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To create a delicious Pepper Jack Spinach Queso Dip, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained - 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed - 1/4 cup milk (preferably whole or 2%) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Tortilla chips for serving These ingredients create a rich and creamy dip. The Pepper Jack cheese adds a nice kick, while the spinach keeps it fresh. If you need dairy-free options, you can swap the cheese and cream cheese. Use plant-based cheese instead. Look for brands that melt well. For the cream cheese, try a vegan cream cheese. You can also use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk. These substitutions allow everyone to enjoy the dip. To elevate your dip, consider adding a few extra ingredients: - Chopped jalapeños for heat - Black beans for texture - Corn for sweetness - Fresh herbs like cilantro for brightness These add-ins can give your dip a unique twist. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. 1. Start by heating olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. 2. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook until the onion is clear, about 3-4 minutes. 3. Reduce heat to low and add chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. 4. In a large pot, mix cream cheese, milk, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir over medium heat until smooth. 5. Gradually add shredded Pepper Jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted. 6. Add the sautéed spinach, onion, and garlic to the pot. Also, add ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well. 7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat. Stir often until heated through. 8. Taste and adjust seasoning if you need to. - Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer dip. - Stir continuously when melting cheese to avoid clumps. - Adjust milk for your desired thickness; less for a thicker dip. Cooking on low heat helps blend flavors. It also prevents burning the cheese. Keep stirring to ensure even heat. This way, the dip stays creamy and delicious. Overheating can make it grainy, so watch the temperature closely. To make the best Pepper Jack Spinach Queso Dip, start with the onion and garlic. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet on medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion looks clear. This step builds great flavor. Then, lower the heat and toss in the chopped spinach. Cook for 2 minutes until it wilts. This keeps the spinach bright and tasty. If you have leftover queso dip, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it, reheat in a pot over low heat. Stir regularly to make it creamy again. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Serve your Pepper Jack Spinach Queso Dip with crispy tortilla chips. They are perfect for dipping! You can also add some sliced veggies like bell peppers or carrots. For a twist, serve it with soft tortillas or warm pita bread. This dip works great for parties or game days. Add a fresh garnish of chopped cilantro for color and taste. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture with friends or family! {{image_2}} Want to kick up the heat? You can add jalapeños or hot sauce to your dip. Start by finely chopping one or two jalapeños. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for a fresh, spicy flavor. For hot sauce, just add a few drops to the cheese mix. Taste it as you go. This way, you can find the perfect spice level for you. You can easily adapt this dip for vegetarian or vegan diets. For a vegetarian version, keep the cheese but skip the cream cheese. Use a plant-based cream cheese and milk for a vegan option. Many brands now offer great dairy-free cheeses. Look for ones that melt well. You’ll still get a creamy texture and a tasty dip. Changing ingredients with the seasons keeps this dip fresh. In spring, add artichokes or asparagus for a bright flavor. In fall, try adding roasted butternut squash. Swap out fresh spinach for kale during winter. These swaps not only change the taste but also add great nutrition. Get creative and use what you have on hand. To keep your Pepper Jack Spinach Queso Dip fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dip cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps avoid steam build-up and keeps the dip creamy. You can also use plastic wrap directly on the dip’s surface before closing the lid. This extra step helps prevent a skin from forming. You can freeze this dip if you have leftovers. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a pot over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk to get it creamy again. The dip lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you freeze it, the dip can stay good for up to 2 months. However, it tastes best when fresh. To add heat, include diced jalapeños. You can also mix in hot sauce. Another option is to use extra Pepper Jack cheese. Adjusting these will bring more spice to your dip. Yes, you can swap out cheeses. Try using Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different taste. Mixing in some mozzarella can also add creaminess. Just keep the ratios similar for a smooth dip. Serve this dip with crispy tortilla chips. Veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers also work well. You can even serve it on top of nachos for a fun twist! Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance. Just store it in the fridge after cooking. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Reheat the dip slowly on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to prevent burning. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the dip creamy and smooth. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Pepper Jack Spinach Queso Dip. We explored essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great flavor. I shared storage tips and variations for all tastes. In my view, making queso dip can be simple and fun. You can mix and match flavors based on what you love. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family. Your next gathering will be a hit!

Pepper Jack Spinach Queso Dip

Indulge in a cheesy delight with this Pepper Jack Spinach Queso Dip! Packed with Pepper Jack cheese, fresh spinach, and zesty diced tomatoes, this creamy dip is perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s simple to make and bursting with flavor. Serve it warm with tortilla chips for the ultimate snack experience. Click through to discover the complete recipe and impress your guests!

Ingredients
  

1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed

1/4 cup milk (preferably whole or 2%)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions
 

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

      In a large pot, combine the cream cheese, milk, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

        Gradually add the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until fully melted and combined.

          Add the sautéed spinach, onion, and garlic mixture to the pot, along with the ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

            Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently, until the dip is heated through and all ingredients are incorporated.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before removing from heat.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the queso dip warm in a colorful bowl, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro, and enjoy it with crispy tortilla chips arranged around the bowl for dipping.