Description

This creamy, flavorful cheese dip combines shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with cream cheese and sour cream, enhanced by diced tomatoes, green chilies, fresh herbs, and a blend of spices. Perfectly melted and served warm, this dip makes an irresistible appetizer for parties or casual gatherings and pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream

Vegetables

1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Spices

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Serving

Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully blended.
Melt the Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the skillet, stirring constantly to ensure the cheeses melt completely and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Then add the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
Cook the Dip: Continue cooking the cheese dip over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly with a smooth, well-combined texture.
Serve: Transfer the hot cheese dip to a serving dish. Optionally garnish with extra chopped green onions or cilantro. Serve immediately alongside tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

For a spicier dip, use hot green chilies or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
You can substitute the shredded cheeses with your preferred cheeses like pepper jack or Colby.
Make sure to stir constantly while melting the cheese to avoid burning.
This dip is best served warm; if it cools and becomes thick, gently reheat on low heat while stirring.
Use fresh tomatoes and chilies if possible for a brighter flavor, but canned works well too.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheese dip, creamy cheese dip, party appetizer, cheddar cheese dip, easy cheese dip, spicy cheese dip