Simple Cheesy Dipping Sauce with a Kick
Elevate your snack game with this irresistibly creamy and flavorful Simple Cheesy Dipping Sauce with a Kick! Perfectly smooth and packed with a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, this sauce boasts a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with its bold spicy undertones. A touch of hot sauce, smoky paprika, and optional chipotle chili powder bring the perfect level of heat, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for parties, game nights, or simply indulging at home. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy-to-make queso-inspired dip is perfect for serving with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or pretzel bites. Rich, zesty, and endlessly dippable—your taste buds are in for a treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 teaspoons hot sauce (your favorite brand)
- 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (optional, for extra kick)
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, continuously whisking, until it turns light golden brown and no raw flour smell remains.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the softened cream cheese and mix until completely incorporated.
Stir in the hot sauce, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the sauce to a heat-safe serving bowl.
Serve immediately with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or pretzel bites. Enjoy the kick of heat and rich cheesiness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
246 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.6 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.7 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 60 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 410 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.6 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 12.0 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 346 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 135 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
