Description
Creamy queso blanco dip brings Mexican cheese magic to your appetizer spread. Melted white cheese blends with green chiles for an irresistible party starter you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) white American cheese (shredded or cubed)
- 4 oz (113 g) Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (40 g) white onion (finely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely diced, or leave seeds for more heat)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup (40 g) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tbsps (8 g) fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, sautéing diced onions and jalapeños until they become translucent and release their fragrant oils.
- Flavor Development: Add minced garlic to the softened vegetables, letting it bloom and intensify for approximately one minute while stirring constantly.
- Liquid Preparation: Whisk cornstarch into a portion of milk, creating a smooth slurry without lumps, then pour the remaining milk into the saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thickening Process: Incorporate the cornstarch mixture into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and encourage a rich, creamy texture.
- Cheese Integration: Reduce heat to low, gradually fold in white American and Monterey Jack cheeses, ensuring a slow, even melting that creates a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Seasoning Enhancement: Sprinkle ground cumin and optional chili powder into the mixture, then season with salt to balance the cheese’s richness and create a complex flavor profile.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then transfer the queso to a serving dish and garnish with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.
- Serving Recommendation: Present the warm, creamy dip immediately with crisp tortilla chips or an assortment of fresh vegetable crudités for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Prevent Cheese Clumping: Shred cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to ensure smooth, lump-free melting.
- Control Heat Carefully: Maintain low heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a silky, creamy texture without breaking.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño quantity or include seeds for extra heat, or remove seeds for a milder version that suits different taste preferences.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Reheat slowly in a double boiler or microwave with small splashes of milk to restore original creamy consistency if the dip thickens.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 284
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg