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Creamy Banana Pepper Queso Dip

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A creamy, cheesy homemade queso dip with a tangy twist from banana peppers. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup banana peppers, diced
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice the banana peppers and shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Set everything aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in the onion powder and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, letting the spices bloom for about 10 seconds.
  4. Add the softened cream cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until it begins to melt and combine with the butter and spices.
  5. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking to ensure a smooth consistency. Let the mixture heat up, but don’t let it boil.
  6. Slowly add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring constantly to melt and incorporate each addition.
  7. Once the cheese mixture is smooth and creamy, fold in the diced banana peppers. Stir until evenly distributed.
  8. Taste the dip and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust according to your preference.
  9. Transfer the queso dip to a heatproof serving bowl. If desired, top with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added color and flavor.

Notes

[‘Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother texture.’, ‘Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from burning.’, ‘If the dip thickens as it cools, reheat gently and add a splash of milk to loosen it.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: queso dip, banana pepper dip, cheesy dip, party appetizer, game day snack

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/creamy-banana-pepper-queso-dip-recipe-you-need-to-try/