Description
The Greatest Queso is a creamy, flavorful cheese dip perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and seasoned with chili powder and cumin, this warm dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or as a topping for Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies along with their juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low, add the softened cream cheese, and stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Shredded Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly to ensure the cheeses melt evenly and the dip becomes creamy.
- Incorporate Half-and-Half and Seasonings: Pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream to reach your preferred dip consistency, then stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Warm the Queso: Continue cooking the queso over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dip is heated through and well combined.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the dip and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top of the queso for added flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve the queso hot with tortilla chips or use it as a delicious topping for nachos, tacos, or burritos.
Notes
- For a richer dip, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
- You can substitute the diced tomatoes with green chilies for fresh diced tomatoes and chopped green chilies if preferred.
- This dip can be kept warm over low heat or in a small slow cooker during parties.
- Adjust the level of chili powder to increase or decrease heat according to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling.
