Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready to spice up your snack game? Today, I’m super excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a quick, cheesy snack at home—Jalapeño Cheese Squares! These bite-sized treats are creamy, slightly spicy, and absolutely irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Let’s dive in and see why this recipe is about to become your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect blend of spicy and cheesy flavors
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes
- Great for parties, potlucks, or even as a quick family dinner side
- Customizable with optional add-ins like bacon or green onions
- Can be served warm or at room temperature
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Jalapeño Cheese Squares:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- Optional: ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon or chopped green onions
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make these Jalapeño Cheese Squares. It’s easier than you think, and the best part? It’s all done in one bowl!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- Add the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until everything is well combined.
- Fold in the cheese, chopped jalapeños, and any optional add-ins you’re using (like bacon or green onions).
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let it cool slightly, then slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your Jalapeño Cheese Squares turn out perfectly every time:
- If you’re worried about the heat, make sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeños—they’re where most of the heat is!
- For an extra crispy top, bake for a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Let the squares cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help them hold their shape better.
- Feel free to customize! Add some diced ham, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of cumin for a southwestern twist.
How to Serve
These Jalapeño Cheese Squares are super versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- As an appetizer at your next party
- Alongside a fresh green salad for a quick family dinner
- As a snack for game day
- Even as a side dish for your next easy pasta recipes or 30-minute meals
They also pair perfectly with a glass of wine or a cold beer. Trust me, they’ll be the star of the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up. You can make the batter ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. Once baked, the squares can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick snack.
And there you have it—Jalapeño Cheese Squares that are sure to become a favorite in your household! If you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes or quick family dinners, be sure to check out some of my other recipes like The Best Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks or These Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share those delicious creations with your friends and family!
Jalapeño Cheese Squares
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 2 fresh jalapeños finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon or chopped green onions optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until combined.
- Fold in cheese, chopped jalapeños, and optional add-ins.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool slightly, slice into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature.