Randy Chandler
Rotel dip is a popular appetizer that can be made in one skillet and is ready to eat in just 15 minutes. The key ingredient is processed cheese, typically Velveeta, which gives the dip a luxuriously creamy texture. However, some people prefer to use a combination of cream cheese and mild Cheddar or white cheese instead. The dip also includes a can of Rotel tomatoes, which adds a balanced amount of tomatoes and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Velveeta, Cream Cheese, Mild Cheddar, White Cheese, Sour Cream |
| Tomatoes | Ro-Tel, Mexican Ro-Tel, Diced Tomatoes, Petite Diced Tomatoes |
| Meat | Ground Beef, Sausage, Hamburger |
| Seasoning | Chili Powder, Cayenne, Taco Seasoning |
| Other ingredients | Green Onions, Cilantro, Green Chiles, Milk |
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What You'll Learn
Velveeta cheese
Velveeta is a key ingredient in this simple recipe, which typically includes ground beef or sausage and spices such as chili powder. The cheese is heated and melted with the other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy dip. It is often prepared in a crockpot or slow cooker, but can also be made on a stovetop or in a microwave.
The combination of Velveeta and Ro-Tel is described as "creamy," "cheesy," and "spicy," and is a well-loved, nostalgic dish for many. It is a versatile dip that can be served with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables, and can be customised with additional ingredients like chorizo, jalapeños, or black beans.
Some people may prefer to substitute Velveeta with other cheeses, such as cream cheese and mild Cheddar, to create a slightly different flavour and texture. However, Velveeta is a convenient and popular choice for this classic dip.
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Cream cheese
For those who want to skip the Velveeta cheese, an alternative Rotel dip recipe suggests using 8 oz of cream cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. The recipe can be thinned out with a bit of milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. This version of the dip can be served with tortilla chips, crackers, or celery, carrots, and other veggies for dipping.
For those who enjoy a spicier kick, hot Rotel tomatoes can be used in the dip. Additionally, adding a dash of your favourite hot sauce can further enhance the spice level.
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Cheddar
For a pound of Velveeta, you can use a pound of Cheddar instead. That's 454 grams, and 3% of that is about 13 grams, so you would use 13 grams of sodium citrate to make the Cheddar as melty as Velveeta.
If you're making Rotel dip with Cheddar, you can brown the meat and drain it on the stovetop. Then, add the Rotel tomatoes and Cheddar to the same pan, stirring until melted. You can also add cream cheese, sour cream, and spices like chili powder. Do not drain the Rotel, as the juices provide the right consistency. You can thin out the dip with a bit of milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Rotel dip with Cheddar is best served warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies like celery, carrots, and bell peppers for dipping.
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Sausage
For the sausage, you can use ground pork sausage, such as Jimmy Dean's, or Italian sausage. If you're looking for a spicier dip, opt for hot Italian sausage, or use mild Italian sausage for a milder flavour. You can also remove the sausage from its casing to get that crumbly texture.
For the cheese, you can use cream cheese, Velveeta, cheddar cheese, or a combination of these. Cream cheese is a great option if you want a smoother flavour, while cheddar adds a sharper cheese taste. Velveeta, a processed cheese product, is also a popular choice for this dip and creates a creamy texture.
To make the dip, simply cook and crumble the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the excess grease, then add your choice of cheese and Rotel. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. You can also add some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips, corn chips, or even carrot chips, celery, or broccoli for a healthier option. This easy-to-make dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
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Ground beef
Rotel dip is a popular party dish that is easy to make and loaded with creamy, gooey cheese and seasoned ground beef. The dip gets its name from its core ingredient, Ro*Tel, a Texan brand of canned tomatoes and chilies. The ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
To make the Rotel dip, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. You can also add some chopped onions and garlic to the beef as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and keep the drippings. Next, make a roux by adding flour to the drippings and cooking until it forms a thin paste. Add milk and stir until thickened, then add the can of Ro*Tel with the liquid, and cream cheese. Finally, return the cooked beef to the pan and mix it all up.
For the cheese, you can use Velveeta, which is a processed cheese that melts very evenly and gives the dip a luxuriously creamy texture. If you prefer not to use processed cheese, a combination of cream cheese and mild Cheddar may be used instead. Other cheese options include Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack, or Mozzarella.
The dip is best served immediately with crispy tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies for dipping. If you are making it for a party, you can keep it warm in a crockpot or slow cooker.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular choice for Rotel dip is Velveeta, a processed cheese that gives the dip a luxuriously creamy texture. However, you can also use freshly grated cheddar, cream cheese, or a combination of both.
Freshly grated cheese is recommended because it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Yes, you can make Rotel dip without meat.
You can use ground beef, sausage, or a combination of both.
In addition to cheese and meat, you can add Rotel tomatoes, chili powder, taco seasoning, green onions, and sour cream.
