jack cheese

A semisoft cheese with a buttery-ivory color and a mild flavor similar to American muenster. Named after its creator, David Jacks, a cheesemaker near Monterey, California. Jack cheese is made from pasteurized whole, partly skimmed or skimmed cow's milk. Unaged jack is ripened for a week, has high moisture and good melting properties making it good for sandwiches and cooked dishes. Some versions include jalapeno chile, garlic and dill. Aged (dry) jack is a pale yellow color with a firm texture and a rich, sharp, slightly nutty flavor. Aged jack is often used as a grating cheese and can be found in specialty cheese shops.

Ethnicity: American Ingredient

Season: available year-round

Substitutions: muenster, gouda, bel paese, samsoe