Monterey Jack cheese has existed since the 1800s. Nowadays, plenty of other kinds of cheese can easily replace it in recipes.
While you may be familiar with Monterey Jack, many more cheese types are similar.
They can save you time and money when cooking meals at home or creating food at your restaurant or bakery.
If you’re looking to use less Monterey Jack cheese in your cooking, try one of these tasty substitutes for Monterey Jack cheese.
1. Colby Jack Cheese
Colby Jack cheese is a great substitute for Monterey Jack cheese. It has a similar flavor and can be used in the same dishes.
If you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative, try mozzarella cheese. For a sharper taste, try cheddar cheese. And for a creamier texture, try Brie cheese.
Whatever your preference, there’s sure to be a tasty alternative to Monterey Jack cheese that you’ll love just as much!
2. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a delicious substitute for Monterey Jack cheese. It has a similar texture and can be used in many of the same dishes. Plus, it’s a great source of protein and calcium.
If you’re looking for healthier substitutes for Monterey Jack cheese, try goat cheese. It has a similar texture and can be used in many of the same dishes.
Plus, it’s a great source of protein and calcium. The creamy consistency makes it perfect for omelets or quesadillas on the go!
3. Pepper Jack Cheese
Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent substitute for Monterey Jack cheese. It has a similar flavor but with a little bit of a kick.
It’s easy to find and usually less expensive than Monterey Jack cheese.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly substitutes for Monterey Jack cheese, try cheddar cheese. It’s not as flavorful as Pepper Jack, but it’ll still get the job done.
4. Havarti Cheese
Havarti is a Danish cheese similar to Monterey Jack in taste and texture. It’s a great melting cheese, ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and nachos.
If you’re looking for a Havarti substitute, try Gruyere or Swiss cheese.
5. Gouda Cheese
Gouda is a Dutch cheese similar to Monterey Jack in taste and texture. Like Havarti, it’s a great melting cheese, ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and nachos.
6. Muenster Cheese
If you’re looking for a cheese with a milder flavor, try Muenster cheese.
This yellow cheese gets its name from the French city of Munster, where it was first created.
Muenster cheese has a smooth texture and is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches and quesadillas.
It’s also a good choice for melting, so it’s great for toppings on burgers or nachos.
7. Edam Cheese
Edam cheese is a great all-purpose cheese that can be used in place of Monterey Jack.
It is a smooth, creamy cheese with a mild flavor. It melts well, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas.
If you’re looking for flavorful substitutes for Monterey Jack cheese, try Edam cheese.
As the third most popular cheese in the Netherlands, this Dutch favorite has been produced since the early 1600s and can now be found on grocery store shelves across the United States.
An easy substitute for Monterey Jack in any recipe, Edam is also delicious when grated and melted on vegetables like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice with some sauce for an irresistible side dish.
8. Parmesan Cheese
If you’re looking for a cheese with a similar texture to Monterey Jack, Parmesan is a great option. It’s also a hard cheese that will last longer in your fridge.
Parmesan has a slightly nutty flavor that goes well with just about anything. Try it on your next grilled cheese sandwich or in this delicious pasta dish.
9. Monterey Jack & Cheddar Blend
Adding cheddar to Monterey Jack makes an even tastier blend. Mild and creamy, the Monterey Jack and cheddar blend pairs beautifully with many savory dishes.
You can chop some cheeses as a topping for hot dogs, tacos, or chili!
With its semi-soft texture and distinct smell, many substitutes for Monterey jack cheese can help you create your favorite meals at home.
When you’re short on time or need more variety in your cooking habits, use one of these substitutes for Monterey Jack cheese!
10. Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in place of Monterey Jack in many recipes. Its sharp, tangy flavor pairs well with various foods, such as macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and nachos.
Plus, it’s an excellent cheese for cooking because it melts quickly. Try swapping the Monterey Jack in your following quesadilla recipe with some cheddar.
11. Ricotta Cheese
There are two types of ricotta cheese: fresh and dry. Fresh ricotta is made from whey, the liquid left over from making other cheeses.
It has a milder flavor and softer texture than dry ricotta, which is made from whole milk cooked down until the water evaporates.
Both types of ricotta can be substituted for Monterey Jack cheese. Dry ricotta makes a tremendous crumbly topping for lasagna or baked ziti.
For dishes like these, we recommend mixing about one cup of grated Parmesan with two cups of shredded dry or fresh ricotta.
You can also use fresh ricotta mixed with garlic and chopped herbs (basil, thyme) for pasta sauces or spread it on top of pizza dough before adding sauce and toppings.
12. Aged Jack Cheese
Aged Jack cheese is a great substitute for Monterey cheese. It has a similar taste and texture but is less expensive.
It’s also easy to find in most grocery stores. For a more exotic option, try goat or feta cheese.
They have a similar tangy flavor that can complement any dish. Because they are typically creamier and thicker, you’ll need to bake these cheeses longer than Monterey Jack.
13. Queso Blanco Cheese
Queso Blanco is a white, fresh cheese that originated in Spain. It’s similar to Monterey jack cheese in texture and taste, making it a great recipe substitute.
Queso Blanco is perfect for crumbling over salads or replacing Monterey jack cheese in tacos or enchiladas.
Queso fresco is another white, fresh cheese popular in Mexican cuisine. It has a milder flavor than queso Blanco, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a genuine Monterey jack cheese replacement.
However, queso fresco can be used as a topping for salads or soups or as an ingredient in dips and sauces.
Conclusion
While many substitutes for Monterey Jack cheese exist, not all will taste the same.
If you’re looking for a cheese with a similar flavor, try substituting cheddar or Colby.
Also, if you want a cheese with a similar texture, try Gouda or Swiss. And if you’re looking for a cheese that melts well, try Gruyere or Havarti.
No matter your preference, there’s sure to be an alternative that suits your needs.
