Description
This Mexican Cheese Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with a smooth blend of cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, green chiles, and tomatoes, it delivers a rich melt with authentic Southwestern flavors and customizable heat to suit all taste preferences. Easy to prepare and versatile, it can be served as a dip or sauce, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Vegetables and Spices
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, fresh or canned
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced (optional, for spice)
Fresh Herbs and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature to ensure it melts smoothly without lumps.
- Combine the Cheeses: Grate the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and mix them into the softened cream cheese until fully blended for a creamy, cheesy base.
- Add Flavor and Spice: Stir in the diced green chiles, tomatoes, jalapeños (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder to bring out bold Mexican flavors.
- Heat Gently: Place the mixture in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until all the cheeses are melted and the dip reaches a smooth consistency.
- Final Touches: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh diced tomatoes and chiles whenever possible for a brighter flavor.
- Melt the cheese slowly over low heat to avoid separation and achieve a smooth dip.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños or add chipotle peppers for preferred spice levels.
- Serve the dip warm for the best creaminess and taste experience.
- Keep stirring during melting to prevent sticking or burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Mexican cheese dip, creamy cheese dip, cheesy dip, party appetizer, spicy cheese dip, crowd-pleasing dip
