Queso Dip

Queso Dip Recipe from Mexico - Velveeta, Onion, Butter

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Queso dip is a popular and delicious appetizer that is perfect for parties, game days, or just a casual snack. This creamy and cheesy dip is typically made with a combination of cheese, milk or cream, and various seasonings. It is often served with tortilla chips, but can also be enjoyed with vegetables or bread.

History

Queso dip has its origins in Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions. The dish likely evolved from traditional Mexican queso fundido, which is a melted cheese dish often flavored with chiles and other ingredients. Queso dip became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century and has since become a staple at parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) of green chiles
8 oz (227 g) of half and half
1 lb (454 g) of velveeta cheese
0.5 onion, diced or sliced
2 tbsp of butter

How to prepare

In a saucepan, sauté the onion in butter until it becomes clear.
Over low heat, stir in cubed Velveeta cheese.
As the cheese melts, gradually add the half and half while stirring constantly.
Once melted, stir in the green chiles and cook until the chiles are warm.
Serve with tortilla chips.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or chorizo for a heartier dip.
Stir in diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or black beans for added flavor and texture.
Use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, for a more complex flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the cheese constantly as it melts to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

- You can customize the flavor of your queso dip by adding ingredients such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cooked ground beef.

- If the dip becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more half and half or milk.

Serving Suggestions

Serve queso dip with tortilla chips, sliced vegetables, or crusty bread for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onions until they are translucent to develop their flavor before adding the cheese.

- Stir the cheese constantly as it melts to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cheese you prefer in this recipe, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

- If you don't have half and half, you can use whole milk or heavy cream instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the queso dip ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the queso dip in a warm bowl or small crockpot to keep it warm throughout your gathering. - Garnish the dip with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Queso dip pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as beer, margaritas, or soda.

- Serve the dip alongside other Tex-Mex favorites, such as guacamole, salsa, and tacos.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover queso dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dip gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 9g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 30% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy

Summary

Queso dip is a rich and indulgent treat that is high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Queso dip is a creamy and cheesy appetizer that is perfect for parties and gatherings. This indulgent treat is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Serve it with tortilla chips, vegetables, or bread for a delicious and satisfying snack. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Queso Dip. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Mexico. My abuela, my grandmother, was the one who first introduced me to the joys of cooking. She had a talent for creating delicious dishes that brought our family together around the dinner table.

One day, as I watched her in the kitchen, she began to make a creamy, cheesy dip that smelled absolutely divine. I asked her what she was making, and she told me it was called Queso Dip. I had never heard of it before, but as I watched her mix together the melted cheese, tomatoes, and spices, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Abuela explained to me that she had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a family favorite, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. As I watched her stir the ingredients together, I was filled with a sense of pride at the thought of carrying on this tradition.

After that day, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Queso Dip. I practiced in the kitchen, experimenting with different cheeses and spices until I found the perfect combination. I shared my creations with my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was.

Over the years, I continued to make Queso Dip for every occasion, from birthdays to holidays to simple family dinners. It became a staple in our household, a dish that brought us all closer together. I loved seeing the joy on my loved ones' faces as they enjoyed each bite of the creamy, cheesy dip.

As I grew older, I realized that the recipe for Queso Dip was more than just a dish to be enjoyed. It was a connection to my family's past, a link to my abuela and her mother before her. Each time I made the dip, I felt their presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands as I mixed the ingredients together.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take great pleasure in passing on the recipe for Queso Dip to my own grandchildren. I teach them the secrets of melting the cheese just right, of choosing the perfect blend of spices to create a flavor that is both comforting and familiar. I watch as they light up with joy at the first taste, just as I did all those years ago.

In a world that is constantly changing, the recipe for Queso Dip remains a constant in our lives, a reminder of the traditions and memories that bind us together as a family. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, for the love and connection it has brought to my family over the years.

As I stir the pot of bubbling cheese and spices on the stove, I am filled with a sense of contentment. The aroma of the Queso Dip fills the kitchen, bringing back memories of my abuela and the moments we shared in the kitchen so long ago. And as I serve the dip to my loved ones, I know that the tradition will continue for generations to come.