Pepper Jack cheese is the perfect fusion of creamy, melty goodness and just the right amount of spice.
Infused with jalapeños, chili peppers, and sometimes even habaneros, it adds a bold, zesty twist to everything from sandwiches to nachos and burgers.
Whether melted over a dish or enjoyed on its own, it delivers a smooth texture with a spicy punch.
But what happens when you run out of Pepper Jack or need a milder (or even spicier) alternative? The good news is that there are several cheeses that can step in while keeping the heat and meltability intact.
Some substitutes bring a creamy, melty texture, while others offer a different type of spice or smokiness that makes them just as exciting in recipes.
We’ve tested different cheeses in grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos, dips, and pasta bakes to find the best replacements for Pepper Jack.
Whether you need a smooth-melting alternative, a bolder spice level, or even a dairy-free option, these seven substitutes will work perfectly in your dish.
7 Substitutes for Pepper Jack Cheese
Each of these substitutes offers something unique. Some replicate the creaminess and spice, while others allow you to customize the heat level with added peppers.
1. Monterey Jack + Jalapeños
Since Pepper Jack is simply Monterey Jack infused with spicy peppers, the easiest substitute is to create your own by mixing Monterey Jack with fresh or pickled jalapeños.
Why it works: Monterey Jack has the same smooth, creamy texture and meltability as Pepper Jack, making it the best one-to-one replacement. Adding jalapeños (or other peppers) lets you control the spice level.
Best for: Nachos, burgers, mac and cheese, and quesadillas.
How to use: Use Monterey Jack in equal amounts, and stir in diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce for extra heat.
If Monterey Jack isn’t available, check out these other helpful Monterey Jack cheese substitutes.
2. Colby Jack + Chili Flakes
Colby Jack is another semi-soft cheese with a creamy, buttery flavor, and when combined with chili flakes or fresh peppers, it makes an excellent Pepper Jack replacement.
Why it works: Colby Jack melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly tangy taste, similar to Monterey Jack. Adding spice gives it the heat needed to mimic Pepper Jack.
Best for: Cheese dips, tacos, grilled cheese, and baked pasta.
How to use: Replace Pepper Jack with Colby Jack in equal amounts, and mix in chili flakes or finely chopped hot peppers for an extra kick.
If Colby Jack isn’t available, explore these other useful Colby cheese substitutes.
3. Havarti + Crushed Red Pepper
Havarti is a rich, buttery cheese that melts exceptionally well, and when combined with crushed red pepper or fresh chili peppers, it becomes a smooth and slightly spicy alternative to Pepper Jack.
Why it works: Havarti has a creamy, semi-soft texture, making it great for melted applications. It’s naturally mild, so adding spice helps balance it out.
Best for: Sandwiches, grilled cheese, pasta, and burgers.
How to use: Replace Pepper Jack with Havarti in equal portions, and mix in a spicy element like red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
For more melty cheese options, check out these Havarti cheese substitutes.
4. Smoked Gouda + Chipotle Powder
If you love a smoky depth in your cheese, Smoked Gouda with chipotle powder makes an incredible alternative to Pepper Jack. It adds both spice and a rich, smoky complexity that enhances any dish.
Why it works: Smoked Gouda has a semi-soft texture and a natural smokiness, making it ideal for spicy recipes. Chipotle powder gives it a deep, smoky heat.
Best for: Burgers, cheese sauces, mac and cheese, and cheese platters.
How to use: Replace Pepper Jack with Smoked Gouda in equal amounts, and add a dash of chipotle powder or smoked paprika for heat.
5. Cheddar + Jalapeños
If you prefer a sharper, tangier cheese with spice, mild cheddar with jalapeños is a great alternative to Pepper Jack.
Why it works: Mild cheddar melts well and has a slightly stronger flavor than Monterey Jack, making it a good option for those who want a more pronounced cheese taste with spice.
Best for: Cheese sauces, sandwiches, nachos, and burgers.
How to use: Replace Pepper Jack with mild Cheddar in equal amounts, and mix in jalapeños or red pepper flakes to match the spice level.
For more cheddar alternatives, check out these Cheddar cheese substitutes.
6. Oaxaca Cheese + Hot Sauce
Oaxaca cheese is the Mexican equivalent of mozzarella, offering a mild, creamy texture and fantastic stretch. When combined with hot sauce or finely chopped chili peppers, it becomes an excellent Pepper Jack alternative.
Why it works: Oaxaca cheese has a stringy texture similar to mozzarella, making it perfect for melted dishes. Adding spice makes it even better for replacing Pepper Jack.
Best for: Quesadillas, nachos, mac and cheese, and tacos.
How to use: Swap Pepper Jack with Oaxaca cheese in equal portions, and add hot sauce or diced jalapeños for heat.
7. Vegan Spicy Cheese
If you need a non-dairy alternative, several brands offer spicy vegan cheeses that mimic Pepper Jack’s flavor and meltability.
Why it works: Vegan cheese brands like Violife, Daiya, and Follow Your Heart make pepper-infused cheeses that melt well and bring the same mild but spicy balance as Pepper Jack.
Best for: Dairy-free sandwiches, nachos, and pasta dishes.
How to use: Use a vegan Pepper Jack alternative in equal amounts, following package instructions for the best melting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monterey Jack with added jalapeños is the closest homemade substitute for Pepper Jack. Since Pepper Jack is simply Monterey Jack infused with spicy peppers, mixing in jalapeños or red pepper flakes replicates the flavor and texture perfectly.
Yes, Colby Jack is a good alternative to Pepper Jack, but it lacks the spice. To match the heat, add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
Havarti with crushed red pepper is an excellent substitute for Pepper Jack in grilled cheese. It has a creamy, buttery melt, and adding spice helps replicate Pepper Jack’s kick.
Yes, smoked Gouda or smoked mozzarella can work as a Pepper Jack substitute if you want a bold, smoky flavor. However, you may need to add chili flakes or hot sauce to match the spice level.
For a dairy-free option, try vegan Pepper Jack-style cheeses from brands like Violife, Daiya, or Follow Your Heart. These plant-based alternatives melt well and contain chili peppers to replicate Pepper Jack’s signature heat.
