Slam Dunk Queso
Get ready to elevate your game day snacks with this irresistible Slam Dunk Queso! This bold and cheesy dip is not only delicious, but it's also shaped to resemble a basketball, making it the ultimate centerpiece for your March Madness festivities. With rich flavors from melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, combined with zesty tomatoes, fire-roasted green chiles, and a kick from chorizo, this queso will have your guests cheering for more. Perfectly paired with crispy tortilla chips, fresh guacamole, tangy sour cream, and vibrant salsa, this dip is sure to score points with everyone watching the game!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
flour
2 tablespoons (none)
whole milk
1 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon (none)
granulated onion
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
diced tomato
1 cup (drained)
fire roasted whole green chili
1 cup (chopped)
cheddar cheese
3 cups (grated)
monterey jack cheese
3 cups (grated)
soy chorizo or regular chorizo sausage
9 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
salsa
1 cup (for serving)
guacamole
1 cup (for serving)
sour cream
1 cup (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
2
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the salt, garlic, onion, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine.
3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the drained diced tomatoes, chopped fire-roasted green chiles, and both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
4
In a separate skillet, cook the soy chorizo (or regular chorizo) according to package directions until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
5
To assemble, transfer the warm queso into a round pie plate or casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the cooked chorizo in a pattern that mimics the lines of a basketball.
6
Serve immediately with tortilla chips on the side, along with bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slam Dunk Queso?
Slam Dunk Queso is a bold and cheesy dip designed to look like a basketball, making it a perfect snack for March Madness or game day festivities.
What ingredients are used to make the roux for this queso?
The roux is made by whisking together 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of flour.
How long should I cook the roux?
You should cook the butter and flour mixture for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
What kind of milk is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of whole milk to be gradually whisked into the roux.
How long does it take for the milk and roux mixture to thicken?
It typically takes about 5 to 8 minutes of continuous stirring for the mixture to thicken.
What spices are added to the cheese sauce base?
The base is seasoned with salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Should I remove the pan from the heat before adding the cheese?
Yes, you should remove the saucepan from the heat before folding in the tomatoes, green chiles, and cheeses.
What types of cheese are used in Slam Dunk Queso?
The recipe uses 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese and 3 cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of diced tomatoes that have been drained.
What kind of green chiles are best for this dip?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of chopped fire-roasted whole green chiles for a zesty flavor.
What provides the basketball-themed appearance?
Cooked soy or regular chorizo is placed on top of the queso in a pattern that mimics the lines of a basketball.
Can I use vegetarian-friendly meat alternatives?
Yes, you can use soy chorizo instead of regular chorizo sausage to make this recipe.
How much chorizo is needed for the decoration?
You will need 9 ounces of soy or regular chorizo, cooked according to package directions.
What serving dish is recommended for this queso?
A round pie plate or casserole dish is ideal for spreading out the queso and creating the basketball design.
What are the suggested side items for serving?
Serve the queso with tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients listed for this recipe, including items for the dip and items for serving.
Is this queso spicy?
The dip has a kick from the cayenne pepper, fire-roasted green chiles, and chorizo, but it is balanced by the creamy cheeses.
Can I use granulated garlic instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic.
How much salt should be added?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Should the cheese be grated or sliced?
The cheese should be grated to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter should be melted in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
How do I ensure the dip is smooth?
Folding the cheese into the warm milk mixture after removing it from the heat helps it melt evenly and stay smooth.
What is the primary category for this recipe?
It is categorized as an appetizer and a party food, specifically for game day events.
Can I use regular chorizo sausage?
Yes, the recipe allows for either soy chorizo or regular chorizo sausage.
How much black pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this recipe good for March Madness?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as the ultimate centerpiece for March Madness festivities due to its basketball shape.
Should I serve this dip warm or cold?
The queso should be served immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
What kind of onion is used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of granulated onion.
How do I finish the assembly of the dip?
Spread the warm queso evenly in a dish and top it with cooked chorizo in a pattern that looks like basketball lines.