Pin it A zesty, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring spicy Pepper Jack cheese cubes paired with a vibrant, fresh black bean salsa.
This is a favorite at our family gatherings and always disappears quickly from the table.
Ingredients
- Cheese: 200 g (7 oz) Pepper Jack cheese, cut into 1.5 cm (½ inch) cubes
- Salsa: 1 can (425 g / 15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium ripe tomato, diced
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish & Serving: Tortilla chips or crackers, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese:
- Arrange the Pepper Jack cheese cubes on a serving platter. Cover and chill while making the salsa.
- Make the Salsa:
- In a medium bowl, combine black beans, diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
- Dress the Salsa:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the bean mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Assemble & Serve:
- Spoon the black bean salsa alongside or over the cheese cubes. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or crackers, if desired.
Pin it Our family loves sharing this appetizer during casual get-togethers and special occasions alike.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, spoon or spatula, serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains Milk from Pepper Jack cheese. Gluten may be present in some crackers or chips use certified gluten-free options if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 10 g per serving
Pin it This appetizer is perfect for any occasion and can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Common Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Pepper Jack?
Yes, Monterey Jack or cheddar can be used as alternatives if Pepper Jack is unavailable, though the spice level may vary.
- → How can I make the salsa spicier?
Include the seeds of the jalapeño or add a small amount of diced fresh chili to increase heat in the salsa.
- → What can I serve this with?
Tortilla chips, crackers, or crisp vegetables work well for scooping and pairing with the cheese and salsa.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, provided the accompanying chips or crackers are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- → How long can I store the prepared components?
Cheese cubes can be chilled for up to 24 hours, and the salsa can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1-2 days.