Patrick Oconnell
Mexican cheese dip is a popular appetizer at Mexican restaurants and for at-home parties. While many people think it contains goat cheese, it is usually made with easy-melt white American cheese. However, there are Mexican dip recipes that do use goat cheese, such as whipped goat cheese dip with cascabel chile-garlic oil, toasted pine nuts, and fresh orange zest. Another option is an oven-baked goat cheese queso with green chile, which can be served with tortilla chips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Goat cheese, cascabel chile-garlic oil, toasted pine nuts, orange zest, salt, pepper, milk, cilantro, tortilla chips, crackers, veggies |
| Preparation | Combine oil, chiles, and garlic in a frying pan over medium heat. Warm oil until garlic is fragrant and chiles begin to toast. Remove from heat and let steep. Combine goat cheese, milk, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Spoon out the chile and garlic pieces and add to the processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with cilantro. |
| Taste | Spicy, airy, fluffy, whipped |
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What You'll Learn
Mexican goat cheese dip recipes
Mexican goat cheese dips are a tasty and unique treat, and there are a variety of recipes to try. One popular option is a whipped goat cheese dip with cascabel chile-garlic oil, toasted pine nuts, and fresh orange zest. This dip is airy and fluffy, with a unique combination of sweet and spicy flavours. To make it, you first need to make the chile oil by combining oil, chiles, and garlic in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Warm the oil until the garlic is fragrant and the chiles are toasted, then remove from the heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Next, combine softened goat cheese, milk, salt, and pepper in a food processor, and add the chile and garlic pieces from the oil. Blend until smooth and fluffy, and then transfer to a serving bowl. Finally, sprinkle the dip with pine nuts and orange zest, and serve with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Another recipe for a Mexican goat cheese dip features LaClare Chipotle Honey Goat Cheese, which offers a spicy kick. To make this dip, preheat oil in a medium-size frying pan over medium heat, and add chiles and garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, then remove from the heat and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. Place the Chipotle Honey Goat Cheese, salt, and pepper in a food processor, and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with cilantro, and serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.
If you're looking for a more elegant and unique dip for a holiday party, you can try a whipped goat cheese dip with seven complementary toppings. This dip starts with a thin layer of whipped goat cheese, which is then topped with honey, golden raisins, pistachios, dates, sunflower seeds, and minced chives. To prepare the goat cheese, simply add some whole milk yogurt, whole milk, and lemon juice to the cheese and whip it until it becomes light and fluffy. You can adjust the consistency by adding milk if the mixture is too dry. This dip can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge, and it's best served with pita chips.
For a savoury option, you can also create a whipped goat cheese dip with sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, minced red onions, or capers. This dip is perfect for those who prefer a more savoury and salty flavour profile.
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Mexican white cheese dip
One popular recipe for Mexican white cheese dip involves using white American cheese, which melts well and is easily available at most grocery stores. Other types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey jack can also be added to enhance the flavor. The cheese is melted in a saucepan over low heat, and milk is added to create a smooth and creamy texture. Spices such as cumin, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper are also commonly added to the dip to give it a spicy kick.
Another variation of the recipe includes green chilies, which add a mild heat to the dip. To make the dip thinner, additional milk can be added. The dip can be served immediately or kept warm in a crockpot for parties or gatherings. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
For a unique twist on the traditional Mexican white cheese dip, some people like to add chorizo, ground beef, or sausage to the mix. This can add a heartier texture and a savory flavor to the dip. Others might prefer to use evaporated milk, which has a thicker consistency than regular milk, to create an even creamier dip.
Whether served as a game day snack or a tasty addition to Taco Tuesday, Mexican white cheese dip is a delicious and versatile treat that can be customized to suit one's taste preferences. With its creamy texture and spicy kick, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Goat cheese alternatives
Mexican goat cheese dip is a tasty treat, but if you're looking for alternatives to goat cheese, there are several options you can consider. The best substitute will depend on your preferences for flavor, texture, and dietary requirements. Here are some suggestions:
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is considered one of the best substitutes for goat cheese due to its smooth, creamy texture and mildly tangy flavor. It is a versatile option that works well in many hot and cold recipes, such as dips, crostini, and pasta sauces. Cream cheese is also usually readily available and affordable.
