Silky Smooth Pepper Jack Queso Dip Recipe for Game Day Fun

Melted cheese lovers unite over this irresistible pepper jack queso dip that delivers a spicy punch of flavor.

Noshing on game day or hosting a casual gathering calls for something seriously delicious.

The zesty blend of sharp pepper jack cheese creates a smooth, rich dip that keeps everyone coming back for more.

creamy and packed with bold southwestern-style heat, this recipe takes snacking to another level.

Chips, veggies, and bread can all become vehicles for this mouthwatering cheese sensation.

Spice enthusiasts will fall head over heels for the way this queso dip ignites taste buds with its tangy, melted goodness.

Get ready to become the snack hero at your next event.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Pepper Jack Queso Dip – Ingredients to Grab

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking foundation with rich, subtle undertones for sautéing vegetables.
• Jalapenos: Delivers spicy kick and authentic southwestern heat, choose fresh and firm peppers.
• Onion: Builds deep savory base, select crisp and firm onions for maximum flavor intensity.
• Garlic: Adds robust aromatic depth, look for plump cloves without green sprouts.

• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces fiery undertone, use sparingly for controlled heat level.
• Paprika: Contributes warm, slightly sweet complexity, choose high-quality ground variety.
• Cumin: Provides earthy southwestern essence, select freshly ground for maximum potency.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for better texture.

• Cornstarch: Creates silky smooth texture and helps thicken the dip, ensure lump-free mixing.
• Evaporated Milk: Offers rich, creamy consistency without excessive liquid, select full-fat version.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Brings tangy, spicy melting quality, grate fresh for optimal smoothness.
• Hot Sauce: Adds extra zesty punch, choose your preferred brand for personalized heat.

• Tomatoes: Provides bright, acidic contrast, select ripe and firm varieties.
• Roasted Peppers: Introduces smoky complexity, use jarred or freshly roasted.

Tools You’ll Need for Pepper Jack Queso Dip

• Large Pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the base of the queso dip.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, and peppers safely.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to precisely chop and slice ingredients with ease.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurately measuring spices and milk.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful if using block pepper jack cheese that needs shredding.
• Serving Bowl: Ideal for presenting the finished, creamy queso dip.

Melty Instructions for Creamy Pepper Jack Queso Dip

• Sizzling Veggie Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pan, creating a flavor-packed foundation with chopped jalapenos and onions. Let them dance and soften for a few delightful minutes.

• Aromatic Enhancement

Toss in minced garlic, allowing its rich fragrance to fill the kitchen and deepen the dip’s flavor profile.

• Spice Symphony

Introduce a colorful medley of tomatoes and roasted peppers, then sprinkle in a balanced blend of cayenne, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the ingredients mingle and develop their robust tastes.

• Creamy Transformation

Whisk evaporated milk with cornstarch until silky smooth, then pour into the pan. Add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick, creating a luscious base for the queso.

• Cheese Magic

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Gradually fold in pepper jack cheese, stirring until it transforms into a velvety, irresistible dip.

• Final Flourish

Remove from heat and crown your creation with fresh tomato bits, vibrant pepper slices, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a shower of fresh cilantro.

Flavor Hacks for Your Pepper Jack Queso Dip

• Adjust the spiciness by controlling the amount of jalapenos, cayenne, and hot sauce to match your personal taste preference.
• Experiment with different melting cheeses like monterey jack, cheddar, or a spicy mexican blend for unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Prepare the dip up to 2 days in advance and gently reheat in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
• Enhance the dip by stirring in cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and deeper flavor dimensions.
• Serve warm with tortilla chips, use as a topping for nachos, drizzle over baked potatoes, or spread on quesadillas for versatile meal options.

Serving Creamy Pepper Jack Queso Dip at Gatherings

• Pair with Crispy Companions: Serve this zesty queso dip alongside tortilla chips, crispy pita wedges, or crunchy vegetable sticks for the perfect texture contrast.
• Create a Nacho Bar Extravaganza: Set up a build-your-own nacho station with various toppings like shredded chicken, black beans, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for a fun gathering experience.
• Elevate Meal Moments: Use this pepper jack queso as a delicious topping for grilled meats, baked potatoes, or as a dipping sauce for quesadillas and empanadas to add extra flavor and excitement.
• Transform Party Platters: Arrange the dip in a colorful serving bowl surrounded by an array of fresh garnishes, allowing guests to customize their dipping experience with cilantro, chili flakes, and extra roasted peppers.

How to Store Leftover Pepper Jack Queso Dip

• Refrigerate and Refresh: Store the queso dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Quick Reheat Hack: Warm the dip slowly in a microwave or stovetop, stirring frequently to maintain its creamy texture and prevent separation.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze, the dip's texture might change slightly upon thawing, so best consumed fresh within the recommended storage time.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Let the chilled dip sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore its original smooth consistency and enhanced flavor profile.

Silky Pepper Jack Queso Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Pepper jack queso dip delivers a spicy, melted cheese experience that combines zesty jalapeños with smooth, rich textures. Cheese enthusiasts can enjoy this quick party appetizer that brings warmth and excitement to any gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226 g) pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 12 fl oz (340 ml) evaporated milk
• 5 oz (142 g) diced roasted hatch peppers
• 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Hot sauce to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Combine jalapeños and onions, cooking until softened and translucent, then add garlic and sauté briefly to release fragrant notes.
2. Build Flavor Base: Incorporate diced tomatoes, roasted peppers, cayenne, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Allow spices to meld and intensify for 2-3 minutes.
3. Create Creamy Foundation: Whisk cornstarch with evaporated milk until smooth, then pour into skillet. Add hot sauce according to desired heat level and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Cheese Fusion: Reduce heat to low and gradually introduce pepper jack cheese, stirring constantly to create a silky, homogeneous sauce without any cheese clumps.
5. Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat once cheese melts completely. Adorn with additional diced tomatoes, roasted pepper slices, red chili flakes, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Slowly add cheese while continuously stirring to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without lumps or separation.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust hot sauce quantity to match personal heat tolerance, allowing customization for different palate preferences.
• Cornstarch Technique: Whisk cornstarch with evaporated milk thoroughly to eliminate powder clumps, creating a perfect thickening base for the queso.
• Fresh Herb Finishing: Sprinkle fresh cilantro just before serving to boost flavor complexity and add a bright, crisp garnish to the dip.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg