Warm and Cheesy Spinach Queso Dip

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy dip to bring everyone together. This Spinach Queso Dip is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for pairing with crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks. Loaded with gooey cheese, savory spinach, and a hint of spice, it’s sure to become a favorite at parties, game nights, or cozy family gatherings.

Ingredients

Cheese Base:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

Vegetables:

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen, thawed, and drained)

1 medium tomato, diced

1 small onion, finely diced

1 jalapeño, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Sliced jalapeños

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

1. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
2. Once the cheese is fully melted, reduce heat to the lowest setting.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables

1. In a separate pan, sauté onions and jalapeños until soft, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add diced tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts (or is heated through if using frozen spinach).

Step 4: Combine and Season

1. Stir the sautéed vegetables into the melted cheese mixture.
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh jalapeño slices or cilantro, if desired.
2. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or vegetable sticks.

Tips

• Custom Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño. For an extra kick, stir in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Keep it Warm: Serve the dip in a mini slow cooker to keep it warm and gooey during your event.
• Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to substitute the cheeses with your favorites like pepper jack or Colby cheese.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dip up to a day in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories

Approximately 200 calories per 1/4 cup serving.

Conclusion

This warm and cheesy Spinach Queso Dip is a crowd-pleaser that combines the richness of melted cheese with the freshness of spinach and the kick of jalapeño. Perfectly paired with tortilla chips or fresh veggies, it’s an irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for more! Enjoy it at your next gathering or as a comforting treat at home.