espinaca con queso (spinach cheese dip)
As much as I a-d-o-r-e going out for Mexican food, my friends would be the first to tell you that 90% of my meal usually ends up being three things: chips, salsa, y queso. I’m a total lost cause, though, when the queso is “espinaca” — white cheese dip with spinach.
Oh my heavens. This stuff is completely irresistible.
And it’s even better homemade, because then you can play around with ingredients! I love mine (as mentioned in the tip below) with some extra peppers thrown in for spice and flavor. But if you’re more on the “mild” side, you can also make it with just the basics. Just be sure to throw in lots of spinach, and then you’ll feel a little better about going back for seconds…and thirds… :)
I made this for our RO*TEL party this month, and all of my friends gave it a big thumbs up. So give it a try at home soon for a fun appetizer or (ahem) dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. canola oil
- 1/2 cup diced white onion (about half a small onion)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, diced (and seeded if desired)
- 3/4 cup milk or half and half
- 1 pound (16 oz.) white American cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
- 4 oz. Pepper Jack or Monterrey Jack cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 (15 oz.) can RO*TEL diced tomatoes and chiles
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Method
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and jalapeno, and saute for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Lower heat to medium-low, then gradually add milk and cheeses. Stir together slowly for a few minutes until melted. Add the RO*TEL, spinach and cilantro, and stir until combined. Remove from stove.
Pour into a bowl and serve immediately with chips. Or transfer dip to a crock-pot to keep warm.
http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/espinaca-con-queso-spinach-cheese-dip/Ali’s Tip:
I like adding an extra chipotle or poblano pepper to this dip for extra flavor and spice. You would just pop this in at the same time as the jalapeno. But I recommend trying the dip as is first to see if you would like the extra kick! :)
I made this Saturday for our Cinco De Mayo get together and it was so good!! I doubled the recipe and used 3/4 cup heavy cream and 3/4 cup whole milk and I did not seed my jalapenos so it was spicy. I do not think I will ever make velveeta with rotel again! I ate the left overs 3 times yesterday..LOL! My husband wants me to add sausage to it next time. This was great!! Thanks for the awesome recipe! :)
Ali…this dip is awesome. I hope there is enough left to take to the party! I’m never making velveeta and rotel again! Great work.
I think I would love this but I HATE HATE the grocery store. I think I’m going to try it with frozen chopped spinach that has been wrung out.
I just made this last night! So good and super super easy. I couldn’t find white American cheese, though, so I just used a bunch of american singles. Worked great!
I love queso dips and this sounds fantastic!
!Que rico!
That looks amazing and a Rotel party sounds like so much fun!
Sounds delicious, I love dips. Have pinned for another day, thanks.
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A bowl of heaven for sure!
I am beyond excited to have a recipe for this! You rock :)
Oh, I do love queso! And this one looks simply delicious!
Love, love, love this. I rarely even need to order a meal at Mexican restaurants because I eat too many chips! Love it!
Um, YES. I’m taking this to the deserted island that I’m sure to end up on one day.
Looks fabulous, Ali!
This must be the classy version of the Velveeta and RoTel dip!
Wow! I could seriously just stay home all day and eat a whole bag of chips with this dip!
That sounds SO good!