Randy Chandler
Mexican cheese dip, or queso, is a popular side dish often served with tortilla chips. While it is a delicious treat, it is not always the healthiest option, as it can be high in calories and fat. However, there are ways to make Mexican cheese dip more nutritious and suitable for low-carb diets. Some recipes substitute milk with keto-friendly heavy whipping cream and suggest using fresh vegetables or low-carb tortilla chips for dipping instead of traditional tortilla chips. These recipes can be customised to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Calories | 298kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 17g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 82mg |
| Sodium | 523mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Net Carbs | 3g |
| Time to make | 15 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Veggies, low-carb tortilla chips, pork rinds, chicken, salads, lettuce, nachos |
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What You'll Learn
Low-carb keto Mexican cheese dip recipes
There are several recipes for low-carb keto Mexican cheese dip, also known as keto queso dip. This dip can be made in less than 15 minutes and is delicious when served at room temperature. Here are some recipes to try:
Kasey Trenum's Keto Queso Dip
This recipe uses a combination of white cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese, heavy whipping cream, butter, and spices such as chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Here are the steps to make it:
- In a double boiler, combine butter, heavy whipping cream, spices (reserving 1 tablespoon of cilantro), and water, and bring to a slow boil. Then, reduce the heat to low.
- Slowly add the cheese one handful at a time, stirring with a whisk each time before adding more. Continue until all the cheese is added.
- Add drained green chilis to the dip and stir to combine.
- Garnish with the remaining cilantro before serving.
Dr. Davinah's Keto Queso Dip
This recipe uses a combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese, onion, jalapeno, and spices. Here's how to make it:
- Melt butter in a saucepan and saute onions and jalapenos.
- Turn the heat to low and add the remaining ingredients, including heavy cream, cream cheese, water, spices, and shredded cheese.
- Stir occasionally until the cheese melts, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Serve with low-carb tortillas, pork rinds, sliced jalapenos, Pico De Gallo, or vegetables.
Tips for Making Keto Queso Dip:
- It is recommended to shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may contain fillers that affect how well it melts.
- You can use a whisk to help incorporate the cheeses and create a smooth dip.
- The dip can be served immediately or kept warm in a small crockpot.
- It can be enjoyed as a topping for salads or meat, or as a side dipping option with pork rinds, low-carb tortilla chips, or vegetables.
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Nutritional information for Mexican cheese dip
Mexican cheese dip, or queso, is a calorie-dense and high-fat food option. While it is not the healthiest choice, it does provide some protein. The nutritional value of Mexican cheese dip varies depending on the recipe and ingredients used.
A 2-tablespoon serving of Mexican cheese dip (approximately 30 grams) contains approximately 42 calories, according to the USDA. This serving size also contains about 3 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. However, it is important to note that the calorie count can increase significantly when the dip is consumed with tortilla chips or other accompaniments.
Some recipes for Mexican cheese dip include additional ingredients such as butter, heavy whipping cream, spices, and green chilis, which can affect the nutritional profile. For example, a recipe for keto queso dip made with white cheddar, Monterrey Jack cheese, heavy whipping cream, and spices has approximately 1 net carb per serving. This recipe is designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly, substituting heavy whipping cream for milk, which is typically used in traditional queso dips.
Another recipe for keto queso dip provides the following nutritional information per 0.25 cup serving: 298 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of protein, 28 grams of total fat, 17 grams of saturated fat, 9 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 82 milligrams of cholesterol, 523 milligrams of sodium, and 2 grams of sugar.
It is worth noting that Mexican cheese dip can be made in a variety of ways, and the nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
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Health benefits of Mexican cheese dip
Mexican cheese dip can be made low-carb and is a popular dish for those on a ketogenic diet. However, it is important to note that Mexican cheese dip can be high in calories, and the high sodium content in many varieties of Mexican cheese can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks.
Despite these potential drawbacks, Mexican cheese can offer some health benefits when consumed in moderation. Firstly, it is high in protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. It is also a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Additionally, Mexican cheese contains essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, and phosphorus, which support overall health and well-being. The rich and diverse flavor profile of Mexican cheese makes it a popular ingredient in many dishes, and its moisture and firm texture indicate freshness and proper storage.
