Bushra Griffith
White queso dip is a delicious appetizer made with melted cheese. While it is traditionally made with Monterey Jack and/or queso fresco, goat cheese is a popular addition that adds a wonderful flavor to the dip. Queso blanco, or white cheese, is also often made from goat's milk and is a mild cheese with a similar consistency to ricotta salada and a similar taste to mild mozzarella.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Monterey Jack, Goat Cheese, Queso Fresco, Olive Oil, Butter, Flour, Jalapeno, Onion, Milk |
| Texture | Creamy or Cheesy |
| Taste | Mild, Salty, Tangy |
| Colour | White |
| Fat Content | 45% |
| Type of Dish | Appetizer |
| Temperature | Hot |
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What You'll Learn
White queso dip ingredients
White queso dip is a delicious appetizer made with melted cheese. The traditional recipe calls for Monterey Jack and/or queso fresco (made with skim milk or goat milk), but you can use any white cheese you like. For example, goat cheese, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, and white American cheese are all popular options. If you want to add some spice, jalapeños are a great choice.
To make the dip creamier, you can add more milk or use a white milk sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. Evaporated milk is also a good option for achieving a creamy texture. If you're making the dip ahead of time, it's best to reheat it on the stove or in a double boiler rather than reheating it in the oven.
Here's a step-by-step recipe for white queso dip:
- Drizzle olive oil in a cast-iron skillet and sauté sliced onions until slightly charred.
- Halve a jalapeño, remove the seeds, and add it to the skillet, allowing it to char as well. Set the onions and jalapeño aside and let the skillet cool slightly.
- Over low heat, melt butter in the skillet. Gradually whisk in flour until it forms a thick dough.
- Add in the cheese and milk. You can use a combination of shredded Monterey Jack, goat cheese, and queso fresco, or any other cheese you prefer.
- While the cheese is melting, slice the jalapeño into bite-sized pieces and add it back into the cheese mixture along with the onions.
- Place the skillet in a preheated oven on low broil until the dip is bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot with chips!
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How to make white queso dip
White queso dip is a delicious appetizer, perfect for serving at parties or tailgates. It is traditionally made with Monterey Jack and/or queso fresco (skim milk cheese), but goat cheese is a wonderful addition to the mix, adding a great bite to the dip. Cream cheese or pepper jack cheese are also great options to include.
If you want to make your dip creamier rather than cheesier, you can add more milk to the white sauce base. You can also add different seasonings and spices if you like. A dash of chili seasoning, diced Serrano peppers, or even a packet of taco seasoning can be a great addition.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
- 4-6 oz goat cheese
- 3-5 oz queso fresco cheese
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 onion
- Chips, for serving
Method:
- Drizzle olive oil in a cast-iron skillet and sauté sliced onions until slightly charred.
- Slice a jalapeño in half, remove the seeds, and place it in the skillet, turning once, until charred. Once the onions and jalapeño are charred, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- Allow the skillet to cool slightly, and then melt butter in the skillet over low heat.
- Whisk in the flour in stages. Do not add all the flour at once; add in increments, whisking continuously to fully incorporate it. Continue whisking until the roux has slightly darkened and resembles a thick dough.
- Once the white sauce is made, reduce the heat and stir in the shredded Monterey Jack, goat cheese, and queso fresco cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and thoroughly combined.
- While the cheese is melting, slice the jalapeño into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the onions and jalapeño back into the cheese mixture.
- Place the cast iron skillet into a preheated oven on low broil and broil until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve hot with chips!
White queso dip is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you need to make it ahead of time, prepare the dip a few hours beforehand, but do not broil it until you are ready to serve. It is not ideal for reheating, but if you must refrigerate it, bring the dip to room temperature, warm it over the stove, and broil just before serving.
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Goat cheese alternatives
White queso dip is traditionally made with Monterey Jack and/or queso fresco (skim milk cheese). However, goat cheese is often used as an alternative to add a wonderful flavour to the dip.
If you are looking for alternatives to goat cheese, there are several options that can provide a similar taste and texture. 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 flavour. It is a versatile option that works well in many hot and cold recipes that call for goat cheese. It is also usually readily available and affordable.
Tofu
Tofu is a great goat cheese alternative, especially for those following vegan or dairy-free diets. It offers a texture similar to goat cheese and can be used in creamy sauces, dips, or spreads. Tofu does not have a strong flavour, so it can absorb the flavours of other ingredients in a dish.
Boursin
Boursin is a cow's milk cheese with a similar tang to goat cheese. It is readily available in most supermarkets and can be a good option if you are looking for a substitute with a similar flavour profile.
