Chile Con Queso

Chile con Queso! This creamy, cheesy dip is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a blend of melted cheese, diced vegetables, and a hint of spice. Perfect for dipping tortilla chips or topping nachos, Chile con Queso is a go-to appetizer for gatherings or a delicious snack any time. With its irresistible flavor and easy preparation, it's sure to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire. Let's dive into making this delicious treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 pound (about 16 ounces) of melting cheese such as Velveeta, American cheese, or a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, shredded or cubed
• 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables:

• Dice 1/4 cup of onion, 1/4 cup of bell pepper, and 1 jalapeño pepper (if using).

• If you prefer a milder dip, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before dicing.

Heat the Oil:

• In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers.

Saute the Vegetables:

• Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the saucepan.

• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Tomatoes with Green Chilies:

• Drain a can (10 ounces) of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

• Add the drained tomatoes to the saucepan with the cooked vegetables.

• Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Add Cheese and Milk:

• Reduce the heat to low.

• Add 1 pound (about 16 ounces) of shredded or cubed melting cheese (such as Velveeta or American cheese) to the saucepan.

• Pour in 1/2 cup of milk or half-and-half.

Melt the Cheese:

• Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

• This usually takes a few minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning.

Season the Dip:

• Taste the Chile con Queso and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

• Adjust the seasoning as needed until it reaches your desired flavor.

Transfer to a Serving Bowl:

• Once the cheese has melted and the dip is smooth, transfer it to a serving bowl.

• Use a spatula to scrape any remaining dip from the saucepan.

Garnish (Optional):

• If desired, garnish the Chile con Queso with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.

• These toppings add color and flavor to the dip.

Serve Warm:

• Chile con Queso is best served warm.

• Arrange tortilla chips or vegetables on a serving platter alongside the dip.

Enjoy:

• Dive into the deliciousness and enjoy your homemade Chile con Queso with friends and family!

• Following these step-by-step instructions will help you create a flavorful and creamy Chile con Queso dip that's perfect for any gathering or snack time.