Mexican Cheese Chilli Dip
Creamy, spicy Mexican cheese dip with tomatoes and green chillies, perfect for parties and snacking, served warm with chips or vegetables for a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion in butter until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes, chillies, salt, and pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
- Cut cheese into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Stir in half and half when cheese begins to melt.
- Cook until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.
- Serve in a chafing dish with Fritos.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. If you can't find Monterey Jack cheese, a good substitute is a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for similar meltiness. To enhance the flavor, sauté the onions until they're golden brown. If you want a creamier dip, increase the amount of half and half gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip warm in a chafing dish, perfect for gatherings. Pair it with crispy Fritos for dipping, or offer alongside fresh veggies for a lighter option. This dip also complements Homemade Burritos beautifully, making it a great addition to a Mexican-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating and separation of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Cheese Chilli Dip contains roughly 358 calories, with 10g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove until warmed through, stirring to keep the cheese melty.
Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Mexican Cheese Chilli Dip is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. It's a delicious option for those following vegetarian recipes and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can use about 2-3 fresh tomatoes, diced, instead of canned solid pack tomatoes. Just make sure to remove excess moisture and cook them down until they soften before adding the other ingredients.
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).