If you love cheesy snacks with a little kick, these Jalapeño Cheese Squares are about to become your new favorite. They’re crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with just the right amount of spice. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy and delicious – A melty, rich texture with bold flavor.
Spicy kick – Just enough heat from fresh jalapeños.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
Great for gatherings – A perfect snack or appetizer for any event.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

Jalapeños, finely chopped
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Milk
Butter
Garlic powder

Full list of ingredients and exact measurements are below.

Directions

1. Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and garlic powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

3. Add the Cheese and Jalapeños

Fold in the shredded cheeses and chopped jalapeños, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

4. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the middle.

5. Cool and Slice

Let the cheese squares cool for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized squares.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy warm or at room temperature with your favorite dipping sauce.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Remove seeds for less heat – If you want a milder version, take out the jalapeño seeds.
Use high-quality cheese – Better cheese melts better and enhances the flavor.
Let it cool slightly – This makes slicing easier and keeps the texture intact.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap jalapeños for diced green chilies for a milder option.
Try adding cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for even more spice.
Gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These cheese squares pair perfectly with sour cream, ranch dressing, or a smoky chipotle mayo. Serve them alongside a crisp salad or a bowl of warm tomato soup for a comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or use an air fryer to restore crispiness.
Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat straight from frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.

2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture.

3. Are these very spicy?

They have a mild to moderate heat level. Remove the seeds for a milder version.

4. Can I make these in a muffin tin?

Absolutely! Just divide the batter into greased muffin cups and adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Cheese Squares are the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and spicy heat. Whether you’re making them for a party, snack, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dip and watch them disappear!

Jalapeño Cheese Squares

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Indulge in these Jalapeño Cheese Squares, a delightful blend of spicy jalapeños and rich cheeses, perfect as an appetizer or snack. This easy-to-make recipe combines sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with the kick of jalapeños, all baked to golden perfection.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups (16 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups (16 oz) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon minced onion

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Batter:
- In a food processor, blend the eggs until light and frothy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, minced onion, and chopped jalapeños to the processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Bake:
- Pour the mixture into an ungreased 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Serve:
- Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Cut into squares and serve warm.

Notes

Adjusting Spice Level: For a milder flavor, use canned jalapeños or reduce the amount of fresh jalapeños.
Variations: Consider adding crumbled bacon or a layer of cream cheese for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions: These squares pair well with sour cream or a tangy salsa on the side.