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–+ servings

MEXICAN RESTAURANT STYLE WHITE CHEESE (QUESO) DIP

Smooth, creamy restaurant-style white queso dip with mild heat from jalapeño and green chiles — perfect for chips or drizzling over nachos.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 16 oz white American cheese (cubed) Velveeta or white American cheese works best for smooth melt
  • 0.5 cup half-and-half or whole milk to thin as needed
  • 4 oz diced green chiles drained, mild or hot depending on preference
  • 1 each jalapeño seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds for more heat)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch whisked with a little cold half-and-half to prevent lumps
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Cube the white American cheese into small, even pieces to help it melt evenly.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked with 1 tablespoon cold half-and-half) and cook for 30 seconds to activate.
  • Slowly add the remaining half-and-half to the pan, whisking constantly until smooth and warm but not boiling.
  • Gradually add the cubed cheese to the warm milk mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is silky.
  • Stir in the diced green chiles, chopped jalapeño, garlic powder, ground cumin, lime juice, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning or consistency (add a splash more half-and-half if too thick).
  • Keep the queso warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with tortilla chips or use as desired.

Notes

For extra smooth queso, melt cheese slowly and avoid high heat. Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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