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Creamy Queso Dip with Spicy Jalapeños

creamy queso dip with spicy jalapeños - featured image

A creamy, velvety queso dip with a spicy kick from jalapeños, perfect for parties and gatherings. This easy recipe blends sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese for a smooth, crowd-pleasing dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200g)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (100g)
  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese (115g)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml)
  • 2 medium jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat or kept for more spice)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion (40g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter (28g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste (kosher recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: finely chop jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat), dice onion, mince garlic, and shred cheeses if not pre-shredded.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and chopped jalapeños; cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant, watching closely to avoid burning garlic.
  4. Sprinkle in ground cumin and smoked paprika; stir to coat the veggies evenly.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and add softened cream cheese. Stir constantly to melt slowly and avoid lumps, creating a smooth base.
  6. Gradually add whole milk while whisking continuously to form a creamy sauce.
  7. Slowly add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in batches, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  9. Remove from heat and transfer to a warm serving bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or warm soft pretzels.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting. Control spice by removing jalapeño seeds or adjusting the number of peppers. Stir constantly to prevent burning. If dip thickens when cooled, stir in a splash of milk and gently reheat.

Nutrition

Keywords: queso dip, creamy queso, jalapeño dip, party dip, cheese dip, spicy dip, appetizer, Mexican dip