Description
Pepper Jack Queso Dip delivers spicy, melty comfort straight from Mexican-American cuisine. Rich cheese blends seamlessly with jalapeños and smooth cream, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at game day gatherings or casual parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 12 ounces (340 milliliters) evaporated milk
- 5 ounces (142 grams) diced roasted hatch peppers
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium flame, allowing the cooking surface to evenly distribute heat.
- Sauté diced jalapeños and chopped onions for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan, stirring constantly for approximately 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
- Gently fold in diced tomatoes, roasted peppers, cayenne pepper, paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the spices.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with evaporated milk until a smooth, lump-free mixture forms, ensuring no dry powder remains.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, incorporating hot sauce according to personal heat preference (1-).
- Increase heat momentarily to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a low simmer, creating a creamy base.
- Gradually sprinkle pepper jack cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously to create a velvety, uniform texture without any cheese clumps.
- Once cheese melts completely and sauce reaches desired consistency, remove from heat.
- Garnish with extra diced tomatoes, thinly sliced roasted peppers, red chili flakes, and freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Spice up your gathering with this zesty Pepper Jack Queso Dip that brings bold flavors and creamy texture to any party spread.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne and hot sauce, making it perfect for various spice preferences.
- Quickly prepare this crowd-pleasing appetizer in under 20 minutes with simple, readily available ingredients.
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and superior taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Serve immediately after preparation to maintain optimal creamy consistency and prevent cheese from hardening.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore original texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 284
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 412 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg