Description
This Halloween Chili Con Queso Dip is a creamy, flavorful, and festive appetizer perfect for spooky gatherings. Made with sharp white cheddar cheese, spicy green chilies, and a blend of spices, this dip is enhanced with a touch of neon green food coloring for a fun, eerie effect. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s ideal for serving with tortilla chips, veggies, or crackers at any Halloween party.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base
- 1 pound Cooper Sharp White Cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 4.5 ounces green chilies, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon pimentos
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 6 drops green neon food coloring (optional, for a spooky look)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Combine Milk: In a small, thick-walled saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add the milk and stir gently to combine the two ingredients evenly.
- Melt Cheese: Add the cubed Cooper Sharp White Cheese to the saucepan and stir constantly for about 5 minutes. Continue until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Seasonings and Chilies: Stir in the cumin, paprika, pimentos, and drained green chilies. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors blend well.
- Thicken the Dip: Sprinkle the flour into the saucepan and stir vigorously to incorporate and thicken the queso. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth texture.
- Optional Coloring for Halloween: For a festive twist, add 6 drops of green neon food coloring and stir until the queso turns a bright, spooky green.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Maintain the dip on low heat to keep its creamy consistency. Serve hot with tortilla chips, crunchy veggies, or crackers. If the dip cools and hardens, reheat gently in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each for best texture.
Notes
- Use a thick-walled saucepan to help control heat and prevent burning the cheese.
- Stir constantly while melting cheese to achieve smoothness and avoid clumping.
- The neon green food coloring is optional but adds a great visual effect for Halloween parties.
- If the queso becomes too thick after cooling, reheat gently and stir in a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
