Description
This quick and easy White Queso Dip is a creamy, flavorful cheese dip perfect for snacking or entertaining. Made with a blend of American cheese, sautéed jalapeño, onion, and red pepper, enriched with half and half, and topped with fresh pico de gallo and cilantro, it offers a smooth and spicy kick that’s ideal for dipping tortilla chips or drizzling over your favorite Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon red pepper, finely diced
- ¼ cup Pico De Gallo
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
Dairy
- 1 tablespoon butter (salted)
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 lb. American cheese (high quality)
Instructions
- Prepare the double boiler: For best results, heat the queso dip over a double boiler to maintain consistent even temperature, ensuring the dip melts smoothly without burning. You can use a homemade double boiler or a specialized one. Once ready, you can transfer the dip to a cast iron skillet or a mini warmer for serving.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced jalapeno, yellow onion, and red pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Melt the cheese: Using the double boiler or the skillet over medium heat, pour in 1 cup of half and half. Gradually add the American cheese, preferably cut into smaller squares for easier melting. Stir continuously as the cheese melts to prevent clumping and to obtain a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Combine and finish: Once the cheese is fully melted and the texture is smooth, stir in the sautéed vegetables. Remove the queso dip from heat. Garnish the top with ¼ cup Pico De Gallo and ¼ cup roughly chopped cilantro before serving.
- Serve: Serve the White Queso Dip warm with tortilla chips or use as a creamy topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Notes
- Use high-quality American cheese for the best melting results and smooth texture.
- Heating the dip over a double boiler prevents scorching and helps achieve a consistent temperature.
- You can seed the jalapeno to reduce heat or adjust based on spice preference.
- For serving, consider using a cast iron skillet or mini warmer to keep the dip hot and melty.
- This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or cut-up bread for dipping.
