Velveeta Pepper Jack tops a chili corn chip casserole.
One of Kraft Foods' most popular items, original Velveeta cheese blend has been sold nationally since 1928. Pepper Jack Velveeta is a new twist on this familiar food. Velveeta's name comes from the word "velvet" and associates the fabric's smooth, rich texture with that of the cheese product. The predominant cheeses in original Velveeta are Swiss, Cheddar and Colby; Pepper Jack Velveeta adds a fourth cheese to the mix with Monterey Jack.
Nachos and Dips
Whey protein, milk protein and alginate give Velveeta its characteristic smoothness and make it melt easily. Velveeta Pepper Jack shares the original cheese product's smoothness, but spikes the mild flavor with jalapeno peppers and a dash of vinegar. As Pepper Jack already contains the peppers that usually go with nachos, cooks can skip the step of adding them to a nacho sauce or Mexican-style queso dip. Mix 1 lb. of Velveeta Pepper Jack and a can of diced tomatoes, then microwave until the cheese melts for a simple queso dip or nacho topping.
Hamburgers
Hamburgers are always near the top of the list of most popular American foods. Adding a layer of cheese to this favorite enhances the appeal. Top a hamburger with a slice of Velveeta Pepper Jack and thinly sliced avocados to make a cheeseburger with a Southwestern flavor. Combine shredded Velveeta Pepper Jack with chili on a burger for a chili cheeseburger. Pepper Jack also works on vegetable patties to punch up the flavor of a veggie burger.
Macaroni and Cheese
Use Velveeta's Pepper Jack cheese to add another dimension to traditional macaroni and cheese. Velveeta makes a smooth sauce that lends itself equally well to baked macaroni or stove-top preparations. Melt 1/2 lb. of Velveeta Pepper Jack in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add 1 tbsp. of butter, 1/2 cup of milk and 2 tbsp. of flour to make a cheese sauce. Stir in 2 cups of cooked macaroni. Either serve the dish as is or place it in a casserole and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese browns.
Vegetables
Each 1 oz. serving of Velveeta Pepper Jack cheese blend provides 100 mg of calcium and 80 calories. Pour melted Velveeta over a cup of steamed broccoli for a small meal or substantial side dish for under 150 calories. Pepper Jack Velveeta also goes with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and green peas. Stuff mild banana peppers with the spicy cheese blend and roast or grill the peppers until their skins brown for a lower-calorie version of chiles rellenos.
Casseroles and One-Pot Meals
Skillet meals and casseroles combine vegetables, protein and starch in a single dish. Velveeta Pepper Jack adds flavor to one-pot meals. Shred it on top of a meaty chili or mix it with pasta and ground beef for a one-pot dish that's ready in minutes. Thicken cream-based soups with a few cubes of Velveeta; the whey protein in the cheese blend imparts a smooth texture.
Tags: Pepper Jack, Velveeta Pepper, Velveeta Pepper Jack, cheese blend, Jack Velveeta, Pepper Jack Velveeta, cheese product