Tofu
Tofu is an excellent goat cheese alternative, especially for those following vegan or dairy-free diets. It offers a texture similar to goat cheese and can be blended or mixed to create creamy sauces, dips, or spreads. However, tofu does not have a strong flavor, so it may not provide the same salty, tangy profile as goat cheese.
Boursin or Feta
Boursin is a cow's milk cheese with a similar tang to goat cheese. Feta, a mixture of sheep and goat milk, has a more mellowed "goatiness" due to the sheep's milk. Both of these options are typically readily available in supermarkets.
Mascarpone
If you're looking for a substitute for bruschetta or other recipes where you want a whipped and creamy texture without the tangy flavor, mascarpone is a good option.
Sheep's Cheese
While not an exact match in flavor, some sheep's cheeses can come close to the taste and texture of goat cheese.
Other Options
Depending on the recipe, you can also experiment with other cheeses, such as ricotta salata, Parmesan, Pecorino, or blue cheese. For salads, blue cheese or feta can be good substitutes, providing a similar texture.
Remember, when substituting cheeses, always consider the flavor and texture profiles you're aiming for and feel free to get creative!
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Goat cheese dip toppings
There are many different toppings that can be used for a goat cheese dip, depending on whether you want a sweet or savoury flavour profile.
For a sweeter dip, dried fruit such as golden raisins, dates, dried figs, or dried cherries can be used. Nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, or pecans can also be added. Honey can be drizzled over the dip, and agave syrup can be used as a substitute.
For a savoury dip, ingredients that pair well with goat cheese include sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, minced red onions, or capers. A more unique combination includes a spicy cascabel chile-garlic oil, toasted pine nuts, and freshly grated orange zest.
Other toppings that can be used include herbs such as chives, thyme, rosemary, or basil. Olive oil can be drizzled over the dip, and crackers, raw vegetables, fresh fruit, bread, chips, and pretzels can be served on the side.
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Goat cheese dip serving suggestions
Mexican goat cheese dip is a versatile appetizer that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your next gathering:
Chips, Crackers, and Breads
Goat cheese dip pairs well with an assortment of crackers, such as entertainment crackers or rustic bakery sourdough crackers. For a heartier option, serve it with pita chips, pretzel crisps, or classic tortilla chips. If you prefer bread, offer an assortment of breadsticks, baguettes, olive bread, or crunchy crostini. Toasting the bread with olive oil adds a delightful crunchy texture.
Vegetables and Fruits
For a refreshing and healthy option, serve the dip with fresh, raw vegetables. Carrots, radishes, cauliflower, cucumbers, celery, peppers, and endives are all excellent choices. Fruits such as apples, pears, and strawberries also complement the creamy goat cheese dip perfectly.
Meat and Cheese Platters
If you're hosting a larger gathering, consider making a meat and cheese platter. Include sliced meats, such as salami or prosciutto, along with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and grapes. The goat cheese dip will be a delicious addition to this platter, offering a creamy contrast to the other textures.
Drizzle with Honey
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the goat cheese dip. This combination is a match made in heaven and will leave your guests wanting more.
Spicy Cascabel Chile-Garlic Oil
For those who enjoy a kick of spice, blend your goat cheese dip with cascabel chile-garlic oil. This combination adds a smoky and spicy dimension to the dip, creating a unique and memorable flavor profile. Don't forget to top it off with toasted pine nuts and freshly grated orange zest for an extra special touch.
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Frequently asked questions
Mexican cheese dip is usually made with white American cheese, which can be purchased from large supermarkets or suppliers. However, there are also recipes for Mexican cheese dip that use goat's cheese.
Goat's cheese Mexican dip is made with goat's cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and chile-garlic oil.
First, make chile-garlic oil by warming oil, chiles, and garlic in a pan. Then, combine goat cheese, milk, salt, and pepper in a food processor, and add the chile-garlic oil. Blend until smooth, and serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.
Yes, goat's cheese Mexican dip can be purchased from some stores and restaurants. However, it is also simple to make at home.
