Steps:
- Stovetop method: Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and place a bowl inside the pot to create a double boiler. (The bowl should be big enough to rest above the rim of the pot without the bottom touching the water.) Add both cheeses, the half-and-half, garlic, jalapeño, and ground black pepper, then stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dip is creamy. Stir in the green chilies.
- Slow cooker method: Combine both cheeses, the half-and-half, garlic, jalapeño, and ground black pepper in the base of a slow cooker, and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 50 minutes, stirring once half-way through. Stir in the green chilies. Transfer to a serving bowl or reduce the temperature of the slow cooker to warm and keep covered until ready to serve.
- Top with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced jalapeño. Serve immediately.
This creamy white queso dip uses only a handful of ingredients and is ready to party in just ten minutes.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings (about 1 1/2 cups)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Whisk together the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder and cumin in a medium saucepan. Add the cheese and whisk to combine. Pour in the evaporated milk and whisk to combine. Set over medium-low heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the queso dip to a warm serving dish. Top with cilantro, jalapeno and red onions. Serve with tortilla chips.
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Arkansas queso dip recipes are becoming quite popular in recent years. This tasty and savory dip is loved by everyone- from casual partygoers to hardcore foodies. The dip is a combination of melted cheese, spices, and sometimes vegetables or meat. It is traditionally served with tortilla chips, but it can also be used as a topping for other dishes. Let's explore more about Arkansas queso dip recipes.
Ingredients
The ingredients required to make the Arkansas queso dip depend on individual preferences. Nevertheless, some common ingredients include:
Cheese
The starting point for any queso dip recipe is cheese. Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese is typically used. Also, processed cheese snacks like Velveeta are commonly used.
Spices
The spices used in making queso are subject to individual choices. Common spices added include cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika to give the dip a spicy and savory flavor.
Vegetables
Some Arkansas queso dip recipes include vegetables like diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos to add texture, crunch, and a bit of spice.
Meat
Some recipes include cooked sausage or ground beef, which can add a rich and savory flavor to the dip.
The Process
Melt the cheese and spices together in a saucepan or a slow-cooker. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan or burning. If using vegetables or meat, they should be added at this stage. The vegetables can be sautéed separately if they need to be softened before being added to the cheese mixture. Once everything is adequately combined and heated, the dip can be transferred to a serving bowl and garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.
Variations
There are endless variations of Arkansas queso dip recipes. Some modifications include:
White Queso Dip
This variation involves replacing the cheddar or Monterey jack cheese used in most recipes with white cheese like queso blanco.
Black Bean Queso Dip
This Arkansas queso dip recipe variation involves adding black beans to the cheesy mixture to make the dish healthier and more filling.
Cowboy Queso Dip
This variation involves adding cooked and diced sausage to the cheesy mixture. It is a popular dip for serving during football games and cookouts.
Conclusion
Arkansas queso dip is a fantastic and versatile snack that can be enjoyed by anyone. Its ingredients can be adjusted based on individual preferences, making it a perfect party dip for casual gatherings, potlucks, or football games. Its many variations show how one recipe can be customized to cater to different tastes, dietary needs, and budgets. Who knows, you may find the perfect Arkansas queso dip variation to impress your family and friends.
Arkansas queso dip is a dish that you can find in almost every corner of the state. This classic Tex-Mex dish has become a staple in Arkansas cuisine, and for good reason. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and can be served at almost any gathering. If you’re looking for the perfect recipe for an Arkansas queso dip, there are some valuable tips that you need to keep in mind.
Choose the Right Cheese
The first thing that you need to do is select the right cheese for the recipe. The most popular cheese to use is Monterey Jack or a blend of 50% Monterey Jack and 50% cheddar cheese. These cheeses melt very smoothly and have a mild flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients in the dish. Avoid using sharp cheddar cheese or aged cheese, as they don’t melt well and have a strong flavor that will compete with the other flavors in the dish.
Add Aromatic Vegetables
To enhance the flavor of the queso dip, you need to add some aromatic vegetables like garlic, onion, and jalapeno peppers. The onions will add a sweet flavor, the garlic will give it a deep, rich flavor, and the jalapenos will add heat. Be sure to chop these vegetables finely, so they mix evenly throughout the dip. You can also add diced tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or green onions to add more texture and flavor.
Use Milk or Cream
To make the queso dip creamy and smooth, you need to add milk or cream to the cheese mixture. Whole milk or heavy cream is preferred, but if you want to keep it light, you can use low-fat milk. Be sure to add the milk or cream gradually, so the cheese doesn’t seize up or become too runny.
Seasonings and Spices
To give the queso dip a Tex-Mex flavor, you’ll want to add some spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. These spices will give the dip a smoky, spicy flavor that pairs well with tortilla chips or any other dipping chips.
Consistency
The consistency of the queso dip is important as you don’t want it too thin or too thick. If your queso dip is too thick, you can add some more milk or cream to thin it out. Similarly, if the queso dip is too thin, you can add more cheese to thicken it. Be sure to stir the queso dip frequently, so it doesn’t burn or become lumpy.
Garnish
When serving the queso dip, you can add some garnish to make it look more appealing. You can sprinkle some diced tomatoes, diced avocados, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapenos over the top of the dish. These garnishes will add more flavor and color, making it look more appetizing.
Serving
When it comes to serving queso dip, there are a few tips to keep in mind. You’ll want to serve it hot and fresh, so don’t prepare the dip too far in advance. You can keep the dip warm by transferring it to a slow cooker or a fondue pot. Serve the queso dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables like celery, carrots, or broccoli.
Conclusion
Making an Arkansas queso dip is an easy and delicious way to add some Tex-Mex flavor to your table. By following these valuable tips, you can make a creamy and flavorful queso dip that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Remember to choose the right cheese, add flavorful vegetables, use milk or cream, and season your dip with spices to enhance the flavor. Don't forget to keep stirring the dip and adjust the consistency as needed. By garnishing the dip and serving it with the right dippers, you can create a beautiful and delicious dish to serve at any time.
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