Introduction

Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares are a deliciously cheesy and spicy snack perfect for any occasion. Combining sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and spicy jalapeños, these squares are creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. They’re great as appetizers, sides, or savory snacks to share with friends and family.

A stack of eight square slices of cheesy flatbread is arranged on a white plate with a colorful green, red, and white checkered pattern. Each slice has two visible layers: a golden-brown, thin, slightly crispy base and a thick, bubbly, melted cheese layer on top with browned spots and green jalapeño slices scattered throughout. The cheese layer looks gooey and soft with a few browned, crispy edges. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred green background behind it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
16 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
½ cup crumbled bacon
½ cup pickled jalapeños, diced
½ cup all-purpose flour
15 oz evaporated milk
2 eggs

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, crumbled bacon, and diced pickled jalapeños. Stir until evenly distributed.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, flour, and eggs until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients over the cheese mixture. Stir well to combine into a thick but spreadable mixture.
Step 4: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the cheesy mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center bubbles. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Step 6: Let cool for about 10 minutes to firm up, then slice into squares.
Step 7: Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or savory snack.

Tips & Variations

For milder heat, reduce the jalapeños or use milder peppers like banana peppers instead.
Add a handful of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh flavor boost.
Try substituting Monterey Jack with mozzarella for a different melt and texture.
For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Storage

Store leftover jalapeño cheese squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, consume soon after reheating.

How to Serve

A stack of rectangular pizza slices is arranged closely on a white plate with red, green, and brown stripes. Each slice has two main layers: a bottom brown crust that looks firm and a top layer of melted golden cheese with slightly browned spots and scattered pieces of green olives embedded in it. The cheese layer looks thick and bubbly, with a shiny, crisp texture. The background is blurred with a white marbled texture visible beneath the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these jalapeño cheese squares ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

Can I freeze jalapeño cheese squares?

Yes, after baking and cooling, wrap the squares tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

These Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares are a deliciously spicy and cheesy treat that combines sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with crispy bacon and tangy pickled jalapeños. Baked to a golden perfection, these squares offer a perfect balance of creamy richness and bold heat, ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for any occasion.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12–16 squares 1x
Category: Lunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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

For extra crispiness, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level.
Use freshly cooked and crumbled bacon for best texture.
Let the squares cool slightly before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
Can be served warm or at room temperature.

Keywords: jalapeño cheese squares, spicy cheese snack, baked cheese appetizer, cheddar cheese recipe, Monterey Jack cheese squares, bacon cheese snacks, easy spicy appetizer