The Cheese Dip That Will Make You Famous Recipe

Introduction

This cheese dip is creamy, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With a blend of sharp and Monterey Jack cheeses combined with fresh veggies and spices, it’s the perfect appetizer to enjoy with chips or fresh vegetables.

A white round dish filled with a hot, baked cheese dip that has a golden-brown, bubbly top layer of melted cheese with small crispy spots and sprinkled green herb pieces. From the center, a scoop of creamy white cheese mixed with herbs is being lifted by a woman's hand holding a white tortilla chip. Long, stretchy cheese strands connect the dip to the chip, showing the gooey texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until all the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro until evenly mixed.
  4. Step 4: Add the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Step 5: Continue cooking the dip over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is hot and bubbly—about 5 to 7 minutes. Ensure the dip maintains a smooth consistency.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the cheese dip to a serving dish. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the dip.
  • Use a mix of your favorite cheeses, such as pepper jack or smoked gouda, to change the flavor profile.
  • If the dip thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure that the tortilla chips or veggies you serve are gluten free.

Storage

Store leftover cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and heated through.

How to Serve

A white round dish filled with two visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy and white with green herb flecks, while the top layer is melted cheese in yellow and golden brown, bubbly and slightly browned in some spots, sprinkled with small green parsley pieces and black pepper. A woman's hand holds a round, lightly browned cracker that is covered with melted stretchy cheese and a bit of the creamy white layer, pulling the cheese upward. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and reheat gently before serving for the best results.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can omit it or substitute with fresh parsley or a pinch of dried cilantro for a similar fresh flavor.

Print
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The Cheese Dip That Will Make You Famous Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, flavorful cheese dip combining sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with fresh vegetables and spices, perfect for serving warm with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. This easy-to-make stovetop recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

To Serve

  • Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, creating a creamy base for the dip.
  2. Melt the Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to the mixture, stirring constantly to ensure the cheeses melt completely and the dip becomes smooth and velvety.
  3. Add the Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Then add the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dip.
  4. Cook the Dip: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the dip is hot and bubbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step helps all the ingredients meld together into a harmonious, flavorful cheese dip with a smooth consistency.
  5. Serve: Transfer the hot cheese dip to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness and color. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

  • You can use either fresh or canned diced tomatoes and green chilies depending on availability; just drain canned items well before adding.
  • To keep the dip warm during a party, transfer it to a slow cooker on the low setting.
  • For extra heat, add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers including sliced bell peppers, celery sticks, and pita chips.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheese dip, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, easy appetizer, party dip, creamy cheese dip, stovetop dip

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