Jalapeno Cheese Spread will spice up your snack game for any holiday or celebration. A tasty appetizer to serve with crackers, veggies or bread.

Jalapeno Cheese spread on a platter with stuffed celery.

My husband thought his grandma’s pimento cheese spread would be even better if we made it with candied jalapenos and he was right! This cheese spread has the best creamy texture and flavor that will have you wondering why you hadn’t thought of jalapeno pimento cheese before now!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Jalapeno Cheese Spread Recipe

American Cheese: Get a good quality American cheese, do not use Kraft Singles. I recommend getting it from the deli counter of the grocery store for the best results.
Candied Jalapenos: Picked Jalapenos work well too.
All Purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese spread.
Granulated Sugar: Don’t worry, this isn’t overly sweet but it enhances the cheese flavor and balances out the vinegar.
White Vinegar: Adds tangy flavor.
Evaporated Milk: Makes this an extra creamy spread. Note that this is evaprorated milk, not sweetened condensed milk.

How to Make Jalapeno Cheese

American cheese cut into thin slices, chopped jalapenos.

Cut cheese into thin strips or you can grate it on the large side of a cheese grater. Set aside.
Dice the candied jalapenos and set aside.

Add flour and sugar to a heavy bottom, large saucepan and whisk together.
Next, whisk in the vinegar and then the evaporated milk.
Place over low heat, whisking often until mixture thickens. It is important to cook this on low or it will curdle and it is impossible to get a smooth cheese spread if that happens.

Making jalapeno cheese spread in a pan - collage.

Add the cheese and whisk until cheese is melted and smooth, keeping at a low temperature.
Remove from heat and stir in diced jalapenos.

Pour into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, placing the plastic wrap directly onto the cheese so that it doesn’t develop a skin.
Refrigerate for 4 hours or until ready to serve.
Jalapeno cheese spread can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Platter of jalapeno cheese spread, crackers, stuffed celery.

Serving Suggestions for Jalapeño Cheese Spread

Serve cheese spread with crackers or spread on party bread slices.
Stuff celery sticks with jalapeno cheese or serve with carrots and other crisp vegetables.
Makes a delicious sandwich spread for burgers, ham or turkey.

Jar with wood spoon of jalapeno cheese spread.

Homemade Gift Idea or Hostess Gift

When the holidays roll around, I love to make homemade gifts for the neighbors and if you are going to a party, this jalapeno cheese makes a great gift. Just place into a cute jar and include a mini spreader or cute little spoon.

Jalapeno cheese stuffed celery on appetizer platter.

More Cheesy Recipes You Will Love

Southern Pimento Cheese is the classic made with sharp cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese that is shredded and mixed with mayo and spices for a delicious appetizer or sandwich spread.
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is made with cream cheese, jalapeno peppers, cheddar cheese and bacon. A favorite appetizer to serve with crackers or crisp vegetables like bell peppers.
Doritos Chicken Jalapeno Poppers are a show stopping appetizer that is a tasty variation on the classic stuffed jalapeno popper.
Velveeta Cheese Dip is always a great party appetizer to serve with tortilla chips and it’s the classic queso that everyone loves.

Platter of appetizers with jalapeno cheese spread.

Add this Jalapeno Cheese Spread to your next gathering for a delicious appetizer that is filled with creamy cheese and jalapeno flavors and it also makes a great homemade gift for friends and family.

Have you tried this recipe? We would love for you to leave a comment and rating below!

Jalapeno cheese spread in a bowl with stuffed celery.

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