Introduction

These Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares offer a delightful spicy kick combined with creamy, melty cheeses. Perfect as an appetizer or a savory snack, they bring bold flavors to any gathering with ease.

A close-up view of several square slices of cheesy garlic bread stacked on a white plate. Each slice has a golden-brown crust at the bottom, a thick melted cheese layer on top with small browned spots, and green bits of herbs scattered unevenly throughout the cheese. The texture of the cheese looks soft and gooey with some bubbling, and the crust appears crisp and lightly browned. The background shows a blurred white marbled texture. 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, 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 mixture over the cheese mixture. Stir well to create a thick but spreadable batter.
Step 4: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in the mixture, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow to cool for 10 minutes to firm up before slicing into squares.
Step 7: Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or snack and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a few fresh diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
Substitute bacon with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
Try mixing in some chopped green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added flavor complexity.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Storage

Store leftover cheese squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly until hot. These squares are best enjoyed fresh but maintain their texture well when reheated.

How to Serve

A stack of seven square pieces of cheesy bread sits on a white plate with a green, red, and brown checkered pattern. Each piece shows three layers: a golden brown, slightly crispy cheese layer on top with melted spots and browned edges, scattered with small green jalapeño slices; a smooth, pale yellow melted cheese layer beneath; and a thin, light brown crust at the bottom. The pieces are arranged casually with some overlapping each other, and the background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheese squares ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before placing in the oven.

Can I freeze the jalapeño cheese squares?

They can be frozen after baking. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares for a Spicy Treat Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 98 reviews

These Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares combine sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy pickled jalapeños into a creamy, baked treat. Perfect as a spicy appetizer or snack, they’re baked to golden perfection with a rich, cheesy flavor and a hint of heat.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 12–16 squares 1x
Category: Appetizer
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.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for a strong cheese flavor and Monterey Jack for creaminess and meltability.
Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños to your desired spice level.
Allow the squares to cool slightly before cutting to achieve clean slices.
These squares can be reheated in the oven or microwave but are best served fresh.
Make sure the baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking.

Keywords: jalapeño cheese squares, spicy cheese squares, baked cheese appetizer, cheddar cheese snack, jalapeño appetizer