Name: Jalapeno Mexican Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490154H37M38S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs Cheddar cheese (mild or medium), grated; 2 lbs Monterrey Jack cheese, grated; 7 whole eggs, beaten; 7 oz cream or evaporated milk (just over 3/4 cup); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1 jar (12 oz) pickled, sliced jalapenos, drained

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Introduction

Jalapeno Mexican Fudge is a savory cheese casserole bursting with mild heat and creamy texture. It combines sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with spicy pickled jalapenos for a unique dish that’s perfect as a snack or side. Simple to make and delightfully flavorful, this recipe brings a taste of Mexico to your table.

The image shows six square pieces of a dense, golden-yellow baked dish arranged in two stacked rows of three on a long white plate. Each piece has a slightly shiny, caramelized top layer with a smooth, moist texture. The middle layer appears to have a few greenish bits, suggesting some herbs or vegetables inside. The edges are clean and straight, showing a firm but soft consistency, and the white marbled surface underneath provides a clean, bright contrast to the warm colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs mild or medium Cheddar cheese, grated
2 lbs Monterey Jack cheese, grated
7 whole eggs, beaten
7 oz cream or evaporated milk (just over 3/4 cup)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 jar (12 oz) pickled, sliced jalapenos, drained

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Spread the drained sliced jalapenos evenly across the bottom of the pan in a single layer. If you prefer less heat, use fewer jalapenos or chop them finely.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with the beaten eggs, cream or evaporated milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Using your hands can help mix the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Pour the cheese mixture over the jalapenos in the pan and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
Step 6: Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting. For cleaner slices, let it cool completely.
Step 7: For a smaller 9×9-inch pan: Use 1 lb each of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, 3 eggs beaten, 6 tablespoons of cream or evaporated milk, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon onion powder. Prepare the pan the same way with half a jar of jalapenos and bake for 25 to 35 minutes.

Tips & Variations

Test the heat level of your jalapenos before adding; remove some seeds or use fewer if you prefer milder heat.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the cheese mixture.
Serve warm with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and burritos.

Storage

Store leftover Jalapeno Mexican Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Cooling completely before storage helps maintain its texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a small square piece of food with three visible layers: a light golden brown top layer with a slightly crispy texture, a thick middle layer that is soft and spongy with a pale yellow-orange color, and a thin green bottom layer that looks like a leaf or wrap. In the blurred background, several pieces of the same food rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of pickled?

Yes, fresh jalapenos can be used but they will provide a different flavor and typically more heat. You might want to roast or sauté them first to mellow their sharpness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe contains no gluten ingredients and is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.