Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors

Cocktails: Margarita, Moscow Mule, Spicy Bloody Mary, Mezcal Old Fashioned
~ A classic Margarita’s bright, tangy flavors and citrus notes help balance the cheese’s spiciness.
~ The spicy kick of ginger beer in a Moscow Mule helps develop the smoky and spicy notes in the cheese.
~ A spicy Bloody Mary can be a fun and adventurous choice.
~ A twist on a traditional Old Fashioned using Mezcal instead of whiskey enhances the cheese’s smoky notes for a rich and satisfying pairing.

Wine: Zinfandel, Syrah, Malbec, Riesling, Rosé
~ Zinfandel’s bold and fruity character complements the cheese’s smokiness and spice.
~ A medium to full-bodied Syrah’s peppery and spicy notes harmonize with the cheese’s chipotle pepper notes.
~ A fruit-forward Malbec’s plummy and spicy characteristics mingle with the cheese’s smoky elements while offering a pleasant contrast.
~ A slightly dry or semi-sweet Riesling with fruity and floral notes contrasts with the cheese’s spice and smokiness.
~ A dry or slightly off-dry rosé offers a unique palate experience, providing a refreshing and well-balanced combination.

Beer: Smoked Porter, Amber Ale, IPA, Brown Ale, or Mexican Lager
~ A Smoked Porter, due to its roasted malt and smoky notes, complements the cheese to create a harmonious pairing.
~ The malt-forward profile of an Amber Ale balances the cheese’s spiciness and provides a pleasant and slightly sweet contrast.
~ A hoppy IPA with citrus and bitter characteristics allows the cheese’s spiciness to shine.
~ The nutty caramel flavors of a Brown Ale perfectly contrast with the cheese’s smoky and spicy qualities, while a Mexican lager presents a refreshing companion to the cheese’s smoky spiciness.

Accompaniments: bread, crackers, fruit, olives, pickled vegetables, guacamole, salsa, nuts, honey, honeycomb
~ Crackers or crusty bread provides a neutral base for the cheese’s flavors.
~ Fresh fruit offers a sweet and juicy contrast, while dried fruit such as apricots, figs, or cherries add a chewy element.
~ Almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to complement the cheese’s creamy texture.
~ Olives like green or Kalamata bring a briny and savory note; pickled vegetables like jalapenos or pickles offer a zesty and spicy contrast, while guacamole or salsa enhances the chipotle peppers in the cheese.
~ Honey or honeycomb brings a touch of natural sweetness and balances the spiciness.

Suggested uses:

To add an intriguing savory cheese to any cheese board

Incorporate into quesadillas, tacos, burritos, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast foods for a smoky kick and creamy texture.