Description
A creamy, flavorful cheese dip combining sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, perfect for serving hot alongside tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Vegetables and 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 and Seasonings
- 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
Serving
- Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: 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, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly. Continue until the cheeses are completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro, mixing thoroughly to combine all fresh ingredients evenly into the cheese base.
- Season the Dip: Add the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the dip.
- Cook the Dip: Continue cooking the cheese dip over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Cook until the dip is hot, bubbly, and all flavors have melded together with a smooth consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the hot cheese dip to a serving dish. Optionally garnish with extra chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh finish. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, increase the amount of diced green chilies or chili powder.
- Use fresh tomatoes and chilies for a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Keep stirring during cooking to avoid burning the cheese mixture at the bottom of the pan.
- This dip is best enjoyed hot but can be gently reheated on the stovetop if needed.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure that the cheeses used are free from animal rennet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheese dip, cheddar cheese dip, Monterey Jack dip, creamy cheese dip, appetizer, party dip, spicy cheese dip
