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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
