Name: Irresistible Jalapeño Cheese Squares Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491715H30M55S
Total time: PT-491715H30M55S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded; 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded; 1 cup Crumbled Bacon (omit for vegetarian option); 1/2 cup Pickled Jalapeños, diced; 1 cup All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour; 1 cup Evaporated Milk or regular milk; 3 large Eggs or flax egg for vegan option

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Introduction

These Jalapeño Cheese Squares are a perfect blend of spicy and cheesy flavors, ideal for your next gathering. Crispy on the edges and tender inside, they make a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to prepare and serve warm.

A stack of seven pieces of square focaccia bread is shown on a white plate, each piece having a golden-brown crust base layer with a rough, slightly crumbly texture, topped by a thick, soft layer of melted yellow cheese with small white patches, and a dark green basil leaf placed on top of each piece. The cheese layer has a slightly glossy, melted look with a few browned spots, and the bread squares are stacked unevenly, giving the image depth. The background features blurred green leaves with a white marbled textured surface visible under the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup crumbled bacon (omit for vegetarian option)
1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, diced
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 cup evaporated milk (or regular milk)
3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced pickled jalapeños. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, all-purpose flour, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Pour the wet mixture over the cheese and jalapeño mixture. Stir gently until a thick batter forms and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the batter across the dish.
Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm, optionally with salsa, guacamole, or ranch dressing.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
To make it vegan, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms, use flax eggs, and replace cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives.
Ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

Storage

Store leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly until heated through. These squares also freeze well for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A stack of square cheesy bread slices arranged on a white plate, each slice showing two clear layers; the bottom layer is a light brown, thin crust while the top layer is thick and golden-yellow with melted cheese, topped with a few green basil leaves scattered across the surface, giving a fresh touch. The cheese looks bubbly and slightly browned in spots, creating a textured and inviting appearance on each slice. The background features a white marbled texture with a blurred green plant in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?

Yes, fresh jalapeños can be used for a fresher heat, but pickled jalapeños add a tangy flavor that complements the cheese nicely. Adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the cheeses with dairy-free vegan cheeses, use plant-based milk instead of evaporated milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs to make the recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly.