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–+ servings
Melany

Creamy Jalapeño Queso Dip: Your Ultimate Party Staple

Warm, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this jalapeño queso dip is the ultimate party staple. Perfect for tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or as a topping, it’s quick to make and impossible to resist!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour cornstarch
  • 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large garlic clove finely minced
  • 1/4 small white onion finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 small tomato finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1 can 13 oz/375g evaporated milk (not low fat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 can 4 oz/113g fire-roasted green chiles, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk optional, to adjust consistency
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Cheese:
  1. Toss the shredded cheddar cheese with cornflour in a bowl to coat evenly.
Sauté the Aromatics:
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent, being careful not to brown them.
Cook the Tomato:
  1. Stir in the diced tomato with its juices and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Create the Base:
  1. Pour in the evaporated milk and stir to combine. Gradually add the cheese mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add Flavor:
  1. Mix in the chopped green chiles, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Season and Adjust:
  1. Taste the dip and add salt as needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
  2. If the dip is too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of milk to loosen the consistency, stirring until smooth.
Serve Warm:
  1. Remove from heat and serve immediately with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or your favorite dippers.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
  • Keep the heat medium-low to prevent the cheese from scorching.
  • Customize the heat level with additional jalapeños or hot sauce.

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