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These cheese squares with jalapeños bring a spicy, smoky, and cheesy mix that's perfect for chilled hangouts or a simple snack that feels fancy without the hassle. They turn golden brown and rich with just the right jalapeño punch and smoky bacon flavor.
I threw this together last minute for a weekend get-together and now it’s a hit that vanishes fast every time.
What You Need
- Crumbled bacon: crispy bits add smoky texture, cook until nice and crisp then drain off the grease
- Sharp cheddar cheese: shredded for a bold tang make sure to pick a fresh block that melts well
- Pickled jalapeños: chopped-up for a bright and spicy pop, choose ones with good color and tang
- All-purpose flour: helps hold everything together gently without changing the feel
- Evaporated milk: makes the base smooth and creamy, whole milk version works best for richness
- Monterey Jack cheese: shredded for mild, smooth creaminess that softens the spice
- Eggs: keep everything firm and stick together, fresh ones work best
How-To
- Mix cheeses and bacon first
- Grab a big bowl and toss together the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, chopped pickled jalapeños, and crispy bacon so every bite has even flavor
- Whisk your wet stuff
- In another bowl stir together the evaporated milk, flour, and eggs till it’s smooth. This creamy mix will hold the squares together nicely
- Bring it all together
- Pour the wet custard mix over the cheese and bacon mix. Stir well to make sure nothing’s dry and it's all coated evenly
- Get your pan ready
- Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish well so nothing sticks. Pour your combined mixture in and spread it out evenly smoothing the top
- Bake till golden
- Pop it in a 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes. It should look lovely golden on top. Stick a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re set
- Let it cool down
- Give it about 10 minutes to firm up so you can slice cleanly without crumbling
- Serve warm
- Cut into 12 squares and enjoy them while still warm for that melty cheese with smoky and spicy flavors shining through
What I love most is the crispy bacon crumbles throughout each square. It adds such a nice texture. These always vanish first at family holidays thanks to their spicy cheesy kick.
Storing Tips
Keep leftover squares in a sealed container in the fridge. They last up to three days. When reheating, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven to keep crispy edges. Skip the microwave if you want them at their best.
Substitution Ideas
Want less heat? Switch out the pickled jalapeños for mild banana peppers or roasted green chilies. Swap bacon with cooked crumbled sausage for a different smoky flavor. You can use whole milk instead of evaporated milk in a pinch, but evaporated milk makes the custard richer.
Serving Suggestions
Try these squares with a fresh salad or next to sliced avocado and tomato for a fuller bite or light meal. They also go great with creamy dips like ranch or sour cream mixed with cilantro and lime for a bright twist.
Seasonal Flavors
Add chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh pop, especially in warmer months. For cooler seasons, stir in roasted sweet corn or caramelized onions for a sweet touch that blends with the smoky spicy taste. Use fresh diced jalapeños instead of pickled ones if you want more heat and crunch.
This combines spicy heat with smoky richness in a creamy cheesy square you can enjoy any time. It’s best served warm to get that perfect combination of flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Can I tone down how spicy these bites are?
Absolutely, just use less pickled jalapeños or switch to milder peppers to lower the heat without losing the flavor.
- → Which cheeses go best here?
Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack work great for that creamy and sharp combo. You can also try other meltable cheeses to mix things up.
- → How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Keep them sealed in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up gently to keep them creamy and avoid drying out.
- → Can I get the mix ready before baking?
Sure, you can mix everything and chill it for a bit before baking. Freshly shredded cheese still makes it taste best.
- → What size pan should I bake this in?
A 9x13-inch pan is just right to spread out the batter evenly and bake everything perfectly.