Feta
Feta is a mixture of sheep and goat milk, so the "goatiness" is mellowed by the sheep's milk. It can be a good option if you are looking for a substitute with a similar texture to goat cheese.
Mascarpone
If you are looking for a substitute for softer, creamier goat cheeses, mascarpone is a good option. It is already whipped and creamy, making it ideal for recipes like bruschetta where you want a smooth and creamy texture.
Ricotta Salata, Parmesan, or Pecorino
For drier, aged, and more complex goat cheeses, you can try ricotta salata, Parmesan, or Pecorino. These cheeses have a different flavour profile from goat cheese but can provide a similar texture.
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Goat cheese health benefits
White queso dip is a delicious appetizer made with melted Monterey Jack and goat cheese. It can also be made using any other white cheese, such as queso fresco, cream cheese, or pepper jack cheese.
Goat cheese is a nutritious dairy product with several health benefits. Firstly, it is a good source of calcium, an essential nutrient for maintaining strong bones, teeth, and organs. A diet rich in calcium can help prevent osteoporosis and other bone disorders later in life. Goat cheese also contains selenium, a trace mineral typically found in seafood. Selenium helps protect against DNA-damaging peroxides, reducing the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular issues.
Goat cheese is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains vitamin B2, or riboflavin, which is crucial for the production and functioning of new cells. Additionally, goat cheese has lower levels of lactose and A1 casein than cow's milk, making it a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. The fatty acids in goat cheese are also metabolized faster than those in cow's cheese, leading to increased feelings of fullness and aiding in weight loss.
Goat cheese is also a source of beneficial probiotics, which are friendly bacteria that improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity by competing with unhealthy bacteria in the intestines. The unique fatty acid profile of goat cheese includes capric acid and caprylic acid, which have been associated with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and may even help combat acne-causing bacteria.
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Goat cheese recipes
White queso dip is a delicious appetizer made with melted Monterey Jack and goat cheese. It is a perfect dish to serve to a crowd and is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Here is a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
- 4-6 oz. goat cheese
- 3-5 oz. queso fresco cheese
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 onion
Method
- Drizzle olive oil in a cast-iron skillet and sauté sliced onions until slightly charred.
- Slice a jalapeño in half, remove the seeds, and place it in the skillet, turning once until charred. Set the onions and jalapeño aside and let the skillet cool.
- Over low heat, melt butter in the skillet. Whisk in the flour in stages until it resembles a thick dough.
- Add milk to the skillet to create a white sauce base. If you prefer a creamier texture, add more milk.
- Once the white sauce is made, reduce the heat and stir in shredded Monterey Jack, goat cheese, and queso fresco cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and combined.
- Slice the jalapeño into bite-size pieces and add them back into the cheese mixture along with the onions.
- Place the skillet into a preheated oven on low broil until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve hot with chips!
Goat cheese is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, from appetizers to desserts. Here are some delicious goat cheese recipes to try:
- Goat Cheese Crostini: Top crostini with whipped goat cheese, honey, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans and cranberries.
- Goat Cheese Omelet: Prepare an omelet with eggs, milk, and your choice of vegetables, and top it with crumbled goat cheese.
- Goat Cheese Salad: Bread goat cheese and bake it until crispy, then serve it on a bed of greens with roasted vegetables.
- Goat Cheese Pizza: Combine tangy goat cheese with sharp Parmesan, sautéed eggplant, and pesto on a pizza base.
- Goat Cheese Pasta: Toss meaty mushrooms, caramelized onions, and melted goat cheese with your favorite pasta.
- Goat Cheese Soufflé: Fold a simple béchamel into airy whipped egg whites, adding layers of flavor with goat cheese, cayenne, thyme, and nutmeg.
- Goat Cheese Grits: Add chopped garlic and fresh goat cheese to grits for a creamy and elegant side dish.
- Goat Cheese Soup: Make a creamy cauliflower soup and top it with roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and herbed goat cheese.
- Goat Cheese Cheesecake: Create a unique cheesecake by blending vanilla custard with goat cheese and a touch of lemon juice, or simply add goat cheese to your favorite cheesecake recipe.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, white queso dip is traditionally made with Monterey Jack and/or queso fresco (skim milk cheese), but goat cheese is often added to create a wonderful flavour profile.
White queso can be made with any white cheese, such as cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, or white American cheese.
To make white queso, you will need olive oil, onions, jalapeños, butter, flour, and milk.
