Description
This irresistible Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso is the ultimate creamy, flavorful dip perfect for any party or gathering. Made with melted cream cheese, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, zesty Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and a touch of ranch seasoning, this rich and smoky queso is a crowd-pleaser served warm with tortilla chips or veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the finely chopped onion until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Rotel and Seasoning: Stir in the entire can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice), the ranch seasoning packet, and the whole milk. Bring this mixture to a low simmer.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add the cubed cream cheese to the saucepan and stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring after each addition to allow the cheese to melt fully for a creamy texture.
- Season and Combine: Stir in the smoked paprika and black pepper, mixing until the queso is creamy and all ingredients are well combined.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Reduce the heat to low and keep the queso warm until ready to serve. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier queso, use hot Rotel tomatoes or add diced jalapeños during the sauté step.
- This queso can be kept warm in a slow cooker set to the ‘warm’ setting, perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
