooklist
Get the app to track inventory, save recipes, build meal plans and order groceries from local stores.
Scan to download
QR Code