Pepper Jack Cheese That’s Creamy, Spicy and Irresistible

Name: Pepper Jack Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-486083H17M49S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¾ cups water; ¾ cup raw cashews; 4 tbsp tapioca starch; 3 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1½ tbsp kappa carrageenan; 1½ tsp salt; ½ tsp onion powder; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; ⅓ cup chopped pickled jalapeños

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Table of Contents

Welcome to Recipes2Gather, where bold flavors meet easy recipes! Today, we’re diving into something with a little heat and a whole lot of flavor—pepper jack cheese. Whether you’re snacking, slicing, or melting it onto a sandwich, this zesty, creamy cheese always adds that little extra spark to your dish.

But here’s the twist—we’re making it from scratch with a plant-based spin! This homemade vegan pepper jack cheese is rich, creamy, and speckled with jalapeños and red pepper flakes to give you that signature kick. Plus, you won’t need any special aging tools or hard-to-find ingredients. All you need is a blender, a pot, and a bit of room in the fridge.

And don’t worry—if this is your first time trying a homemade cheese alternative, I’ve got you. It’s an easy process, and the end result is way better than you’d expect. If you’re into bold cheeses, be sure to also check out our gorgonzola cheese pasta secrets or get inspired by colby cheese’s magic in everyday meals.

Key Benefits

Making your own pepper jack cheese at home has a lot of tasty advantages—especially when it’s dairy-free and full of real ingredients. Here’s why you might want to give this homemade version a try:

Dairy-Free Deliciousness: Whether you’re vegan or lactose-sensitive, this recipe lets you enjoy all the creamy, spicy goodness without the dairy.
Custom Heat Levels: Love it fiery or just a little warm? You’re in control with the amount of red pepper flakes and jalapeños.
Meltable & Sliceable: Thanks to kappa carrageenan and tapioca starch, this cheese firms up enough to slice but still melts beautifully on burgers, nachos, or grilled cheese.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need can be found at a natural foods store or even your local supermarket—no mystery chemicals here.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a block or two ahead of time, refrigerate, and you’ve got a flavorful addition ready for snacks, sandwiches, or casseroles.

This recipe pairs perfectly with meals that bring balance to its boldness—like a creamy cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip or a mild Wisconsin cheese soup.

Ingredients for Pepper Jack Cheese

You won’t believe how easy it is to gather the ingredients for this rich and spicy cheese. Here’s everything you need for a smooth and flavorful homemade block:

1¾ cups water – this is what gets everything moving smoothly in the blender
¾ cup raw cashews – soaked if needed for smoother blending
4 tablespoons tapioca starch – makes the cheese gooey and gives it that nice stretchy feel when it melts.
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast – brings that rich, savory cheesiness without the dairy
1 tablespoon lemon juice – adds a little zing to balance out the richness.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – adds tang and balance
1½ tablespoons of kappa carrageenan – this is what helps your cheese hold its shape.
1½ teaspoons salt – for seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder – adds a little extra flavor and a rich, savory kick.
1 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes – adds a spicy kick to the mix.
⅓ cup pickled jalapeño slices, chopped – for that classic pepper jack kick

If you’re a fan of flavorful cheeses, this also makes a great addition to dishes like our tini mac and cheese or as a twist in a classic macaroni salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pepper Jack Cheese

Making this cheese is a simple, one-pan process that anyone can tackle. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-step vegan pepper jack cheese making

Blend the Base: Start by tossing the water, cashews, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and onion powder into a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Add Kappa Carrageenan: Sprinkle in the carrageenan and blend for 10 more seconds until fully mixed.
Spice It Up: Add the chopped jalapeños and red pepper flakes. Blend on low for a few seconds—just enough to break them up without fully pureeing.
Time to cook: Pour everything into a medium saucepan and get ready to stir. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. At first, it might look a bit lumpy, but then it smooths out and turns shiny as it cooks.
Check the Texture: When the mixture pulls away from the sides and holds together, it’s ready to mold.
Mold It: Pour into glass containers or loaf pans (I like using two small glass bowls). Give it some time to firm up on the counter before popping it in the fridge.
Chill and Set: After 30 minutes at room temp, cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until fully firm.

Once it’s set, it’s ready to slice, melt, or enjoy straight from the fridge!

Pro Tips and Variations for Pepper Jack Cheese

This recipe is delicious as-is, but here are some ways to make it your own or troubleshoot like a pro:

Can’t Find Carrageenan? Try agar agar powder, though the texture will be more brittle than smooth.
Add Herbs: Stir in some chopped cilantro or green onions before molding for a Southwest-style twist.
Go Milder: Reduce the jalapeños or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Make It Smoky: A touch of smoked paprika adds a lovely depth and goes great on sandwiches or crackers.
Use a Silicone Mold: Makes it easier to release the cheese without sticking.
Texture Too Soft? Let it cook a bit longer on the stove to reduce more moisture.

For more kitchen creativity, try pairing this cheese with our pepperoni recipe ideas or cheese cracker snacks.

Serving Suggestions for Pepper Jack Cheese

This cheese is a real all-rounder. Let’s check out a few delicious ways to dig into this cheese:

Try it in a grilled cheese—it melts like a dream and adds just the right amount of heat.
Taco Topper: Cube or shred it over tacos, nachos, or enchiladas for heat and creaminess.
Cheese Board Favorite: Pair with olives, pickles, and sweet fig jam for a bold board.
Snack Cubes: Cut into small cubes for a high-protein snack on-the-go or add to a lunchbox.
Pasta Add-In: Melt a few slices into hot noodles for a simple spicy mac and cheese.

Add a couple of slices to your next cheeseburger bowl or melt it into our smoked mac and cheese for a boost of flavor.

Trasted Ressources Related to Pepper Jack Cheese

Serious Eats dives deep into how to make vegan cheeses that slice and melt.
Bon Appétit shares tips for building the perfect homemade vegan cheese board.

Conclusion

This homemade pepper jack cheese is everything you love—creamy, spicy, and satisfying—with none of the dairy. Whether you’re a plant-based eater or just curious about trying something new, this recipe is a must-make.

It’s simple, flavorful, and fun to customize. Plus, it gives you a block of cheese that’s perfect for melting, slicing, and snacking. We’re so glad you came along for this spicy, cheesy journey! If you’re hungry for more cheese inspiration, be sure to check out our havarti cheese guide.

FAQs

Can I freeze pepper jack cheese?

Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture may get slightly crumbly. For best results, store in the fridge and enjoy within a week.

Is it spicy?

It has a nice kick from the jalapeños and pepper flakes, but you can always adjust the heat level to your liking.

Does it melt like real cheese?

Yes! Because of the tapioca and carrageenan, this cheese gets nice and melty when it’s warmed up.

Can I use roasted peppers instead of jalapeños?

Absolutely—roasted red peppers add a mild sweetness and great color.

Is it healthy?

It’s made from whole food ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast, making it a good source of healthy fats and plant-based protein.

Pepper Jack Cheese That’s Creamy, Spicy and Irresistible