Smoky Gouda Queso Dip
Experience the rich and delightful flavor of our Smoky Gouda Queso Dip! This indulgent dip elevates traditional queso with a unique twist — a magnificent combination of both regular and smoked Gouda cheeses. Infused with vibrant green chilies, fragrant shallots, and a hint of sun-dried tomatoes, this warm dip is perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. The use of a processed cheese like Velveeta ensures a creamy texture that binds all the flavors together beautifully. Serve this dip with crispy tortilla chips, or spread it over grilled meats for an irresistible yet simple dish that will impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped green chili peppers
3 (4 ounce) cans (drained)
shallots
2 (peeled, chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
milk
3/4-1 1/4 cup (none)
sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup (minced, not oil packed)
gouda cheese
4 ounces (diced)
smoked gouda cheese
4 ounces (diced)
asiago cheese
1/2 cup (coarsely grated)
processed cheese
8 ounces (e.g., Velveeta, diced)
ground cayenne pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2
Stir in the drained chopped green chili peppers and cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
3
Pour in 3/4 cup of milk and stir well, gradually adding additional milk (up to 1 1/4 cups) until you reach your desired consistency.
4
Mix in the minced sun-dried tomatoes and cayenne pepper, giving everything a good stir.
5
Add the diced Gouda and smoked Gouda cheeses, the grated Asiago, and the processed cheese to the pan.
6
Reduce the heat to low, stirring constantly until all the cheeses are melted and the dip is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Once smooth and creamy, remove from heat and serve warm with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or vegetables for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Gouda Queso Dip?
It is a rich, warm cheese dip featuring regular and smoked Gouda, green chilies, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Which cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses regular Gouda, smoked Gouda, Asiago, and a processed cheese like Velveeta.
How much processed cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of a processed cheese, such as Velveeta, for this dip.
Why is processed cheese included?
Processed cheese ensures a smooth, creamy texture and helps bind the other ingredients together.
What type of green chilies should I use?
The recipe calls for three 4-ounce cans of chopped green chili peppers, drained.
How do I prepare the shallots?
Peel and chop two shallots before sautéing them in olive oil.
How much garlic is needed?
Two minced garlic cloves are used to provide fragrance to the dip.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes are best?
Use 1/2 cup of minced sun-dried tomatoes that are not oil-packed.
How much milk should I add?
Start with 3/4 cup of milk and gradually add more up to 1 1/4 cups until you reach your desired consistency.
What makes this dip smoky?
The inclusion of 4 ounces of diced smoked Gouda cheese provides the signature smoky flavor.
Is this dip spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat from the green chilies and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What temperature should I use to melt the cheese?
The cheese should be melted over low heat while stirring constantly to keep it smooth.
How much Gouda cheese is required?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of regular Gouda and 4 ounces of smoked Gouda.
What size cans of green chilies are used?
You need three 4-ounce cans of chopped green chilies.
How do I prep the Asiago cheese?
The 1/2 cup of Asiago cheese should be coarsely grated before adding it to the pan.
Can I serve this with meat?
Yes, it is excellent served over grilled meats or as a dip for various snacks.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a medium-sized pan and sauté the shallots and garlic.
How long do I sauté the shallots and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
When do I add the cayenne pepper?
Mix in the cayenne pepper along with the sun-dried tomatoes after the milk is added.
How do I know when the dip is finished?
The dip is ready once all the cheeses are melted and the texture is smooth and creamy.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, once the dip is smooth, you can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
What are some serving suggestions?
Serve the warm dip with crispy tortilla chips, grilled meats, or vegetables.
Does this recipe use olive oil?
Yes, one tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients listed in this Smoky Gouda Queso Dip recipe.
How do I prepare the Gouda?
Both the regular and smoked Gouda should be diced into small pieces.
Can I swap the shallots?
While the recipe calls for shallots, you could substitute them with onions for a different flavor profile.
What happens if I don't drain the chilies?
The dip may become too thin or watery if the green chilies are not properly drained.
Is this dip suitable for parties?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
What is the role of Asiago cheese?
Asiago adds a sharp, nutty flavor and contributes to the overall complexity of the dip.
When should I remove the dip from the heat?
Remove it from the heat as soon as it is smooth and creamy to prevent overcooking.