Description

These Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares are a delicious and spicy treat featuring a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses combined with smoky bacon and tangy pickled jalapeños. Baked to a golden perfection, these squares offer a perfect balance of creamy cheese and fiery heat, making them an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese & Flavor Base

16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
16 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
½ cup crumbled bacon
½ cup pickled jalapeños, diced

Wet Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour
15 oz evaporated milk
2 eggs

Instructions

Combine the Cheeses, Bacon, and Jalapeños: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, crumbled bacon, and diced pickled jalapeños. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, flour, and eggs until smooth and free of lumps. This will form a creamy base for your cheesy squares.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients over the cheese mixture. Stir well to combine, making sure everything is incorporated into a thick but spreadable mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the cheesy mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the center should bubble up. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes to firm up. Once cooled, slice it into squares, and get ready for the cheesy goodness!
Serve Immediately: Serve these warm, cheesy squares right away. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a savory snack to share. Watch them disappear in no time!

Notes

You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños according to your spice preference.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
Serve with dips like salsa, guacamole, or ranch to complement the spicy flavors.
These squares can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
Make sure not to overbake to keep the squares moist and creamy inside.

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

Keywords: jalapeño cheese squares, spicy appetizer, baked cheese squares, jalapeño snack, bacon cheese bites