Pepper Jack is a semi-soft, spicy variety of Monterey Jack, the mild cow's-milk cheese, made by working chopped chili peppers, most often jalapeño, habanero, or serrano, into the curd. Its history is disputed and poorly documented; accounts place its creation anywhere from the late 1800s to the mid-20th century in California, where Monterey Jack itself originated. The chilies add a peppery kick on top of Monterey Jack's creamy, mildly tangy base, and some versions add garlic, paprika, or cayenne for extra heat. It's commonly sliced for sandwiches and burgers, melted into quesadillas, sauces, and casseroles, or used as a spicy note in baked goods like cheese biscuits.