Description
Creamy Mexican queso blanco dip emerges as a crowd-pleasing sensation, promising instant party popularity. Silky smooth cheese melts with zesty jalapeños, creating an irresistible appetizer that sparks conversation and delights guests with authentic southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 ounces (113 grams) Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, freshly gated
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low temperature until completely melted and slightly foamy.
- Incorporate flour into melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux that develops a golden color and releases a nutty aroma (approximately 1-2 minutes).
- Gradually stream milk into the roux, maintaining constant whisking to prevent lumps and ensure a silky consistency, cooking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (3-4 minutes).
- Lower heat to minimum and progressively add cheese, stirring gently to facilitate complete melting and create a uniform, glossy texture.
- Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling garlic powder, paprika, and optional chili powder, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow mixture to simmer gently for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich, creamy consistency and marry the flavors.
- Transfer molten cheese mixture into a prewarmed serving vessel, garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of extra cheese for visual appeal.
- Present immediately alongside an array of dipping options such as crisp tortilla chips, crusty bread, raw vegetable sticks, or preferred accompaniments.
Notes
- Master the roux by cooking flour and butter together slowly, ensuring no raw flour taste lingers in your cheese dip.
- Control heat carefully when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a silky, smooth texture.
- Use lactose-free milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a delicious version for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg