Mexican Cheese

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: Mexican

A rich, cheesy spread with spicy jalapenos, crunchy pecans, and a blend of sharp and creamy cheeses, perfect for snacking or as a flavorful dip.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. sharp cheese
  • 1/2 lb. pimento cheese
  • 1/2 lb. American cheese
  • 1/2 c. chopped pecans
  • 4 hot jalapeno peppers
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 garlic buttons

Instructions

  1. Combine the sharp cheese, pimento cheese, and American cheese in a bowl.
  2. Add chopped pecans, sliced jalapeno peppers, diced onion, and minced garlic.
  3. Mix thoroughly until well combined and serve as a spread or dip.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the mix. If you don't have sharp cheese, a mild cheddar can work well. To adjust the heat level, use fewer jalapenos or substitute them with mild peppers. This dip can be a great addition to nacho rounds or served alongside a South-Of-The-Border Layered Dip for a festive spread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Mexican Cheese dip with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a spread on toasted baguette slices. It pairs wonderfully with a side of salsa or guacamole for a fuller appetizer platter. For a more substantial meal, it can complement dishes like chili con queso dip or be used in a burrito.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. This dip can also be enjoyed cold, making it versatile for various occasions.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mexican Cheese contains roughly 1103 calories, with 36g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1734mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).

1103 kcal 55% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 36.4g 73% DV
Total Fat 75.8g 97% DV
Carbs 74.3g 27% DV
Fiber 8.9g 32% DV
Sugar 10.7g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1733.5mg 75% DV
Potassium 606.3mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 83.3mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 232.9mcg 26% DV
Vitamin C 50.3mg 56% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 4% DV
Calcium 708.7mg 55% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 mix the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give it a quick stir and it's ready to enjoy!

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

If you want to add more vegetables, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor.

Can I freeze this cheese dip?

Freezing is not recommended for this dip as the texture may change when thawed. However, if you do freeze it, ensure it's in an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently to restore some creaminess.

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).

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