Name: Mexican Restaurant Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ½ lb white American cheese, cubed; ¼ cup whole milk (plus more if needed for consistency); 1 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, drained; ¼ tsp ground cumin; ¼ tsp garlic salt; ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on your heat preference); Diced tomatoes; Sliced jalapeños; Cooked ground beef or sausage

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Introduction

This Mexican restaurant-style cheese dip is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Smooth melted white American cheese combined with green chilies and spices makes it a delicious snack or appetizer for any gathering.

A close-up showing a white tortilla chip dipped in thick creamy cheese dip filled with bright yellow corn kernels, small green herb pieces, and bits of red, with melted cheese strings stretching from the white bowl below. The bowl is filled with the same creamy dip and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ lb white American cheese, cubed
¼ cup whole milk, add more if needed for consistency
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, drained
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp garlic salt
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper, adjust based on your heat preference

Instructions

Step 1: Place the white American cheese, milk, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.
Step 2: Add the diced green chilies, ground cumin, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust the cayenne pepper or add fresh cilantro if desired.
Step 3: If the dip is too thick, gradually pour in more milk while stirring until you reach your preferred consistency.
Step 4: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and keep warm. Garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cilantro. For a heartier version, stir in cooked ground beef or sausage before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh jalapeños instead of canned green chilies for a brighter flavor and more heat.
For extra creaminess, try adding a splash of cream cheese along with the American cheese.
Mix in cooked chorizo or spicy sausage for a meaty variation.
Serve with warm tortilla chips, flour tortillas, or as a topping for tacos and grilled meats.

Storage

Store leftover cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat while stirring frequently to prevent separation. Add a little milk if the dip has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy cheese dip that has visible small red pepper pieces, green herbs, and shredded yellow cheese mixed in. A woman's hand holds a light yellow chip with black specks, dipped into the thick, gooey cheese dip showing stretchy melted cheese strands hanging between the chip and the bowl. In the blurry background, there are many other chips stacked together. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this dip?

White American cheese is traditional and melts smoothly for this recipe. However, you can experiment with processed cheese blends or mild cheddar, but the texture and flavor may differ.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping when melting?

Low and slow heat is key. Stir frequently over low heat and add milk gradually to keep the mixture smooth and velvety without clumps.