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Hand dipping a tortilla chip into a warm, cheesy jalapeno popper dip garnished with green peppers.

Smoky Green Chile Cheese Dip

A creamy, zesty, and slightly smoky green chile cheese dip perfect for parties or a cozy night in. This dip comes together quickly and is loaded with flavor from two types of cheese and roasted green chiles.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Southwestern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Dip
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk or 2%
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened, cut into cubes
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 cup diced green chiles canned, drained (1 7-oz can)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
For Serving (Optional)
  • 1 jalapeño finely diced, for garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • Tortilla chips for dipping
  • Vegetable sticks for dipping (carrots, celery)

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan (3-4 quart)
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

Make the Roux
  1. In a heavy-bottomed 3-4 quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (roux) forms and cooks slightly.
Build the Sauce Base
  1. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk as the mixture heats and thickens, about 3-5 minutes, until it's smooth and coats the back of a spoon.
  2. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir with a whisk or wooden spoon until it has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Melt the Cheeses & Flavor
  1. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and incorporated before adding more. Keep the heat on low to prevent the cheese from seizing or burning.
  2. Once all the cheese is melted and the dip is creamy, stir in the drained diced green chiles, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Serve
  1. Taste the dip and adjust seasoning as needed. If the dip is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve hot in a serving bowl, garnished with fresh diced jalapeño and chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or crackers.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your dip gritty. If the dip gets too thick while sitting, you can reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to loosen it up. This dip can be made ahead and reheated; simply transfer to a microwave-safe bowl or back to a saucepan, add a little milk, and heat slowly until smooth and warm.