Creamy Tex-Mex Chile Con Queso Dip

Chile Con Queso: A Savory Tex-Mex Delight

Chile Con Queso, a quintessential Tex-Mex appetizer, combines creamy melted cheese with the robust flavors of tomatoes, green chilies, and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for gatherings, game days, or just a comforting snack, and it’s a fantastic way to bring the warm, bold flavors of the Southwest to your table.

Here’s a detailed exploration of the recipe, including ingredient notes, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect your Chile Con Queso.

Recipe Overview

Name: Chile Con Queso
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Description: A creamy, spicy cheese dip made with onions, garlic, tomatoes, green chilies, and Velveeta cheese, ideal for serving with tortilla chips.
Category: Cheese
Keywords: Tex-Mex, Southwestern U.S., High In Flavor, Under 60 Minutes, Stove Top
Servings: 3 ½ cups
Nutrition:

• Calories: 469.4 per serving
• Fat: 32.5g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 102.4mg
• Sodium: 2266.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 23.2g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugars: 12.4g
• Protein: 22.4g

Ingredients

1. 1 onion, finely chopped
2. 2 garlic cloves, minced
3. 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
4. 1 tbsp chili powder
5. 1 can (10 oz) tomatoes and green chilies, drained
6. 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
7. 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   In a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is tender and translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor base of your queso by allowing the natural sweetness of the onion and the sharpness of the garlic to infuse the oil.

2. Create the Roux:
   Sprinkle the all-purpose flour and chili powder over the onion mixture. Stir constantly over low heat for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, a thickening base for the queso, and also blooms the chili powder, enhancing its flavor. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent the flour from burning.

3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Chilies:
   Add the can of drained tomatoes and green chilies to the pot. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly. This step melds the flavors together and creates the base for your queso’s consistency.

4. Melt the Cheese:
   Gradually add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the pot. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Velveeta is a processed cheese that melts smoothly and creates a creamy texture, making it ideal for this dip.

5. Optional Jalapeño Addition:
   If you desire extra heat, stir in the finely chopped jalapeño pepper at this stage. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring until the pepper is incorporated and the queso is heated through.

6. Serve:
   Transfer the warm queso to a serving dish. Serve immediately with taco or tortilla chips. For a festive presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of additional chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or diced tomatoes.

Notes and Tips

• Choosing the Cheese: While Velveeta is traditional for its smooth melting properties, you can substitute with other cheeses like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Just note that other cheeses might not provide the same creamy texture.
• Adjusting Heat: The jalapeño is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat tolerance. For a milder version, omit the jalapeño or use milder green chilies.
• Consistency: If your queso becomes too thick, you can thin it with a splash of milk or cream, adding a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: Chile Con Queso is not just for chips. It can also be drizzled over nachos, used as a dip for vegetables, or served as a topping for baked potatoes or tacos.
• Storage: Leftover queso can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of milk to maintain the creamy texture.

Nutrition Information Breakdown

Understanding the nutritional content of Chile Con Queso can help you make informed decisions based on your dietary needs.

• Calories: At 469.4 calories per serving, this dip is relatively calorie-dense, making it a rich treat.
• Fat: With 32.5 grams of fat, including 19 grams of saturated fat, it is important to enjoy this dish in moderation, especially if you are watching your fat intake.
• Cholesterol: The queso has a significant cholesterol content at 102.4 mg per serving, which is something to be mindful of if you are monitoring your cholesterol levels.
• Sodium: The high sodium content (2266.7 mg) is typical for cheese-based dips, particularly those using processed cheeses like Velveeta. If you need to reduce sodium, consider using low-sodium cheese alternatives and canned ingredients.
• Carbohydrates: With 23.2 grams of carbohydrates, including 12.4 grams of sugars, this dip contains moderate carbs primarily from the tomatoes and chilies.
• Protein: Providing 22.4 grams of protein, it can be a substantial addition to your meal or snack.
• Fiber: The dip contains a minimal amount of fiber (1.4 grams), largely from the tomatoes and chilies.

Exploring Variations

Chile Con Queso is versatile, and you can experiment with various ingredients to create your unique twist on this classic dip:

• Add Ground Beef: Brown ground beef or sausage and stir it into the queso for a heartier dip.
• Use Different Peppers: Substitute or add different peppers like poblano or bell peppers for a variation in flavor and heat level.
• Incorporate Black Beans or Corn: For added texture and flavor, mix in black beans or corn.
• Top with Fresh Ingredients: Just before serving, top your queso with fresh diced tomatoes, cilantro, or green onions for added color and freshness.

Serving Chile Con Queso: A Tex-Mex Tradition

Chile Con Queso is traditionally served warm with tortilla chips, making it a beloved appetizer at parties and gatherings. Its creamy, spicy, and tangy profile pairs well with crunchy chips, offering a delightful contrast in texture. For a more festive presentation, you can serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl or a small cast-iron skillet.

Whether you are hosting a party, preparing a game-day snack, or simply craving a comforting dip, Chile Con Queso brings the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table. Enjoy its rich, cheesy goodness and make every dip a celebration of Southwestern culinary tradition!

I hope you find this detailed breakdown of Chile Con Queso helpful and inspiring. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences, and enjoy the process of making and sharing this delicious dish. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to ask!