Pepper Jack Cubes Black Bean

Featured in: Light Fresh Bowls & Greens

This dish features spicy Pepper Jack cheese cut into cubes, served alongside a fresh black bean salsa made with tomato, red onion, jalapeño, red bell pepper, cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing. It offers a vibrant and zesty flavor combination perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer. The salsa’s crisp herbs and spices complement the creamy, spicy cheese, making it ideal for pairing with tortilla chips or crackers. Vegetarian and gluten-free options make it accessible for many diets.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:28:00 GMT
Fresh Pepper Jack cheese cubes alongside vibrant black bean salsa, ready for a delicious appetizer. Save
Fresh Pepper Jack cheese cubes alongside vibrant black bean salsa, ready for a delicious appetizer. | rusticmint.com

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

This appetizer always livens up my gatherings and gets compliments from everyone.

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

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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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Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.
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| rusticmint.com

My family enjoys sharing this appetizer during casual get-togethers, making every moment more flavorful.

Tips for Serving

Serve with a crisp lager, Sauvignon Blanc, or a fruity iced tea for the perfect pairing.

Storage

Keep the salsa and cheese cubes refrigerated separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.

Variations

For extra flavor, add diced avocado to the salsa just before serving.

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Bright photo of Savory Bites: Pepper Jack cubes and black bean salsa, perfect for any gathering. | rusticmint.com
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This appetizer is a vibrant and tasty starter sure to impress your guests instantly.

Common Questions

What type of cheese is used?

Spicy Pepper Jack cheese cubes are featured, adding a creamy texture with a mild heat.

Can the black bean salsa be made ahead?

Yes, the salsa can be prepared in advance and chilled, enhancing its flavors before serving.

Are there suggested serving options?

Serve the cheese and salsa with tortilla chips or crackers for added crunch.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, provided gluten-free chips or crackers are chosen for serving.

Can the spices in the salsa be adjusted?

Absolutely, the jalapeño and cumin levels can be modified to taste for milder or spicier results.

Pepper Jack Cubes Black Bean

Spicy Pepper Jack cheese cubes paired with fresh black bean salsa, bursting with zesty flavors.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
1 minutes
All Steps Time
21 minutes
Created by Benjamin Thomas


Skill Level Easy

Tradition American

Makes 6 Portions

Nutrition Info Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Cheese

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

Salsa

01 15 oz canned 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, optional

Method

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble and Serve: Spoon the dressed 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 Notes

Look over every ingredient for allergens, and reach out to your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk from Pepper Jack cheese
  • Gluten may be present in some chips or crackers; use certified gluten-free products if necessary

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

Provided as a general guide by Rustic Mint—always speak with your doctor for dietary help.
  • Energy (Kcal): 210
  • Lipids: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 10 g