Description
This Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip is a creamy, flavorful blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, combined with fresh diced green chilies, tomatoes, cilantro, and aromatic spices. Perfect for serving warm as a delicious appetizer alongside crispy tortilla chips, it brings authentic restaurant-style taste to your home in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup milk
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Cheese and Milk: In a saucepan, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and milk over low heat. This gentle warming prevents the cheese from burning and helps it melt evenly.
- Melt Cheese Mixture: Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, forming the base of your dip.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in the diced green chilies, diced tomatoes, chopped fresh cilantro, and diced red onion into the cheese base. These ingredients add freshness and vibrant flavor to the dip.
- Season the Dip: Add garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the spices and seasonings are well incorporated into the dip.
- Heat Through and Serve: Continue to stir the mixture until it is heated through and all flavors meld together. Serve the cheese dip hot alongside tortilla chips for dipping, and enjoy a classic Mexican restaurant-style appetizer.
Notes
- Use low heat when melting cheese to prevent it from curdling or becoming grainy.
- For a spicier dip, consider adding jalapeños or extra green chilies.
- If the dip is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- This dip is best served warm; reheat gently if needed.
- To make it gluten-free, confirm that your tortilla chips are labeled gluten-free.
