Cheese Dip Ingredients: What's In The Melty Mix?

Cheese dip is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or topping for nachos, fries, or baked potatoes. The key ingredients in a classic cheese dip are cheese, of course, and various spices and vegetables such as onion, garlic, jalapeños, tomatoes, and cilantro. To achieve the right consistency, a combination of cornstarch and evaporated milk is often used. This creates a smooth and creamy texture that doesn't become grainy or clumpy as it cools. Some recipes also include meat, such as ground beef or sausage, to make the dip heartier and more satisfying.

Meat, onion, and tomatoes

This meaty cheese dip is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for your next get-together. It is super easy to make and is packed with flavour.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Ground pork sausage
• Onion
• Processed cheese food, such as Velveeta
• Canned diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (e.g. Rotel)
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup

Optional Ingredients:

• Spices such as cayenne pepper, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder
• Jalapenos or green chillies
• Fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions

Instructions:

• Cook the ground meat and onion in a skillet.
• Transfer the meat to a slow cooker.
• Layer the cheese cubes on the meat mixture.
• Blend the canned tomatoes until smooth, then pour over the cheese with the soup.
• Cook on High until the cheese is completely melted, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions:

This hearty cheese dip can be served with tortilla chips, vegetables, pretzels, crackers, or homemade crostini. It also makes a great topping for nachos, French fries, or baked potatoes.

Storage:

Allow the cheese dip to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It can also be frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise

To make this dip, you'll need to combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a bowl. You can use a hand mixer to make the base extra fluffy and scoopable, or you can simply stir it by hand until smooth.

Once your base is ready, it's time to add the shredded cheese. Sharp cheddar is a great option, as its strong flavour will stand out in the dip. You can also add some Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for extra flavour and a bit of a kick.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some optional ingredients like jalapenos, pimentos, chopped artichokes, or bacon bits. These ingredients will give your dip a unique twist and add some extra texture.

This cheese dip is perfect for dipping chips, veggies, or pretzels. It's a great option for game days or gatherings, and it can be made well in advance. So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dip, this cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise base is a fantastic choice.

White American cheese and mozzarella

A blend of white American cheese and mozzarella is a great combination for a cheese dip, also known as queso. This dip is perfect for game days and parties and can be served with tortilla chips, tacos, taquitos, or Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes. It can also be used as a topping for burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.

Ingredients

• White American cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Milk (preferably whole milk)
• Butter
• Green chillies/green chiles
• Cumin
• Garlic salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Shallots/green onions/scallions
• Cilantro
• Salt and pepper

Optional Ingredients

• Corn
• Salsa
• Jalapenos

Instructions

• Grate the mozzarella and American cheese separately.
• Heat butter in a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
• Add in the chopped shallots/green onions/scallions and stir.
• Pour in the milk, then add a small handful of grated American cheese. Whisk over medium-low heat until the cheese starts to melt and thicken.
• Continue adding the American cheese a small handful at a time, whisking until smooth before adding more.
• Once the American cheese is fully incorporated, start the same process with the mozzarella cheese.
• Add in any additional mix-ins like green onions, cilantro, cumin, and jalapenos.
• Serve immediately. If the cheese thickens, place it back on low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth.

Tips

• It is recommended to use a cheese grater for this recipe to ensure the cheese melts beautifully.
• White American cheese can be found at the deli counter of most grocery stores.
• Milk can be substituted with heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier dip.
• To make the dip thinner, simply add more milk.
• For a stronger spice, add more cayenne pepper or stir in some diced jalapenos.

Spices and seasonings

Cayenne pepper is often added to cheese dip to give it a spicy kick. It can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, creating a mild or spicy dip. Cayenne is a key ingredient in many cheese dips, adding a subtle warmth to the creamy cheese.

Chilli powder is another popular spice used in cheese dips. It adds a punch of heat and a vibrant red colour to the dip. Chilli powder is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and is perfect for adding a bold flavour to your dip. It is often used alongside cayenne pepper and can be adjusted to control the heat level.

Garlic powder is a versatile seasoning that adds a savoury, garlicky note to the cheese dip. It enhances the overall flavour of the dip without being overpowering. Garlic powder is a convenient way to incorporate garlic flavour without the hassle of fresh garlic cloves.

Onion powder is another useful seasoning that adds the sweet and savoury flavour of onions to the dip. It blends seamlessly with the cheese, creating a well-rounded savoury note. Onion powder is a great way to get the flavour of onions without the texture or the tears!

Red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat and a subtle peppery flavour to the cheese dip. They add a mild spiciness that complements the creaminess of the cheese. Red pepper flakes are a simple way to add a touch of spice without overwhelming the other flavours.

Salt and pepper are essential seasonings in any dish, including cheese dip. They enhance the natural flavours of the ingredients and bring out the cheesiness of the dip. Adjust the amounts of salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Nutmeg is an unexpected spice that can be added to cheese dip for a unique flavour profile. It has a warm, sweet, and slightly nutty taste that complements the cheese. Nutmeg is an optional ingredient that can be omitted or adjusted to personal preference.

In addition to these spices and seasonings, fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions can be added to cheese dip for extra flavour and colour. A dash of hot sauce can also be used to spice things up. The beauty of cheese dip is that it can be customised to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect combination!

Dipping options

There are many options to choose from when it comes to picking a side to go with your cheese dip. Here are some ideas:

Chips and Crackers

Fried tortilla chips are the classic pairing with cheese dip, but there are many other options to choose from. Try lime-flavoured tortilla chips, or opt for pita, potato, or bagel chips. For a more indulgent option, try cheese puffs or even soft pretzels. If you're looking for something a little healthier, carrot and celery sticks are a great option. You could also try broccoli or cauliflower florets, or cherry tomatoes.

Bread

Bread is another great option for dipping. Try a toasted baguette, or simply tear chunks off a loaf. You could also dip crackers or crostini into your cheese dip.

Nachos

For something a little more filling, use your cheese dip as a topping for nachos. You could also try pouring it over chicken enchiladas, or adding it to a burrito bowl.

Meat

If you want to add some extra protein to your cheese dip, try dipping in some cooked chorizo, taco meat, ground beef, or shredded chicken.

Frequently asked questions