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Creamy Chips and Queso Recipe Easy Homemade Snack for Game Day

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A quick and easy creamy queso dip made with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, perfect for game day or casual gatherings. This velvety, mildly spicy dip pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips and is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or dairy-free almond/oat milk for lighter version)
  • 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds in for more heat)
  • ¼ cup (40g) onion, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Tortilla chips, sturdy and crispy (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: finely dice ¼ cup onion, mince 1 garlic clove, and chop 1-2 jalapeño peppers (remove seeds if less heat preferred).
  2. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon oil or butter if desired, then sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeños for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) whole milk and warm gently for about 2 minutes without boiling.
  4. Add 4 oz (115g) softened cream cheese in chunks and whisk continuously until melted and smooth.
  5. Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar (2 cups) and Monterey Jack (1 cup) cheeses in handfuls, whisking steadily after each addition until fully melted and creamy, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt (start with ½ teaspoon), and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Remove from heat once smooth and creamy. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with sturdy tortilla chips.

Notes

Use good melting cheeses like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack; avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. Heat milk gently and melt cheeses slowly while whisking constantly to avoid grainy or greasy texture. If queso thickens upon cooling, gently reheat with a splash of milk. Adjust spice level by adding or removing jalapeño seeds or adding cayenne or chipotle.

Nutrition

Keywords: queso, creamy queso, chips and queso, game day snack, cheesy dip, easy queso recipe, homemade queso, jalapeño queso

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-chips-and-queso-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-for-game-day/