Ultimate Cheese Dip
Get ready to wow your taste buds with the Ultimate Cheese Dip—a rich, creamy, flavor-packed appetizer that will steal the spotlight at any gathering. This indulgent recipe combines tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and buttery Monterey Jack for a perfectly melty base, while a hint of smoked paprika, cumin, and jalapeños adds a smoky, spicy kick. Diced tomatoes lend a fresh burst of color and flavor, and a sprinkle of cilantro elevates every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dip is perfect for game days, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or crusty bread for an irresistible snack that will keep everyone coming back for more.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp diced jalapeños (fresh or jarred)
- 0.5 cup diced tomatoes (drained)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
Place the cream cheese in a medium bowl and let it soften for about 10 minutes at room temperature while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is smooth and fully melted, about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring as you go to create a smooth consistency.
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, one handful at a time, stirring each addition into the mixture until fully melted and combined.
Stir in the diced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
Continue cooking the dip over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the mixture is hot and creamy.
Taste the dip and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices to taste.
Transfer the cheese dip to a serving dish and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7609 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 671.8 g | 248% | |
| Saturated Fat | 411.7 g | 592% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2042 mg | 196% | |
| Sodium | 14552 mg | 182% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.9 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 64.7 g | ||
| Protein | 313.6 g | 180% | |
| Vitamin D | 270.2 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 8421 mg | 186% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 3490 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
