Named for the coastal California city, Monterey Jack cheese was first created by Franciscan friars in Monterey, CA, in the 1800s. Like cheddar, the cow's milk cheese is incredibly versatile. The most common kind is unaged, although aged or dry jacks are becoming more popular. The semisoft cheese has a mild flavor and good melting properties. Aged jack cheese is firmer and good for grating with a sharper flavor.
Jack cheese is often used in Tex-Mex cuisine, to see how I made these easy but tasty quesadillas that are perfect for Cinco de Mayo, read more
