Creamy Pepper Jack Queso Dip
Spice up your appetizer game with this fiery and irresistible Creamy Pepper Jack Queso Dip! Perfect for any gathering, this dip combines the sharp zest of Pepper Jack cheese with the bold flavors of jalapeƱos, Hatch peppers, and a perfect blend of spices. Serve this at your next party or family movie night, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “queso!”
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 jalapeƱo peppers, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 5 ounces diced roasted Hatch peppers
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- Hot sauce to taste
- Garnish: chili flakes, sliced peppers, fresh cilantro
Directions:
- Heat the Base: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced jalapeƱos and onion, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Combine the Veggies and Spices: Mix in the chopped tomato and roasted Hatch peppers. Season with cayenne, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for 2 more minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Thicken the Dip: Dissolve the cornstarch in the evaporated milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan, adding hot sauce according to your preference.
- Melt the Cheese: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese until it melts completely and the dip becomes smooth and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish the queso dip with additional chopped tomatoes, sliced peppers, chili flakes, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Servings: 6
This Creamy Pepper Jack Queso Dip is not just delicious; it’s a visual feast that promises to ignite your taste buds with every bite. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion, this dip is sure to impress. Enjoy the creamy texture, the tangy spice, and the satisfying heat that only this dip can deliver!
Creamy Pepper Jack Queso Dip
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Creamy Pepper Jack Queso Dip is not just another cheese dip; it’s a flavorful journey through the zest and zeal of Southwest cuisine. Infused with the perfect balance of spice from jalapenos and the smoky depth of roasted Hatch peppers, it melts smoothly into a dip that’s both rich and invigorating. Ideal for parties or as a hearty snack, this dip pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or even as a zesty topping for burgers or tacos.
Crafted for cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts alike, this dip captures the essence of festive gatherings and cozy evenings. Its creamy texture, combined with the robust flavors of Pepper Jack and a hint of smokiness, ensures every bite is packed with tantalizing taste. It’s a simple yet delicious way to elevate any meal or snack time from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients
8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 jalapeno peppers, diced
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium tomato, chopped
5 ounces diced roasted Hatch peppers
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
12 ounces evaporated milk
Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the jalapenos and onion, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
Add the garlic and continue to cook for one minute until fragrant.
Incorporate the tomatoes and roasted peppers along with cayenne, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for 2 more minutes.
Mix the cornstarch with evaporated milk until smooth, then pour into the pan, adding hot sauce to your liking.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring in the cheese gradually until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and garnish with extra tomatoes, sliced peppers, chili flakes, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 Kcal