Description

These Irresistible Jalapeño Cheese Squares combine sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with spicy pickled jalapeños and crispy bacon for a savory, flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a cheesy, slightly spicy treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Toppings

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)

Batter

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)

Instructions

Combine Cheese and Toppings: In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced pickled jalapeños until they are evenly distributed, ensuring each bite will have a balanced flavor.
Prepare Batter: In another bowl, whisk the evaporated milk, all-purpose flour, and eggs together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, forming a creamy batter.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the batter over the cheese mixture and stir it thoroughly until a thick, cohesive batter forms, making sure all ingredients are combined well.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then pour the batter evenly into the dish and spread it to cover the entire surface.
Bake: Place the dish into a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes. Bake until the cheese squares turn golden brown on top and the mixture is bubbly and set in the center.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly. Cut into squares and serve warm, perfect as a spicy, cheesy appetizer or party snack.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon.
To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based cheese alternatives, and a non-dairy evaporated milk substitute.
You can use gluten-free flour to accommodate gluten-free diets.
Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeño cheese squares, appetizer, party snack, baked cheese, spicy cheese squares, jalapeños, bacon cheese squares