Baked Chili Con Queso
A warm, cheesy chili con queso dip with smoky chilies and fresh tomatoes, perfect for parties or snacking with tortilla chips and sour cream.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in margarine until softened.
- Add salt to the cooked onion and set aside.
- Chop tomatoes with a pastry cutter or knife, letting the juice fall into a mixing bowl.
- Add green chilies to the chopped tomatoes and stir.
- Place the mixture of chilies and tomatoes into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Add the sautéed onion and grated cheese to the baking dish.
- Bake until the cheese melts, about 1 hour.
- Optionally, preheat in microwave to speed up baking.
- Serve by dipping or spooning the mixture onto tortilla chips or pita bread, topped with sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheese. You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. If green chilies aren't available, try using diced canned tomatoes with green chilies for convenience. To save time, chop your vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This dish pairs beautifully with Microwave Salsa Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm with plenty of tortilla chips for dipping. It also goes well with pita bread or fresh vegetables for a healthier alternative. Consider adding a side of guacamole or a fresh salad to enhance your meal. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Strawberry Margarita Fizzes for a complete snack experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Baked Chili Con Queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chili Con Queso contains roughly 15 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili con queso mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it right before serving. This way, you can enjoy a freshly baked dish without spending too much time in the kitchen on the day of serving.
What if I don't have margarine?
You can easily substitute margarine with butter or olive oil in this recipe. Both options will provide a rich flavor to the sautéed onions, enhancing the overall taste of your Baked Chili Con Queso.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Baked Chili Con Queso is vegetarian as it primarily contains vegetables, cheese, and sour cream. For a vegan option, you can substitute cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use a dairy-free sour cream.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).