Dinner

Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares for a Spicy Treat Recipe

BySarah Summers November 9, 2025November 9, 2025

Introduction

Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares are a delightful treat combining rich, melty cheese and a spicy kick from pickled jalapeños. This easy-to-make snack is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a savory bite any time.

A stack of small, square cheesy bread pieces is displayed on a white plate with a black and white checkered paper underneath. Each piece has a thick golden-brown crust at the bottom, with a fluffy and soft white dough layer above it. The top layer is covered with melted cheese that has browned spots, giving a bubbly and slightly crispy texture, and there are green jalapeño slices scattered evenly within the cheese. The bread pieces are stacked unevenly, showing the different layers clearly. The background is a soft 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 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 and stir well to combine into a thick but spreadable mixture.
Step 4: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in the cheesy mixture, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes to firm up, then slice into squares.
Step 7: Serve warm as an appetizer, side dish, or savory snack and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the cheese mixture.
Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level.
Try substituting smoked bacon for a deeper smoky flavor.
Serve with dips like salsa, guacamole, or ranch for added flavor.
Use gluten-free flour if you prefer a gluten-free version.

Storage

Store leftover jalapeño cheese squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, reheat in the oven to keep the edges crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of six square focaccia pieces on a white plate with a checked black-and-white pattern. Each focaccia piece has two visible layers; the bottom layer is a light brown, slightly fluffy bread with a soft texture, and the top layer is golden-yellow melted cheese dotted with green herbs that look like basil or spinach, giving a slightly shiny and bubbly appearance with some browned spots. The background is a white marbled texture, and the focaccia squares are piled unevenly, showing their thickness clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these squares ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it before baking, or bake in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I freeze jalapeño cheese squares?

Yes, you can freeze baked squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares for a Spicy Treat Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 12–16 squares 1x

Description

Simple Jalapeño Cheese Squares are a deliciously spicy and cheesy snack perfect for any occasion. Combining sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with smoky bacon and pickled jalapeños, these squares are baked to golden perfection for a creamy, flavorful treat that balances bold heat with rich cheese.

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 and Monterey Jack for optimal flavor and meltability.
Pickled jalapeños add brightness and a tangy heat—adjust quantity to taste.
Letting the squares cool before slicing helps keep their shape.
Serve with dips like salsa, guacamole, or ranch dressing for extra flavor.
For a crispier crust, breadcrumbs can be sprinkled on top before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeño cheese squares, cheesy snacks, spicy appetizers, baked cheese squares, game day snacks

Sarah Summers

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