Queso Dip Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe

This queso dip is my go-to for cozy nights in when I crave something both creamy and spicy. I love how the sharp cheddar and Monterrey Jack melt into a velvety sauce, perfectly complemented by the freshness of tomato and the subtle kick of jalapeño—each bite is a warm and flavorful indulgence.

I adore creating recipes that deliver comfort to your dining experience, and my Queso Dip Nacho Cheese Dip is a perfect example. The creamy medley of sharp cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheeses, along with aromatic spices like cumin and garlic powder, makes for a dip that’s thrillingly textured, irresistibly cheesy, and guaranteed to bring a crowd around your table.

Queso Dip Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe Ingredients

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, adds sharp, tangy flavor.
• Monterrey Jack Cheese: Creamy, mild, melts smoothly, balances sharpness of cheddar.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess, helps smooth sauce texture, contains healthy fats.
• Jalapeño: Provides heat and spice, rich in vitamin C, adds vibrant flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and savory notes, lower in sodium than salt.
• Tomato: Offers freshness, slight sweetness, good source of vitamins A and C.

Queso Dip Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)

How to Make this Queso Dip Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe

1. In a medium saucepan on a medium heat, melt the butter.

2. To the melted butter, add the flour; whisk constantly to make a roux. Cook approximately 1 minute.

3. Pour the milk in little by little, whisking all the while, until the mixture is smooth and about as thick as a regular sauce, 3-5 minutes.

4. Lower the heat and gradually mix in the finely shredded sharp cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheeses, stirring until the combination is fully melted and smooth.

5. Add freshness and a bit of heat by stirring in the diced tomato and jalapeño.

6. Add the following to the cheese sauce: garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt—to taste.

7. Keep stirring until all components are thoroughly mixed and warm, approximately 2-3 minutes.

8. Take the saucepan off the heat and dump the queso dip into a bowl, to serve.

9. If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

10. Serve right away with tortilla chips, relishing the warm, gooey deliciousness.

Queso Dip Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Whisk
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cup
6. Cheese grater (if shredding cheese from a block)
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Mixing bowl (for serving)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?A: Yes, you can use other cheeses such as Colby or Pepper Jack to switch up the flavor, but they might not lend the same consistency.
• Q: How can I make this dip spicier?A: To increase the spiciness of the dish, you can add additional jalapeños, or you can throw in some diced habanero peppers for a little extra kick.
• Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?A: You can prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, reheat slowly over low heat, stirring often to ensure a smooth consistency.
• Q: Is there a way to make this dip gluten-free?A: To make the dip gluten-free, you can substitute regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Q: How can I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?A: Be certain to heat the cheese slowly and gently over low heat and do not overcook the cheese. High heat can cause the proteins in the cheese to overcoagulate and give the cheese a gritty texture.
• Q: What can I use if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?A: You can use canned, diced tomatoes as a substitute; just make sure to drain them well before adding.
• Q: Can I omit the cilantro?A: Yes, cilantro (or coriander) is an optional ingredient in this dish. If you do not like cilantro (which many people do not), you may safely omit it, or you can use parsley in its place.

Queso Dip Nacho Cheese Dip Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Unsalted butter:
Use olive oil in place of the butter for a dairy-free version.

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the olive oil and the onions.
3. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Stir in the brown rice, making sure it is well coated with the oil.
6. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7. Adjust the heat if necessary to maintain a simmer.
Whole milk:
For a richer texture, use half-and-half.
Replace regular milk with almond milk to render a lactose-free product.
Sharp cheddar cheese:
Select medium cheddar to achieve a flavor that is less intense.
Swiss cheese can provide an alternative flavor profile.
Monterrey Jack cheese:
Added spice: Pepper Jack.
Mozzarella for a textured cream. This is the number one choice for countless Italian recipes where melted cheese is a primary ingredient. Whether it’s layered in a lasagna or stretched over a pizza, it is ubiquitous and undeniably tasty. Yet most taste testers will take a sample of mozzarella and declare that it is merely a start to the pizza experience. After all, mozzarella by itself is as good as a blank canvas.
Jalapeño:
Alternative Method: If you like your dishes with a little extra bite, you can use serrano pepper in place of the fresh green chile. Just be aware that the serrano is quite a bit hotter (5–10 times more than the jalapeño, according to one source) and might take your dish from medium to wowser.
Use a green bell pepper for a dip that is milder.

Pro Tips

1. Shredding the Cheese: For the smoothest texture, shred your own cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives that can affect melting.