Pepper jack cheese is a derivative of Monterey Jack cheese. Pepper jack cheese is semi-soft and open textured with a slightly tart flavor. As the name says, it includes pepper which makes it spicy in taste. Pepper jack is often used as an alternative cheese in dishes such as quesadillas, and also eaten with bread or crackers. Pepper jack can also go well with jalapeno peppers, melons, grapes, pickled vegetables, and olives.