When purchasing Mexican cheese, it is important to look for intact packaging and avoid any signs of moisture or drying to ensure optimal quality and flavor. Proper storage is crucial, and Mexican cheese should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated, with an average shelf life of 2-3 weeks once opened.
In conclusion, while Mexican cheese dip can be included as part of a healthy diet, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to balance consumption with other nutritious foods to maintain a healthy weight and avoid potential health risks associated with high sodium and calorie intake.
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Dishes that go well with Mexican cheese dip
Mexican cheese dip, or queso, is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas for dishes that go well with Mexican cheese dip:
Nachos
One of the most classic pairings with Mexican cheese dip is nachos. You can make your own nachos at home by using corn tortillas and cutting them into wedges, or you can buy store-bought corn chips. Layer the nachos with the cheese dip, and add toppings such as beans, salsa, guacamole, or meat for a heartier dish.
Fajitas
Fajitas are another popular dish to serve with Mexican cheese dip. You can make chicken, beef, or vegetarian fajitas and drizzle the cheese dip on top. Serve the fajitas with warm tortillas, and other toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Tacos
Tacos and Mexican cheese dip are a match made in heaven. You can use the cheese dip as a topping for your tacos, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. It is a great addition to taco salad as well.
Chips and Tortillas
A simple yet satisfying pairing is Mexican cheese dip with tortilla chips or soft tortillas. You can also serve it with pretzel bites or even use it as a dip for vegetables.
Meat and Salad
For a more substantial meal, you can use Mexican cheese dip as a topping for grilled meat, such as chicken or steak. It also works well as a salad dressing or drizzle over a taco salad.
Other Mexican Dishes
The cheese dip can also be served as a side or topping for other Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, or quesadillas. It adds a creamy and spicy element to any Mexican meal.
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How to make Mexican cheese dip spicier
Mexican cheese dip, or queso, is a popular low-carb appetizer or snack that can be made in a variety of ways. While there are many different recipes for Mexican cheese dip, most involve melting cheese and adding various spices and other ingredients to create a delicious and creamy dip. Here are some tips and variations to make your Mexican cheese dip spicier:
Choose the Right Cheese:
Use a combination of cheeses to enhance the flavour and spiciness of your dip. A good base cheese for Mexican cheese dip is Monterey Jack, which melts well and has a mild flavour that can be enhanced by adding other cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda. White American cheese is also a good melting cheese that can be used as a base.
Add Spicy Peppers:
One of the easiest ways to add spice to your Mexican cheese dip is to incorporate spicy peppers. Jalapeños are a popular choice and can be added fresh, diced, or sliced. You can also use other types of chillies such as habanero peppers or green chillies. Roasted bell peppers can also add a mild spiciness and a pop of colour to your dip.
Use Spicy Seasonings:
In addition to peppers, there are several spices and seasonings you can use to add heat to your dip. Cayenne pepper is a potent spice that can be added in small amounts to increase spiciness. You can also use red pepper flakes, chilli powder, or cumin to give your dip a spicy kick.
Experiment with Other Ingredients:
In addition to the cheese, there are several other ingredients you can add to your dip to enhance the spiciness and flavour. Try adding ingredients such as diced onions, garlic, or even a small amount of juice from a jar of pickled jalapeños. You can also experiment with different types of milk, cream, or water to adjust the consistency of your dip to your liking.
Customise to Your Taste:
Everyone has a different preference for spice levels, so feel free to adjust the amount of spicy ingredients you use to suit your taste. If you're making the dip for a group, you can always serve it mild and provide additional spicy toppings or garnishes on the side, such as sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes, so that each person can customise their dip to their desired spice level.
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Frequently asked questions
Mexican cheese dip, or queso, is not typically low-carb. However, there are many keto-friendly recipes available online.
A low-carb version of Mexican cheese dip can be made with a combination of butter, heavy whipping cream, spices, water, and cheese.
Low-carb Mexican cheese dip can be served with fresh veggies, low-carb tortilla chips, or pork rinds.
