Description
This Mexican White Cheese Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Made with smooth white American cheese or your favorite cheese substitutes, blended with milk and cream, and enhanced with spices, jalapeños, and green chilies, this dip is a crowd-pleaser served warm with chips or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base
- 1 lb (450 g) white American cheese (shredded or cubed) (Or substitute with white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blanco)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk (or half & half for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional, for ultra-smooth texture)
Spices & Flavorings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 small can (4 oz / 110 g) diced green chilies (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 small jalapeño (finely diced, optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Garnish
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt the Cheese Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded or cubed white American cheese, whole milk, and heavy cream if using. Stir constantly to ensure the cheese melts smoothly without burning or clumping.
- Add Spices and Flavor: Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Incorporate the diced green chilies for an additional flavor boost if desired.
- Add Heat (Optional): Stir in the finely diced jalapeño, adjusting the quantity based on your preferred spice level for a mild to moderate heat.
- Add Butter (Optional): To enrich the dip’s texture, add the tablespoon of butter and stir until fully melted and blended into the mixture.
- Serve: Once the dip achieves a smooth and creamy consistency, remove it from the heat. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or other favorite dippers.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dip just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant note and appealing color contrast.
Notes
- Use white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blanco as alternatives if white American cheese is unavailable.
- For a thicker, richer dip, substitute whole milk with half & half or add heavy cream.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity or omit if you prefer no spiciness.
- Butter enhances creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Serve warm for the best texture; the dip may thicken upon cooling but can be reheated gently to restore creaminess.
- Pair with tortilla chips, sliced bell peppers, carrots, or celery sticks for dipping.
