You Will Love It Jalapeno and Cheese Dip
Welcome to an irresistible culinary experience with the “You Will Love It Jalapeno and Cheese Dip.” This crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining the delightful heat of jalapeno jack cheese with the creamy richness of sour cream and mayonnaise, is the perfect way to start any gathering. Easy to prepare and boasting a tantalizing blend of flavors, this dip is sure to be a hit whether you’re hosting a potluck, a casual get-together, or a cozy night in. With just a 10-minute cook time and minimal preparation, it offers the perfect balance of convenience and gourmet taste.
Recipe Details
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: None
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cheese
- Keywords: Potluck, Spicy, Microwave, < 15 Mins, Easy
- Servings: 3 cups
- Calories: 728.5
- Fat Content: 61.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 38.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 176.3mg
- Sodium Content: 1137mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 5.5g
- Fiber Content: 0.6g
- Sugar Content: 3.9g
- Protein Content: 39.2g
- Aggregated Rating: 3
- Review Count: 1
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeno jack cheese
- 8 sour cream
- 1/4 mayonnaise
- 1 garlic
- 2 chopped pimiento
- 3 green onions
- Sunflower seeds (quantity not specified)
Instructions
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Combine the Base Ingredients: Begin by mixing together the jalapeno jack cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic in a medium-sized bowl. Ensure the ingredients are well incorporated to create a smooth base.
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Cooking Method:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mixture in an oven-safe dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Cook on high for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the mixture from burning.
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Incorporate Additional Ingredients: After the initial cooking, stir in half of the pimientos, green onions, and sunflower seeds. This will introduce additional layers of flavor and texture to the dip.
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Final Cooking:
- Oven: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Microwave: If using a microwave, cook on high for another 2-3 minutes.
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Garnishing: Once the dip is cooked, garnish with the remaining pimientos, green onions, and sunflower seeds. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances the flavor.
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Serving: Serve the dip hot with tortilla chips. The dip can also be refrigerated for up to a week and reheated in the oven or microwave until hot. Make sure to stir well before serving.
Nutritional Insights
With a calorie count of 728.5 per serving, this dip is a decadent treat perfect for occasional indulgence. The high-fat content, primarily from the cheese and mayonnaise, contributes to its rich and creamy texture, while the jalapeno jack cheese adds a spicy kick that balances the overall flavor. The protein content is quite substantial, making it a relatively filling snack despite its high fat and calorie counts.
Tips for the Perfect Dip
- Cheese Choice: The jalapeno jack cheese is the star of this recipe. Its unique blend of creamy Monterey Jack cheese with spicy jalapenos provides both flavor and heat. If you prefer a milder dip, you can substitute with plain Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar cheese.
- Sour Cream and Mayonnaise Balance: The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise adds a tangy and smooth texture. For a lighter version, you could use reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Garlic Flavor: Freshly minced garlic will offer a more robust flavor compared to garlic powder. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Pimiento and Green Onions: These ingredients provide a burst of color and additional flavor. If pimientos are unavailable, roasted red peppers can be a good substitute.
- Sunflower Seeds: The sunflower seeds add a surprising crunch to the otherwise creamy dip. Toasting them lightly before adding can enhance their flavor.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add Some Protein: For a heartier version, mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon or diced chicken breast.
- Spice It Up: If you like your dip extra spicy, consider adding some diced fresh jalapenos or a few drops of hot sauce.
- Serve with Variety: While tortilla chips are a classic pairing, this dip also goes well with vegetable sticks, pita bread, or crackers.
- Top It Off: Add some shredded cheese on top before the final baking step for a gooey, melted cheese topping.
Storing and Reheating
This dip is not just delicious; it’s also convenient. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s hot and bubbly. Stirring well before serving ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and the dip maintains its creamy consistency.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing for a game day party, a family gathering, or just a casual evening snack, the “You Will Love It Jalapeno and Cheese Dip” is versatile and sure to please a variety of palates. Its quick preparation time and easy cooking method make it a go-to recipe for busy days when you still want to serve something homemade and delicious.
In conclusion, this dip embodies the perfect blend of simplicity and gourmet flavor. Its creamy, spicy, and savory profile makes it a standout at any event. The combination of jalapeno jack cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a rich base, while the addition of garlic, pimientos, green onions, and sunflower seeds adds depth and complexity. Serve it with your favorite chips, and watch it disappear quickly!
