Award Winning Queso Dip (Cheese Dip)

Prepare for cheesy nirvana! This Award Winning Queso Dip isn’t just good, it’s legendary. A creamy, spicy, flavor-packed experience awaits, promising to elevate any gathering. We guarantee this is the one of the best queso dips you’ve ever tried. Get ready to dip into pure deliciousness!

What ingredients do I need for an award winning queso dip?

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list! While it might seem extensive, each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible depth of flavor that makes this Award Winning Queso Dip truly exceptional. From the subtle heat of the spices to the creamy richness of the cheeses, every element harmonizes to create a complex and irresistible dip. Trust me, the extra effort is worth it for a taste that’s far beyond ordinary.

• Cheddar cheese (Freshly grated)
• Cornflour
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic (Freshly minced is always best!)
• Brown onion
• Evaporated milk
• Tomato
• Onion powder
• Garlic salt
• Ground Cumin
• Ground Cilantro
• Garlic Salt
• Jalapenos
• Fresh Cilantro

So is this really an award winning queso dip?

Let’s be clear, this isn’t just any queso. This is the reigning champion of the 2020 “Best Dip of Christmas” competition, a fiercely contested battle amongst my own, notoriously picky, family. Yes, I’m talking about the kind of family where the cheese platter is judged with the intensity of an Olympic figure skating routine. Since its triumphant victory, this queso has become a mandatory holiday fixture, a non-negotiable demand, a “make it or face the wrath of Aunt Mildred” situation. Consider yourself warned: once you taste this award-winning dip, you’ll be forever bound to its cheesy deliciousness.

What exactly is Queso Dip?

Queso, a culinary delight with roots tracing back to northern Mexico and the Tex-Mex kitchens of the American Southwest, has evolved from simple melted cheese to a complex and beloved dip. Its history is a testament to the fusion of cultures, blending traditional Mexican cheese-making with American culinary innovation. Today, queso is a party staple, and its versatility shines when paired with a variety of dippers.¹ Classic choices include crispy tortilla chips, sturdy enough to scoop up the hearty dip. However, don’t limit yourself! Try it with crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and carrots, grilled shrimp for a seafood twist, or even chunks of crusty bread. A dollop of queso also elevates tacos, nachos, and fajitas, adding a rich, creamy layer to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.  

Alright I’m sold! How do I make it?

Begin by tossing your shredded cheese with cornflour to ensure a smooth, clump-free melt. In a large saucepan or pot over medium heat, melt butter, then sauté garlic and onion until the onion is translucent. Stir in your dried herbs. Add diced tomato and its juices, cooking until slightly softened. Pour in evaporated milk, followed by the cheese, stirring continuously until it transforms into a silky sauce. Incorporate the diced chiles and spices, adjusting salt to taste based on the cheese’s saltiness, and stir in fresh cilantro.

To achieve your desired consistency, add milk or water, keeping in mind the dip thickens as it cools. Remove from heat and serve warm or at room temperature, maintaining its scoopable texture. For storage, refrigerate, where it will solidify into a spreadable consistency, easily reheated in the microwave with a touch of milk for thinning. This queso dip also freezes well for up to three months, or keeps in the fridge for five days.

Variations

The beauty of queso lies in its adaptability. While this recipe is a tried-and-true winner, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a smoky twist, add a dash of chipotle powder or a few drops of liquid smoke. Craving extra heat? Add a few splashes of your favorite chili sauce. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend in some cream cheese or sour cream. For a richer, meatier queso, brown some chorizo or ground beef and stir it in. And for a truly unique and trendy kick, drizzle a tablespoon of chili crisp over the finished dip. The chili crisp adds a delightful crunch, a subtle heat, and a complex umami flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheese.

Don’t be afraid to play with different cheeses too! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Oaxaca cheese all melt beautifully and offer unique flavor profiles. You can even add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs like cilantro or oregano for a fresh touch. Remember, queso is a canvas for your culinary creativity. So, grab your ingredients, get creative, and whip up a dip that’s uniquely yours!

Tried this Award-Winning Queso Dip? Share your cheesy creations! Comment below with your thoughts and rate the recipe. Happy dipping!

Award Winning Queso Dip (Cheese Dip)

4.8 from 4 votes

Craving the ultimate party dip? This Award Winning Queso Dip recipe delivers creamy, spicy, cheesy perfection! Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, it's the perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Cooking Method: Stovetop Categories: Pantry Staples, Sides, Snacks Recipe Tags: Kids Spicy

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 10 Calories: 215

Ingredients

Servings

• 250 g Cheddar cheese ((Freshly Grated))
• 1 tbsp Corn flour
• 20 g Butter ((Unsalted))
• 2 cloves Garlic ((Minced))
• 1 Brown Onion ((Small))
• 340 g Evaporated milk
• 1 Tomato ((Diced))
• ¹⁄₂ tbsp Onion powder
• ¹⁄₂ tbsp Garlic salt
• ¹⁄₂ tbsp Cumin
• ¹⁄₂ tbsp Ground Cilantro
• ¹⁄₄ cup Jalapenos ((Chopped))
• ¹⁄₂ cup Fresh Cilantro ((Chopped))
• 2 tbsp Milk

Instructions

1. Prep the Cheese

   Toss shredded cheese with cornflour in a bowl, ensuring even coating.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

   Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until translucent. Add the ground cilantro, cumin, garlic salt, onion powder and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in diced tomato and cook until slightly softened.

1. Melt the Cheese

   Pour in evaporated milk, then add the cheese mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, silky sauce.

1. Flavor and Season

   Add diced jalapenos. Season with salt to taste, then stir in fresh coriander.

1. Adjust and Serve

   Adjust consistency with milk if needed. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10

Serving Size 120ml

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 215kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 15g24%

Sodium 450mg19%

Total Carbohydrate 8g3%

Sugars 4g

Protein 12g24%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: queso dip recipe, easy cheese dip, party appetizer, homemade queso, spicy cheese dip