Queso Blanco Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Queso Blanco Cheese Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Melted cheeses blend with spices and a touch of heat, making it an irresistible dip for tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Oaxaca, Asadero, or Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz white American cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz canned green chiles, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/8 tsp Mexican oregano or crushed original oregano
- 1 plum tomato
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 2 tbsp queso fresco, crumbled
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the heavy cream to a saucepan and heat over medium until it begins to simmer.
- Step 2: Stir in the cubed cheeses and continue stirring until they are completely melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Mix in the chopped green chiles, ground cumin, and oregano. Stir well to combine. If the dip is too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 4: Pour the cheese dip into a serving dish. Garnish with diced plum tomatoes, jalapeno, and crumbled queso fresco if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella or mild cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter dip.
- Add cooked chorizo or cooked ground beef for a heartier version.
- To reduce heat, use fewer jalapenos or remove seeds before dicing.
Storage
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often to maintain smooth texture. Add a little milk if the dip thickens too much when reheated.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip and store it in the fridge. Reheat slowly before serving to restore the creamy texture.
What can I serve with this queso blanco dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, soft pretzels, or as a topping for tacos and nachos.
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Queso Blanco Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of dip, serves 6-8 1x
Description
This Queso Blanco Cheese Dip is a creamy, flavorful cheese blend perfect for serving warm as an appetizer or snack. Featuring a mix of Oaxaca, Asadero or Monterey Jack cheese with white American cheese, combined with green chiles, cumin, and oregano, it creates a spicy, zesty dip that pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips. Garnished with fresh diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and crumbled queso fresco, this dip is a delicious and crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering.
Ingredients
Cheese and Dairy
- 8 oz Oaxaca, Asadero, or Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz white American cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp queso fresco, crumbled
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 oz canned green chiles, chopped
- 1 plum tomato, diced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/8 tsp Mexican oregano or crushed original oregano
Instructions
- Heat the Cream: Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Allow the cream to warm up and reach a simmer, which will help in melting the cheeses smoothly.
- Melt the Cheeses: Add the cubed Oaxaca (or Asadero/Monterey Jack) cheese and white American cheese into the simmering cream. Stir continuously until all the cheeses have completely melted and the mixture is smooth without any lumps.
- Incorporate Spices and Chiles: Mix in the chopped canned green chiles, ground cumin, and oregano into the melted cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly. If the dip seems too thick, add a little more cream or milk to reach your preferred consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the warm queso blanco dip into a serving dish. Garnish with diced plum tomatoes, diced jalapeno, and crumbled queso fresco on top. Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Note 1: If Oaxaca or Asadero cheese is unavailable, Monterey Jack is a good substitute due to its mild flavor and meltability.
- Note 2: Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the dip will be less creamy.
- Note 3: Stir the cheese continuously while melting to avoid burning or clumping for a smooth texture.
- For extra flavor, you can toast the cumin briefly before adding it.
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos or chiles according to your desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Queso Blanco, Cheese Dip, Mexican Cheese Dip, Queso Dip, Appetizer, Tortilla Chips, Spicy Cheese Dip
