I’m not a cheese maker, but I consider myself a dedicated lover of good cheese. give me one Aged Cheddar Or a creamy ball of burrata, and I’m in heaven. So when I saw Old World Quality Foods jalapeño processed cheese (a mouthful of a name!) at the Dollar Tree, I initially passed it by.
Processed cheese is not something I usually eat, except for the occasional slice of American cheese on a burger. But in the name of culinary research, I doubled down the aisle and tossed one into my basket, fully expecting it to be written off as a well-intentioned mistake.
Guys, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Not only did I go back for four more blocks, but I’m here to tell you that this $1.25 find might be the most amazingly delicious thing I’ve discovered all year. It’s creamy, wonderfully spicy, and exceptionally versatile.
Old World Jalapeño Shelf Stable Cheese
- Price: $1.25 for 2 oz
- Why I love it: This amazingly delicious cheese melts well and is shelf stable, a boon for those who are always playing Refrigerator Tetris.
Why I Love Dollar Tree’s Jalapeño Cheese
The texture of this cheese is incredibly smooth and creamy, without any of the waxy quality I see with American cheeses. The jalapeño flavor hits just right. There’s just enough heat to keep things interesting but not so much that it overpowers whatever you’re making with it. It also melts well when grated and added to the sauce.
And, as a point you’ll either love or hate, it’s also shelf stable! I have to admit, even as a food writer, I’ve never seen a shelf-stable cheese before except for products like Shelfways, which I don’t understand. real Cheese So, I was surprised to see it sold literally (unrefrigerated) on the shelf. It initially gave me the ick, but after tasting it, I decided I could ignore that fact, and now I see the benefits of buying it.
I have a small fridge and often play Refrigerator Tetris to get groceries in and out. I appreciate that I can keep a few blocks of this cheese in my pantry and count on the same taste and quality. The only drawback is that it comes in a small, two-ounce package. But the price and taste are more than that. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, a plain cheddar version is also available. But in my opinion, the jalapeño blend is where the magic happens.
How do I use Dollar Tree jalapeño cheese?
I’ve mostly just been enjoying the chunks of this cheese, but I added some to the cheese sauce that I drizzled on. Steamed Broccoli And Roasted Cabbage. That said, I’m sure it will be a great addition to many more dishes. Already on my list to try? Turning it creamy QuestionI am adding something. Mac and cheese For a fiery upgrade, try quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers (or Cheeseburger Casserole or Soup!) for a stronger flavor, adding it to stuffed vegetables for extra creaminess and heat, and as a zippy topping for nachos. A little goes a long way!
Despite its low-brow appeal, I’d also use it on a cheese board. This is great! For only five quarters, it’s a fun, versatile find and a welcome addition to my pantry. I think you will find the same.
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