Description
This Pepper Jack Queso dip combines creamy evaporated milk, spicy Pepper Jack cheese, and vibrant green chilies for a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer. Perfect for serving with tortilla chips, this queso offers a rich, cheesy dip with a hint of heat and smoky flavors from fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can)
- 1/2 small onion, diced (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 can green chilies (4.5 ounces)
- 8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 can fire roasted Rotel (10 ounces)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook onions: In a large cast iron skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add green chilies: Stir in the canned green chilies and cook for about 2 minutes to combine the flavors and heat through.
- Add evaporated milk and melt cheese: Pour in the evaporated milk and heat until it just begins to simmer. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded Pepper Jack cheese in small batches, stirring constantly. Allow each batch of cheese to melt fully before adding more, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season and combine: Once all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, stir in the fire roasted Rotel, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Fold in cilantro: Add the chopped cilantro and fold it gently into the queso, adding freshness and vibrant flavor.
- Serve: Optionally top with additional salsa if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips and enjoy as a delicious appetizer or party dip.
Notes
- This Pepper Jack Queso Dip is an easy and flavorful appetizer that captures the essence of Mexican restaurant-style cheese dips.
- Use a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to help maintain even heat while melting the cheese.
- Stirring consistently while adding cheese prevents clumping and ensures a smooth texture.
- You can adjust the spice level by using mild or hot green chilies depending on your preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture; reheat gently if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 383 kcal
- Sugar: 6.5 g
- Sodium: 563 mg
- Fat: 29.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 17.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.2 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 22.5 g
- Cholesterol: 84 mg