Christmas Queso

The Crispy Chef

Christmas Queso is a rich, creamy, festive cheese dip loaded with red and green peppers, melty cheeses, and a hint of spice. Perfect for holiday parties, cozy gatherings, and movie nights with chips, pretzels, or bread for dipping.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Servings servings

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Cutting board and knife
Grater for fresh cheese
serving bowl or small crockpot

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup diced white onion
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup half and half or whole milk
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese
salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp cumin (optional)
pinch of cayenne (optional)
fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
diced red and green peppers (for garnish)
jalapeño slices (for garnish)
pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, red pepper, green pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Pour in the half and half and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
Slowly add shredded cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional cumin or cayenne.
Transfer to a serving bowl or keep warm in skillet. Garnish with herbs, peppers, jalapeños, and pomegranate seeds. Serve hot with chips or dippers.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt. Stir constantly and avoid high heat to keep queso silky. Keep warm in a small crockpot or skillet during parties. Add a splash of milk if it thickens while sitting.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 180mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 0.5mg

Keyword Christmas queso, holiday cheese dip, party cheese dip, skillet queso