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This Warm Jalapeño White Cheddar Dip is addictively delicious, so be sure to make plenty! It will disappear in the blink of an eye!
If you're looking for an appetizer or game day snack that everyone will love, look no further! This Warm Jalapeño White Cheddar Dip is a delicious crowd-pleaser that you can put together in minutes. I also love that it can be made in advance and re-warmed quickly in the microwave just before serving!
Although I love fresh salsas and guacamoles of all varieties, there's also something wonderful about a warm appetizer/snack, especially at this time of year. And if it's cheesy, loaded with fabulous flavor and served with tortilla chips, it will be my choice every time. This Warm Jalapeño White Cheddar Dip ticks all those boxes!
Real cheese vs. processed cheese
This dip is similar to the famous Queso dip that's served at lots of Mexican restaurants. A few distinct differences are the type of cheese (white cheddar vs. Velveeta or American). I love that this dip calls for real cheese and not processed cheese, which so many Quesos include.
Another difference is that this Warm Jalapeño White Cheddar Dip gets its' smoothness as well as a bit of tang from a small scoop of mayonnaise. And although some Quesos have chopped jalapeno as an ingredient, this one also contains finely chopped red bell pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper, adding extra flavor, not to mention a beautiful presentation.
In addition to serving this Warm Jalapeño White Cheddar Dip in a bowl or ramekin with chips, it also makes a wonderful nachos topping. Just add a layer of chips to a pretty platter, drizzle with Warm Jalapeño White Cheddar Dip and repeat several times. Top with some extra chopped peppers for garnish and serve immediately. Or keep the nachos warm in the oven until ready to serve. Delicious!
If you've got 15 minutes to spare, you can have a batch of this Warm Jalapeno Cheddar Dip made and ready to serve. You can also put it together, pop it in the fridge and re-warm it later. However you decide to do it, just do it! You'll be super happy to have this delicious dip in your repertoire! Your family/friends will be even happier!
Café Tips for making this Warm Jalapeno Cheddar Dip
- Use a good quality white cheddar cheese. I like Cabot's which is widely available at larger grocers. Use your favorite.
- Don't use too much half and half to start. You can always thin out the dip, but you can't make it thicker.
- Jalapeños can vary GREATLY in heat levels. You can always add more, so I recommend to start with 1-2 tablespoons and add more, to taste.
- If you want to cut back a bit on calories, this dip is also wonderful with a veggie platter.
- Serve the dip in a microwave-safe bowl or ramekin. That way you can easily warm it up a bit if it cools off too much. I love these white crocks which hold the temperature nicely.
- You can also divide the dip between two small bowls or ramekins. Place one on a platter with the chips. When it cools off, just replace it with a warm one.
- You can make this a day or two in advance. It will be thick, like a cheese spread when cold. Just heat it in the microwave until nice and warm. Add more half and half to thin to desired consistency.
- If you don't have a microwave, this recipe can be made in a double boiler on the stovetop.
- You can also serve this Warm Jalapeño White Cheddar Dip cold or at room temperature as a cheese spread on crackers.
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Warm Jalapeño White Cheddar Dip
Ingredients
- 8- ounce block white cheddar cheese, good quality
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 6 tablespoons half and half or whole milk, more for thinning
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1-3 tablespoons finely minced jalapeños
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Coarsely grate the white cheddar cheese. Combine the grated cheese and corn starch in a large microwave-safe bowl. Toss with a fork to combine.
- Add the half and half, mayonnaise, cumin and onion powder and stir to combine.
- Microwave on high power for about 1 minute, until cheese is mostly melted. Stir well and return to microwave for 1 more minute. Stir until all cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add red peppers, 1-2 tablespoons of the jalapeños and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine. Add a little more half and half if the mixture is too thick. Taste and add more jalapeños and/or crushed red pepper if more heat is desired. Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
Nutrition
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Chris,
Can this dip be served out of a mini crockpot ??. going to a party where folks will be “ snacking “ through the evening
Hi Debbie, It should work well to serve this dip in a mini crockpot. Just check periodically through the evening to be sure the dip temperature is not to hot or too cool and give it a stir to ensure even heating. Enjoy!
Anxious to try this..noticed there are two lines for 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper..should it just be one line (1/2 tsp)?
Ah, yes! I will correct that!
I have tried to make queso type dips before and they ended up in disposal due to curdling of cheeses. Because I use and trust your recipes so often, I thought I’d give it one more try. This Warm jalapeño white cheddar dip was a “super bowl” hit! My grandson could not get enough of it. I should have doubled the recipe and I will next time. Thank YOU...... for another cooking success in my repertoire ...
Also, my prayers are with you in the loss of your sister. May wonderful memories sustain you and give your heart a lift.
I'm so glad, Jennie! Thank you for your kind words 💕
I'm making this and serving it with those big, hot, soft, and freshly made pretzels!
Oh, my word! 😋
Hi Chris!
Could I keep this warm in a small crockpot?
Thanks
Yes, that would be perfect! ❤️ Chris
I would have never guessed mayonnaise as an ingredient and that last picture took me over the edge!
Made this and it is yummy! I hate how some cheeses can break down and seem 'greasy' but the mayo is the trick here and it is brillant!
Thank you, Chris, for another superb recipe!
Yay! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to share your results!
My husband Tom and I would be fighting over this Chris! Looks creamy and delicious!
Lovely dip Chris! I could put it on everything 🙂 I tried something similar using cornstarch last year - love it!
I love everything about this dip, but especially the warm! Perfect for a football watching treat 🙂
I, too, love that this dip is made with unprocessed cheese! I can almost taste the flavors...Delish!
YUM! I will certainly take heed of your advice and make plenty 😀
Wonderful. I too, never ever use any processed cheese product. So easy and mess free. Thanks!
Thanks, Ann, so happy you enjoyed it!
So creamy and GOOD!
This is the perfect dip for game day!
Ah ha! Mayonnaise, how brilliant Chris!
Whoa, I'd try to behave and eat this with veggies, but I'd have to try it with tortilla chips, too. Hard to be virtuous ALL the time, right?? What a perfect Super Bowl munchie!
Perfect for the Superbowl!!
Just hand me a big spoon, Chris, no chips required...I could eat this stuff all day ~ pinning!