Easy Queso Dip

By Leite's Culinaria

Ingredients

1 tablespoon (1/2 oz) unsalted butter
1/3 cup chopped yellow onion
1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped)
One (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder (or chili powder)
Table salt
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 pound American cheese (cubed)
2 ounces full-fat cream cheese (at room temperature)
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh cilantro
Jalapeño slices
A drizzle of hot sauce
Tortilla chips

Prep Time10mins
Cook Time15mins
Servings6

Instructions

Make the creamy queso

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the onion, jalapeño, diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, and salt, to taste.

Cook until the onion and jalapeño are softened, stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed American cheese, cream cheese, and half and half. Stir together and cook until it's smooth and creamy, 2 to 5 minutes.

Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and mix to combine. Keep stirring the queso until the consistency becomes smooth and creamy, 2 to 4 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasonings, if desired. (If you want a "looser" queso, you can whisk in a little more half and half or water.)