5 Of The Best Substitutes For Pepper Jack Cheese You Need To Try

There are so many different kinds of cheese out there that work well in so many different dishes. If you are looking for a cheese that is perfect for nachos or anything along those lines, then the best cheese you can use is easily Pepper Jack Cheese. 

However, there will come a time when you need Pepper Jack Cheese and you won’t be able to find any. When this happens, unless you know what you are looking for, finding the perfect substitute can be a bit of a challenge. 

But don’t worry! We are here to help! We have put together a list of 5 of the best substitutes for Pepper Jack Cheese that you will absolutely love. Some of the substitutes on this list include Edam Cheese, Havarti Cheese, and even Cheddar Cheese! 

5 Best Substitutes For Pepper Jack Cheese

Each of these substitutes works fantastically well when you can’t get hold of the real thing.

The textures and flavors of each of these cheeses are as close as you are going to get to the real thing and they make for fantastic substitutes when Pepper Jack Cheese isn’t available. 

What Does Pepper Jack Cheese Taste Like? 

Pepper Jack Cheese is a type of Monterey Jack Cheese that is usually flavored with spices, especially peppers. It has a bit of a spicy kick to it and it is quite commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. 

You can find lots of different kinds of Pepper Jack Cheeses, with a variety of different peppers. Some of the most popular are made using jalapeño peppers, habanero peppers, or cayenne pepper.

The flavor of this cheese is going to vary depending on the milk that is used to make it as well, so no two Pepper Jack Cheeses taste the same! 

Nutritional Value Of Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack Cheese Substitutes

1. Edam Cheese

Edam cheese is a type of semi-hard cheese that is originally from the Netherlands. It has quite a mild, salty flavor and it is typically made using cow’s milk. 

While it is a bit different in taste than Pepper Jack Cheese, it has a place on this list because it is incredibly versatile, and can be used in so many different dishes.

Because it has a mild taste, it won’t overpower your dish, and it’s perfect if you just want to emulate the texture and consistency of Pepper Jack. 

In this day and age, Edam is produced in lots of other countries besides the Netherlands, so you should have no issues in finding some at your local grocery store if you choose to use it! 

2. Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere Cheese is a kind of Swiss cheese that is named after the town of Gruyeres. It is a type of hard, yellow cheese that has quite a nutty flavor. 

It is most commonly used to make fondue, but it’s also fantastic for grating over pasta and salads. The only issue you may have in finding this cheese is that it’s not as easy to find outside of Switzerland. 

You may find some specialist delicatessens that sell Gruyere Cheese, but this one is definitely one of the more difficult substitutes to find on this list. 

3. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar Cheese is one of the most popular and well-known cheeses in the whole world. It originates from the English Village of Cheddar in Somerset. 

It is a kind of semi-hard, white or orange-colored cheese that is incredibly versatile and it can be used in many different kinds of dishes. You can also get both mild and extra-mature versions of the cheese, depending on your strength preference. 

Cheddar Cheese is sharp and tangy in flavor usually and it is also quite crumbly. It is a wonderful substitute to use, especially if you want a cheese that is a bit stronger in taste. 

4. Havarti Cheese

Havarti is a type of cheese that comes from Denmark and it is incredibly versatile, being perfect for many different kinds of dishes. 

It has a semi-soft texture and it is nutty in taste, but overall not too tangy, which makes it perfect to use in dishes where you don’t want the cheese to overpower the other ingredients. 

Havarti has become quite a popular cheese outside of Denmark, so you should have no issues finding some in your local grocery store. It goes especially well with crackers and bread, but because it is so versatile, you can pair it with practically anything else too. 

Havarti Cheese also melts incredibly well, which is one of the main reasons why it is such a fantastic substitute for Pepper Jack Cheese. 

5. Gouda Cheese

Gouda Cheese is another type of cheese that comes from the Netherlands. It is named after the city of Gouda, which can be found in the Southern region of the country. 

It has a smooth and creamy texture and it is usually yellowish-orange in color. Most Gouda Cheese is made using cow’s milk, but there are some variations that are made with goat’s milk instead. 

It is quite mild in taste but also a little sweet, which is perfect for anyone who wants to make a dish with a slightly different flavor profile. 

Popular Dishes That Call For Pepper Jack Cheese

1. Baked Taco Dip

Pepper Jack Cheese is especially popular for nachos and taco dishes, so it only makes sense to have your own taco dip recipe on standby! Tangy and delicious, you won’t be able to get enough of this recipe. 

2. Cheesy Jalapeno Cream Cheese Tots

These Jalapeno cream cheese tots are perfect for anyone who wants the perfect balance of creamy cheese and spicy!

3. Sausage Cheese Bites

These sausage cheese bites are perfect for those days when you want something meaty and cheesy, and they are also keto as well! 

Conclusion

So there you have it! 5 of the best substitutes for Pepper Jack Cheese. Each of these substitutes will work fantastically well in the place of the real thing. 

If you ever need to make a recipe that includes Pepper Jack Cheese but you don’t have any, each of these substitutes will work perfectly in its place. 

You may need to experiment with the amounts of each cheese you use, but once you find your sweet spot, you will absolutely love the results!