Jalapeno Cheese Squares Recipe

Okay, so we needed something cheesy with a little kick. You know, that perfect snack that’s not too spicy, but still makes your taste buds dance? These Jalapeño Cheese Squares totally hit the spot.

They’re gooey, they’re golden, and yeah… we kinda ate the whole batch in one sitting. The cheese melts just right, and the jalapeños? Not too hot, just right. Once we made them, we couldn’t stop.

Wanna impress your friends or just snack on something fun? This recipe is simple, quick, and honestly, kinda addictive. Let’s make a pan—you’ll see what we mean.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheese Lover’s Dream: A delicious combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack cheese.
• Perfect Balance of Heat and Flavor: The jalapenos and bacon bring the right amount of spice and smoky flavor without overwhelming the palate.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the squares in advance and bake them whenever you’re ready to serve.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cheese squares are sure to be a hit at parties, family gatherings, and potlucks.
• Versatile: Enjoy them on their own, or serve them with your favorite dips, or alongside a salad.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Jalapeno Cheese Squares:

• Baking Dish (9×9 or 8×8): To bake the cheese squares.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the cheese, bacon, and other ingredients.
• Whisk: To mix eggs and evaporated milk.
• Spatula: To evenly spread the mixture into the baking dish.
• Grater: To shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese (if not using pre-shredded cheese).

Ingredients

To make these gooey, cheesy squares, you’ll need the following ingredients (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (16 oz, shredded): This cheese gives the squares a sharp, tangy bite.
• Monterey Jack Cheese (16 oz, shredded): Creamy, mild, and perfectly complements the sharp cheddar.
• Crumbled Bacon (½ cup): Smoky, savory bacon adds a rich depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Pickled Jalapeños (½ cup, diced): For a zesty heat that gives these cheese squares their signature kick.
• All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): To help hold everything together and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Evaporated Milk (15 oz): This gives the squares a creamy texture that binds the ingredients.
• Eggs (2): They help create structure and make the squares perfectly firm on the outside while soft and cheesy on the inside.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how to make these indulgent Jalapeno Cheese Squares.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This temperature ensures that the cheese squares cook evenly and become golden brown and slightly crispy on the top. Grease a 9×9 or 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, and set it aside. If you want to make cleanup easier, you can also line the baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled bacon until crispy and browned (around 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on a paper towel to remove excess grease. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix them together so that they’re evenly distributed. Add the cooked bacon and diced pickled jalapenos, and stir to combine. This mixture will create a rich and flavorful base for the squares.

4. Make the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and eggs until smooth and fully combined. The milk and eggs will bind the dry ingredients together and make the cheese squares firm yet tender. Pour the wet mixture over the cheese, bacon, and jalapeno mixture. Then, add flour and stir everything together until well combined.

5. Spread the Mixture Into the Baking Dish

Carefully pour the cheese and egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly spread the mixture and ensure the top is level. The cheese and bacon should be evenly distributed throughout the dish.

6. Bake the Cheese Squares

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese squares are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your squares are ready.

7. Let the Squares Cool

Once they are done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares. This allows the cheese to firm up and makes it easier to slice them into perfect portions.

8. Slice and Serve

Once the cheese squares have cooled slightly, slice them into squares and serve. These squares are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with your favorite dips such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavor.

Variations for Jalapeno Cheese Squares

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to switch things up based on your preferences:

• Use Fresh Jalapeños: If you prefer a fresh, spicier kick, substitute the pickled jalapeños with fresh, finely diced jalapeños. Just be sure to remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
• Add Onion: For a sweet and savory flavor, you can sauté some onions and add them to the cheese mixture.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or Gouda for a smoky flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you want to make these squares gluten-free.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly option. You can even add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach.

How to Serve Jalapeno Cheese Squares

These Jalapeno Cheese Squares are incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy them in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them with dips such as salsa, guacamole, or ranch dressing for a great party snack.
• For Breakfast: Pair them with a side of scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast that combines savory cheese with a little spice.
• On the Side of Soups or Salads: They make an excellent side dish to complement spicy soups like chili, potato leek soup, or even a fresh garden salad.
• As a Snack: Perfect for afternoon cravings, they’ll hit the spot when you need something cheesy and savory.

Storing Jalapeno Cheese Squares

• Leftovers: Keep any leftover cheese squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 15-20 seconds or warm them up in a toaster oven for a few minutes.
• Freezing: If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze the cheese squares. After they’ve cooled, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown of one serving (assuming the recipe makes 9 squares):

Nutrient	Amount (per square)
Calories	250 kcal
Protein	12g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Jalapeno Cheese Squares FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Pepper Jack cheese or even Gouda would work well in place of Monterey Jack. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well.

Are these squares spicy?

The level of spice is customizable. The pickled jalapeños provide a mild heat, but if you prefer more spice, you can add fresh jalapeños, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños, or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This gives the flavors more time to meld together. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the mixture into the prepared dish and follow the baking instructions.

Conclusion

These Jalapeno Cheese Squares are a winning combination of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and zesty jalapenos. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for a satisfying snack, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. The perfect balance of heat and cheesy goodness makes them a fun and flavorful treat. So, give this recipe a try, and let me know how they turn out for you. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep them in your recipe rotation!