Description
This rich and creamy queso dip combines melted cheeses, tomatoes with green chilies, and a blend of seasoning for the ultimate party snack. Perfectly smooth and flavorful, it’s ideal for serving with tortilla chips or as a delicious topping for nachos, tacos, or burritos.
Ingredients
Scale
Queso Dip Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Ro*Tel)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer dip)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies including their juice, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Melt cream cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the tomato mixture.
- Add shredded cheeses: Gradually incorporate the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and the dip is creamy.
- Stir in dairy and seasonings: Pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency. Mix in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Heat through: Continue cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the queso is hot and flavors are well blended.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings as necessary to suit your preference.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top, if using, for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the queso hot with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for nachos, tacos, or burritos.
Notes
- Use cream cheese softened to room temperature for easier melting and a smoother texture.
- Half-and-half can be substituted with heavy cream for a richer dip or milk for a lighter version, though the texture will vary.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin according to your taste preference for spice level.
- The dip can be kept warm on low heat or served in a warming dish to maintain consistency.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives and use coconut cream instead of half-and-half/heavy cream.
