Creamy American Queso Dip
This delightful Creamy American Queso Dip was born out of a spontaneous kitchen adventure between my cousin and me. Craving queso but lacking the usual Velveeta, we explored our pantry and discovered a combination that redefined our queso experience. The use of creamy American cheese ensures a rich texture and a flavor that stands out, while the addition of spices and flavorful salsa elevates this dip to new heights. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy movie marathon, this dip pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips and is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
American cheese
1 lb (cubed)
On the Border salsa
16 ounces (medium)
Skim milk
1/2-3/4 cup (as needed)
Cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Ground cumin
1 tablespoon (none)
Parsley
2 teaspoons (dried)
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Goya adobo seasoning with pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cubing the American cheese into small pieces for easier melting. You can do this by breaking a stack of several slices into quarters.
2
In a large microwave-safe bowl or container, combine the cubed American cheese, the jar of medium On The Border salsa, and 1/2 cup of skim milk.
3
Microwave the mixture on high for 2 minutes, then carefully stir to combine the ingredients.
4
Add in the cilantro, ground cumin, parsley, white pepper, chili powder, and Goya adobo seasoning. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5
Continue to microwave the queso on high, stirring every minute for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and heated through. If the dip appears too thick, gradually stir in more milk until the desired consistency is reached.
6
Once finished, give it a final stir and serve hot alongside your favorite tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cheese used in the Creamy American Queso Dip?
The primary ingredient is 1 lb of American cheese, which is cubed for easy melting.
Can I make this queso dip without Velveeta?
Yes, this recipe was specifically designed as a delicious alternative to Velveeta-based dips using creamy American cheese.
What type of salsa is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce jar of medium On The Border salsa.
How do I prepare the American cheese for the dip?
You should cube the cheese into small pieces. A quick way is to break a stack of several slices into quarters.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 to 3/4 cup of skim milk, adding more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
How long does it take to cook this queso in the microwave?
The total microwave time is approximately 10 to 12 minutes, involving an initial 2-minute burst followed by 1-minute intervals.
When should I add the spices to the cheese mixture?
Add the cilantro, cumin, parsley, white pepper, chili powder, and adobo seasoning after the initial 2 minutes of microwaving and stirring.
Is this queso dip spicy?
It has a medium heat level due to the use of medium salsa, chili powder, and white pepper.
What spices are needed for this Creamy American Queso?
You will need cilantro, ground cumin, dried parsley, white pepper, chili powder, and Goya adobo seasoning with pepper.
What should I do if the dip is too thick?
If the dip appears too thick after melting, gradually stir in more milk until you reach your preferred consistency.
How often should I stir the dip while it is in the microwave?
After the first two minutes, you should stir the mixture every minute to ensure even melting and prevent burning.
What is the best way to serve this dip?
Serve it hot immediately after cooking alongside your favorite crispy tortilla chips.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro.
What type of parsley is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The dip requires 1 tablespoon of ground cumin for a rich, smoky flavor.
What is Goya adobo seasoning?
It is a savory all-purpose seasoning; this recipe specifically uses the version that includes pepper.
Can I use a different brand of salsa?
While the recipe suggests On The Border salsa, you can substitute it with your favorite medium-heat jarred salsa.
Is this dip suitable for parties?
Absolutely! It is perfect for parties, game nights, or cozy movie marathons.
Does the recipe require a specific type of bowl?
You should use a large microwave-safe bowl or container to allow for stirring and expansion as it heats.
Can I use whole milk instead of skim milk?
Yes, whole milk or 2% milk can be used if you prefer an even richer texture.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.
How much white pepper is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper for this dip.
What inspired this recipe?
It was created during a spontaneous kitchen adventure when the makers lacked Velveeta and experimented with pantry staples.
Can I use white American cheese?
Yes, white American cheese is a great substitute and will result in a white queso dip.
Is there a lot of sodium in this dip?
American cheese and salsa are naturally high in sodium, so you may want to check labels if you are monitoring salt intake.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the cheese, salsa, milk, and various spices.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do I reheat the queso?
Reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk if it has thickened.
Can I add meat to this dip?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add cooked ground beef or chorizo for a heartier dip.
What is the texture of this dip?
The use of American cheese ensures a very smooth, rich, and creamy texture.