Pancho’s Cheese Dip Recipe
Description
For many, many years, there was only one Mexican restaurant in town that captivated the hearts and taste buds of its patrons. At the start of each dining experience, a big bowl of crisp tostadas would be placed on the table, accompanied by a straightforward tomato salsa, but the real star of the show was the restaurant’s legendary cheese dip. This velvety concoction quickly became a beloved favorite, and everyone was eager to get their hands on the coveted recipe. However, it was a closely-guarded secret, held tight by the restaurant owners.
As the Tex-Mex craze took off and the restaurant began marketing a plastic version of their beloved dip, I managed to acquire the original recipe through somewhat nefarious means. Don’t let the fact that it uses Velveeta deter you; this is ‘cheese food’ elevated to an irresistible new level. The dip is so thick and flavorful that it’s simply addictive, and the robust savory seasonings mean there’s absolutely no chance of a sweet undertone. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s impossible to resist.
Cook Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Recipe Category
- Cheese
Keywords
- Less than 60 minutes
- For large groups
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Garlic powder |
| 1 | Black pepper |
| 1 | Accent seasoning |
| 1 | Ground cumin |
| 2 | Whole tomatoes |
| 5 | Pickled jalapeños (slices) |
| 1 | Processed American cheese (sliced or grated) |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately 1 oz)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260.7 |
| Total Fat | 18.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 48.4 mg |
| Sodium | 1211 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugars | 7.2 g |
| Protein | 15.4 g |
Servings: Approximately 30
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Mixture: Begin by measuring out the first four ingredients—garlic powder, black pepper, Accent seasoning, and ground cumin—into a small bowl. Stir them well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
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Process the Tomatoes: Open one can of whole tomatoes, ensuring to include the juice, and pour it into the bowl of a food processor.
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Combine Ingredients: To the tomatoes, add about 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture you prepared earlier, along with 5-6 slices of pickled jalapeños.
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Blend to Desired Consistency: Pulse the processor on and off briefly several times until the ingredients are well mixed, and the tomatoes are broken down into small pieces while still retaining some texture. The final result should resemble a thick salsa.
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Transfer to Saucepan: Pour the tomato mixture from the food processor into a medium saucepan.
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Repeat Processing: Repeat the process with the remaining can of tomatoes, the leftover spice mixture, and the additional slices of jalapeños, adding the mixture to the saucepan after processing.
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Prepare the Cheese: If your food processor is large enough, grate the processed cheese directly into a large pot or Dutch oven. If not, you can chop the cheese coarsely by hand.
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Cook the Tomato Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. You want to bring the mixture just to the boiling point; be careful not to let it boil! The instant you see the first bubble break the surface, remove it from the heat.
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Combine with Cheese: Pour the hot tomato mixture over the grated or chopped cheese in the pot. Stir well until the cheese appears to melt as much as it will, which might still leave the dip quite lumpy.
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Smooth the Mixture: Using a ladle (or a coffee mug), carefully pour approximately 3 cups of the mixture back into the food processor bowl. Process for about 20-30 seconds until the mixture is smooth.
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Adjust for Heat and Consistency: Remove the lid from the processor bowl and taste for heat and consistency. If you find it isn’t as spicy as you desire, feel free to add a few more jalapeño slices.
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Thinning the Dip: The dip will likely be very thick at this stage, so you can add water a few tablespoons at a time, processing briefly after each addition, until you reach your preferred consistency. Note that each batch may require a different amount of water, but you’ll soon develop an intuition for how much to add.
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Compensate for Consistency: If you accidentally thin one batch too much, you can easily compensate by making the next batch extra thick and combining them.
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Serve with Chips: This recipe yields a generous amount of dip, but don’t be fooled; it will vanish more quickly than you can imagine, so make sure you have plenty of tortilla chips on hand to scoop it up!
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Store Leftovers: Should you have any leftovers, they keep exceptionally well in the refrigerator for several days, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dip for an extended period.
Enjoy your time with this delectable Pancho’s Cheese Dip recipe that is sure to be a hit at any gathering! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a staple in your snack repertoire.
