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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cheese Fusion: Reduce heat to low and gradually introduce pepper jack cheese, stirring constantly to create a silky, homogeneous sauce without any cheese clumps.
- 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