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Monterey Jack Delivery or Pickup

The Instacart guide to Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack cheese was first produced in the Monterey area of California in the 1700s by Mexican Franciscan friars. They made a semi-firm, lightly flavored, creamy cheese with hints of nuts in the finish. It comes from cow's milk and the longer it is aged the sharper the flavor becomes.

Most Monterey Jack is aged 4-6 weeks, with some aged longer. After the Spanish missionaries left the area, the local farmers continued to make the cheese and it was very popular. In the mid-1800s an American businessman, David Jack, saw the potential of expanding the sales of this local cheese favorite. He bought most of the land where the cheese was made and started selling it all over California. It was known as Jack's Monterey or Monterey cheese. It eventually morphed into the name Monterey Jack.   

Monterey Jack is used in Mexican and Spanish foods because it has a mild flavor, often offsetting the spices that are used. It also melts well so it is an excellent choice for baking, dips, quesadillas, grilled sandwiches, or burgers. it's also a very popular snack to add to a cheese tray served with crackers and fruits. and you can easily enjoy a slice or cube of cheese by itself or in a sandwich.

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Buy your favorite Monterey Jack online with Instacart. Order Monterey Jack from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.

FAQs about Monterey Jack

Gouda is an excellent substitute, especially when used for baking. Its simple taste and melting capabilities are like Monterey Jack. Havarti is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavor, but a bit creamier than Monterey Jack. It is best to substitute Havarti in grilled recipes. Finally, Edam is a solid cheese with a firm texture and light taste. It can be easily sliced and melted in baked or grilled dishes. 

Parmesan cheese is an excellent substitute. Since Dry Jack cheese is firm and usually grated, Parmesan, another hard cheese, is a great choice. For Pepper Jack cheese, there really is no perfect substitute, but is it recommended that a cheddar with red pepper flakes and jalapeño powder along with other spices could be an effective replacement.

This cheese compliments white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay.

Cheddar has a sharper flavor because it ages more, it is creamier, and its flavor more complex. It can certainly be a substitute, but would work best with baked goods.