Description
This Cheesy Rotel Queso is the ultimate creamy and spicy dip perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with Velveeta cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, this dip combines smooth textures with zesty flavors. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and serves perfectly with tortilla chips for an irresistible snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and set them out for easy access. Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces about 1/4 inch in size, and cube the Velveeta cheese into 1-inch pieces for faster melting.
- Heat Vegetables: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Melt the Cheeses: Lower the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese and softened cream cheese to the pan. Stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until the cheeses are fully melted and combined into a smooth mixture.
- Add Milk: Pour in the 1/2 cup of milk, stirring well to combine and achieve the desired consistency. Use additional milk if you prefer a thinner queso.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies, making sure they are well mixed into the cheese base. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Simmer the Queso: Cook the mixture on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add more milk as needed if the dip becomes too thick.
- Finish with Cheddar: Remove the pan from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the queso.
- Serve: Transfer the warm queso dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.
- Enjoy: Dig into this creamy, spicy homemade queso perfect for any party occasion!
Notes
- For a thicker queso, drain some liquid from the canned tomatoes before adding.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder dip.
- Keep the dip warm over low heat or in a slow cooker to prevent it from firming up before serving.
- Fresh cilantro adds a nice herbal touch but can be skipped if unavailable or unwanted.
- Serve with sturdy tortilla chips to scoop the creamy queso without breaking.
