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Pepper Jack Cubes Black Bean

Featured in: Fresh & Easy Bites

This dish combines spicy Pepper Jack cheese cubes with a vibrant black bean salsa made from fresh tomato, jalapeño, red onion, and herbs. The salsa is dressed with lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and seasoning, creating a flavorful complement to the creamy cheese. Served chilled alongside tortilla chips or crackers, it offers a tasty, vegetarian, and gluten-free option perfect for quick appetizers or gatherings. Simple to prepare, it balances spice, freshness, and creaminess in every bite.

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Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:02:00 GMT
Freshly made Pepper Jack cheese cubes with vibrant black bean salsa, perfect for sharing. Save
Freshly made Pepper Jack cheese cubes with vibrant black bean salsa, perfect for sharing. | toastytongs.com

A zesty, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring spicy Pepper Jack cheese cubes paired with a vibrant, fresh black bean salsa.

I love serving this at parties because it always gets rave reviews and it's so quick to prepare.

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
  • Salsa: 1 medium ripe tomato, diced
  • Salsa: ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • Salsa: 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • Salsa: ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • Salsa: 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salsa: Juice of 1 lime
  • Salsa: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salsa: ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salsa: ½ tsp sea salt
  • Salsa: 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
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| toastytongs.com

This recipe always brings my family together for a fun appetizer before dinner.

Notes

For extra flavor add diced avocado to the salsa just before serving Substitute Monterey Jack or cheddar if Pepper Jack is unavailable Pair with a crisp lager Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity iced tea

Required Tools

Sharp knife Cutting board Mixing bowls Spoon or spatula Serving platter

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 12 g Carbohydrates 13 g Protein 10 g

A close-up of savory Pepper Jack cubes with colorful salsa, ready to be enjoyed as a snack. Save
A close-up of savory Pepper Jack cubes with colorful salsa, ready to be enjoyed as a snack. | toastytongs.com

This appetizer is perfect for any occasion and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I substitute Pepper Jack cheese?

Yes, Monterey Jack or cheddar cheeses work well if Pepper Jack is unavailable, maintaining a creamy texture with mild to moderate spice.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

The main ingredients are gluten-free, but if serving with chips or crackers, choose certified gluten-free options to avoid contamination.

→ How can I enhance the salsa's flavor?

Adding diced avocado just before serving adds creaminess and richness to the fresh, zesty salsa.

→ What drinks pair well with this appetizer?

A crisp lager, Sauvignon Blanc, or fruity iced tea complement the spicy and fresh flavors beautifully.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

The cheese cubes can be chilled in advance, and the salsa can be mixed earlier and refrigerated to enhance flavors before serving.

Pepper Jack Cubes Black Bean

Spicy cheese cubes served with a fresh, zesty black bean salsa ideal for easy entertaining.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
1 min
Complete duration
21 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No Gluten

Components

Cheese

01 7 oz Pepper Jack cheese, cut into ½ inch cubes

Salsa

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 medium ripe tomato, diced
03 ½ small red onion, finely chopped
04 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
05 ½ red bell pepper, diced
06 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
07 Juice of 1 lime
08 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 ½ tsp ground cumin
10 ½ tsp sea salt
11 ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Garnish & Serving

01 Tortilla chips or crackers, for serving (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare the Cheese: Arrange the Pepper Jack cheese cubes on a serving platter. Cover and chill while preparing the salsa.

Phase 02

Combine Salsa Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix black beans, diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, red bell pepper, and cilantro until evenly distributed.

Phase 03

Dress the Salsa: Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salsa mixture and toss gently to coat.

Phase 04

Assemble and Serve: Spoon the black bean salsa alongside or over the cheese cubes. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or crackers if desired.

Tools needed

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Serving platter

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk from Pepper Jack cheese
  • Gluten may be present in some tortilla chips or crackers; use gluten-free options as needed

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 10 g