Creamy Mexican Cheese Dip made with gooey Monterey Jack cheese. Serve this party dip with tortilla chips and veggies!
Easy Mexican Cheese Dip
Cheese lovers, this dip is calling your name! You can never go wrong serving a hot cheese dip at a party. This is a simple Mexican cheese dip made with Monterey jack cheese, butter, garlic, jalapeño pepper and a bunch of spices. On top we decorate it with some veggies for both color and crunch.
Serve with your favorite hearty tortilla chips, crackers or vegetables for the perfect party dip!
Making Cheese Dip Tips
- The perfect dip also needs to have the perfect partners in crime! I like to serve my queso dip with tortilla chips, but other great dipping options are more fresh veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, etc), crackers and pretzels.
- Mexican cheese dip also makes for a great cheese sauce for nachos, burritos and tacos.
- I typically use one jalapeño, with seeds removed, in this recipe so that it’s not too spicy for the kids. If you prefer more heat, add in the seeds too or add a second jalapeño. Alternatively, you can add some hot sauce to turn the heat up.
Can You Make This The Day Before?
I suggest making this dip no more than 24 hours before you plan to serve it. Add the fresh veggies to the top right before serving.
When ready to serve, simply microwave in 30 second increments until the dip becomes melty and heated. Or you can reheat it on the stove top when you’re ready to serve it.
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
This cheese dip can easily be made in the slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients to a slow cooker and then cook on low for 2-3 hours, then stir until smooth. Turn the crock pot to the warm setting and serve.
Monterey Jack Queso Variations
This Mexican cheese dip is fabulous as-is, but you can add other ingredients to make it your own.
- Meaty Cheese Dip: Add 1/2 pound cooked and crumbled ground beef or chorizo. Or add 1/2 cup crumbled up cooked baconn for a bacon cheese dip!
- Bean and Cheese Dip: Add 1 cup rinsed and drained beans, such as black beans or pinto beans.
- Cheese: Add some other types of shredded cheese to the mix such as Velveeta, cheddar or pepper jack.
- Toppings: If you don’t want to top the cheese dip with veggies, try topping it with tomato salsa, sliced black olives, corn, diced avocado or pickled jalapeño slices.
Other Recipes You May Like:
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Mexican Cheese Dip
PrintIngredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeds removed and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 16 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- salt + pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1/4 cup green peppers sliced thin
- 1/4 cup carrots peeled and sliced thin
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add jalapeño pepper and minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until garlic lightly browns.
- Turn heat to low and add cheese, stirring until cheese is completely melted.
- Add cumin, onion powder, salt and pepper and stir until combined.
- Pour dip into a serving bowl. Decorate with tomatoes, peppers and carrots on top.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips and vegetables. Enjoy!
Matthew says
This cheesy dip was a big hit during the game! Thanks
Roseann Hampton says
Thanks for sharing at The Blogger’s Pit Stop! Can’t wait to see what you link up next week! Roseann from This Autoimmune Life
Life Diet Health says
Pamela this sounds like a fun dish! I often serve vegetables with a cheezy dip but I’ve never thought to actually serve them in the dip! Those blue chips too! 😀 Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Fiesta – don’t forget to add the links in so all your readers can join the party too! 🙂
Sandra L Garth says
This looks like a work of art and I’m so happy that you shared it with us at Celebrate Your Story. Have an awesome weekend!!!
Michelle Leslie says
I love the idea of dipping for vegetables at the same time Pamela and your cheesy dip sounds so yummy too.
Kat @ Kat's 9 Lives says
Those pictures are great with the vegetables arranged in the cheese dip!
Katelynn|hampersandhiccups.com says
This looks so yummy. But, really, isn’t all cheese dip?!
#pinjunkie
Katelynn, hampersandhiccups.com
Pamela says
I can’t argue with you about that!
Elizabeth @ Guilty Chocoholic Mama says
Yum! I could eat a bowlful of this right this minute, and it’s only 6 a.m. 😉 Stopping by from #ThisIsHowWeRoll!
Donna Reidland says
What a beautiful addition to any table!
A Frugal Life says
So pretty! What a great idea. I’ll have to try this with my onion dip.
K.C. says
Putting the veggies in the dip not only steps up the presentation, but also is a perfect way to encourage eating veggies.
Deepika says
This is so pretty, and I love the way you have styled this photo. It’s eye-catching. Love the recipe as well. Trying it soon.
Ginny says
This is really smart! What a great way to add veggies into a party.
Suzy says
What a great dip! My family would love this
Christina Shoemaker says
What a beautiful and fun dip! I love your veggies in there!! That, along with those yummy chips, make this so colorful!! <3 Will definitely be making!