Zesty Hatch Chile Queso Dip
This irresistible Zesty Hatch Chile Queso Dip combines creamy white American cheese, rich cream cheese, and a fiery blend of hatch chiles, jalapeños, and habaneros to create a bold, spicy appetizer. Perfect for parties, game nights, or any occasion that calls for a little extra heat, this dip pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
white American cheese
1 lb (none)
cream cheese
8 ounces (none)
whole milk
2 tablespoons (none)
butter
1 tablespoon (divided)
diced hot hatch chiles
8 ounces (canned or fresh roasted)
cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
jalapeño pepper
1 medium (chopped)
habanero pepper
1 small (chopped)
Instructions
1
Grease the bottom of your crockpot with a tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
2
Add the cream cheese, white American cheese, remaining butter, diced hatch chiles, chopped jalapeño, and habanero pepper into the crockpot.
3
Cover with the lid and set the crockpot to low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 45 minutes.
4
After 45 minutes, stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. If the dip is too thick, add the whole milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring after each addition until you achieve your desired consistency.
5
Once combined, continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is smooth.
6
Switch the crockpot to the warm setting to keep the dip at an ideal serving temperature until you're ready to enjoy.
7
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Hatch Chile Queso Dip?
Zesty Hatch Chile Queso Dip is a creamy and spicy appetizer made with white American cheese, cream cheese, and a fiery blend of hatch chiles, jalapeños, and habaneros.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of one pound of white American cheese and eight ounces of cream cheese for a smooth, melty texture.
How spicy is this hatch chile dip?
This dip is quite bold and spicy, as it contains diced hot hatch chiles, a medium jalapeño, and a small habanero pepper.
What equipment do I need to make this queso?
You will need a crockpot or slow cooker to melt the ingredients together and keep the dip warm for serving.
How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the crockpot?
Grease the bottom of your crockpot with one tablespoon of butter before adding the other ingredients to prevent sticking.
Can I use canned hatch chiles for this dip?
Yes, you can use either canned diced hot hatch chiles or fresh roasted hatch chiles.
What should I do if the dip is too thick?
If the consistency is too thick, stir in whole milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness.
How long does it take to cook the queso?
The initial cook time is 45 minutes on low heat, followed by an additional 15-20 minutes after stirring, totaling about an hour.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 10 servings.
What is the best way to serve this dip?
It is best served warm directly from the crockpot with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.
Should I use high or low heat on the crockpot?
You should set the crockpot to low heat to melt the cheese slowly and prevent burning.
Can I omit the habanero if I want less heat?
Yes, you can omit the habanero pepper or the jalapeño to reduce the spice level to your preference.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Freshly chopped cilantro is recommended as a garnish to add a burst of fresh flavor before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for game nights?
Absolutely, its spicy flavor and easy crockpot preparation make it a perfect snack for game days and parties.
Can I use yellow American cheese instead?
While white American cheese is specified for its creamy flavor and color, yellow American cheese can be used as a substitute.
Do I need to prep the peppers?
Yes, the jalapeño and habanero peppers should be chopped before being added to the crockpot.
How do I keep the dip warm during a party?
Once the cheese is fully melted and smooth, switch your crockpot to the warm setting to maintain the ideal serving temperature.
What is the role of butter in this recipe?
Butter is used both to grease the crockpot and as an ingredient to add richness to the cheese mixture.
Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk is recommended for richness, but skim or 2% milk can be used to thin the dip if necessary.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The main ingredients are generally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your American cheese and canned chiles to ensure no additives contain gluten.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: white American cheese, cream cheese, whole milk, butter, hatch chiles, cilantro, jalapeño, and habanero.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your crockpot is large enough to hold the increased volume.
What is the texture of this dip?
The dip is creamy, rich, and smooth thanks to the combination of American and cream cheeses.
How much hatch chile is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of diced hot hatch chiles.
Can I make this on the stove?
While the recipe specifies a crockpot, you could make it on the stove over very low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Do I need to stir the dip while it cooks?
You should stir it thoroughly after the first 45 minutes of cooking and then again before serving.
Is this recipe considered Mexican cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as a Mexican-style appetizer due to the use of chiles and queso-style cheese.
What type of hatch chiles should I buy?
The recipe suggests 'hot' diced hatch chiles for maximum zesty flavor.
Can I add meat like chorizo or ground beef?
Yes, cooked chorizo or seasoned ground beef would be a great addition if you want a heartier dip.
How much cream cheese is in the dip?
The recipe uses 8 ounces, which is typically one standard block of cream cheese.