Ackawi Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Monterey Jack Cheese is mild to firm and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Ackawi Cheese?

Akkawi is a white brine cheese from the Levant, named after the port city of Acre. It is usually made from pasteurized cow's milk, cured two days in salted whey brine, and eaten with soft flatbread or on its own as a table cheese.

What Is Monterey Jack Cheese?

Monterey Jack is a white, semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Monterey, California, with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It melts cleanly, which is why it shows up in quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Monterey Jack Cheese (United States)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Monterey Jack Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Monterey Jack Cheese (Mild to firm)
• Aging: Ackawi Cheese (2 days in brine), Monterey Jack Cheese (Six weeks to ten months)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Monterey Jack Cheese (Mild to full-flavored)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Monterey Jack Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Monterey Jack Cheese brings mild to full-flavored character. On the nose, Ackawi Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Monterey Jack Cheese's aromatic. Aging plays into this as well. Ackawi Cheese at 2 days in brine develops a different profile than Monterey Jack Cheese at six weeks to ten months.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Monterey Jack Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Monterey Jack Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for mild to firm. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Monterey Jack Cheese brings mild to full-flavored notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, brined cheese, go with Ackawi Cheese. For a mild to firm profile, Monterey Jack Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Monterey Jack Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to full-flavored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Monterey Jack Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Monterey Jack Cheese comes from United States. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Monterey Jack Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Ackawi Cheese is typically aged 2 days in brine, Monterey Jack Cheese six weeks to ten months.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Monterey Jack Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Monterey Jack Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Monterey Jack Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Monterey Jack Cheese is mild to full-flavored. Aromas also diverge. Ackawi Cheese leans mild, milky, and Monterey Jack Cheese is closer to aromatic.

What is Ackawi Cheese made of?

Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 days in brine. It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.

What is Monterey Jack Cheese made of?

Monterey Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged six weeks to ten months. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Monterey Jack Cheese is mild to firm.