The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find So Good I Bought 5

I’m no cheesemonger, but I do consider myself a dedicated lover of good cheese. Give me an aged cheddar or a creamy ball of burrata, and I’m in heaven. So when I spotted Old World Quality Foods jalapeño processed cheese (a mouthful of a name!) at Dollar Tree, I initially walked right past it.

Processed cheese is not something that I typically eat, except for the occasional slice of American cheese on a burger. But in the name of culinary research, I doubled back down the aisle and tossed one in my cart, fully expecting to write it off as a well-intentioned mistake.

Friends, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Not only did I go back for four more blocks, but I’m here to tell you that this $1.25 find might be the most surprisingly delicious thing I’ve discovered all year. It’s creamy, sublimely spicy, and exceptionally versatile. 

Why I Love Dollar Tree’s Jalapeño Cheese

This cheese’s texture is incredibly smooth and creamy, without any of the waxy quality I notice with American cheese. The jalapeño flavor hits just right. There’s enough heat to keep things interesting but not so much that it overwhelms whatever you’re making with it. It also melted well when grated and added to a sauce.

And, as a point you’ll either love or hate, it’s also shelf-stable! I have to admit, even as a food writer, I’ve never come across shelf-stable cheese before, aside from products like Cheez Whiz, which I don’t consider to be real cheese. So, I was surprised to find it sold on a literal (unrefrigerated) shelf. It initially gave me the ick, but after tasting it, I decided I could ignore this fact, and I now see the advantages of buying it.

I have a small fridge and often play refrigerator Tetris to get groceries in and out. I appreciate that I can keep a few blocks of this cheese in my pantry and rely on the same flavor and quality. The only drawback is that it comes in a small, two-ounce package. But the price and flavor more than make up for it. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, a plain cheddar version is also available. But in my opinion, the jalapeño blend is where the magic happens.

How I Use Dollar Tree’s Jalapeño Cheese

I’ve mostly just been savoring slices of this cheese, but I added some to a cheese sauce I drizzled over steamed broccoli and roasted cauliflower. That said, I’m confident it’ll be an excellent addition to many more dishes. Already on my list to try? Turning it into a creamy queso, adding some to mac and cheese for a fiery upgrade, layering it in quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers (or cheeseburger casserole or soup!) for more robust flavor, incorporating it into stuffed vegetable fillings for extra creaminess and heat, and as a zippy topping for nachos. A little goes a long way!

Despite its low-brow appeal, I’d even use it on a cheese board. It’s that good! For just five quarters, it’s a fun, versatile discovery and a welcome addition to my pantry. I think you’ll find the same.

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