Cheesy Jalapeno Dip

You are 10 minutes away from enjoying a cheesy jalapeno dip!

skillet cheese and jalapeno sauce or dip for chips

This Cheesy Jalapeno Dip is a crowd pleaser and is perfect for gatherings as well as cozy nights at home.

Cheese jalapeno sauce is so easy to make and it can be used for a number of things that will please your taste buds. And of course one of them is this creamy dip! I’m going to walk you through how to make this quick crowd pleaser, but real briefly, let’s explore the mighty jalapenos possibilities!


This spicy pepper goes back thousands of years in South America, and its name literally means “From Jalapa”, a city in Mexico where it originated. This little fruit is unbelievably versatile and can be used in not just savory dishes, but sweet ones as well. If you’re a newbie to this fiery pepper, then this jalapeno cheese dip is the perfect way to take it for a spin. The creaminess of the cheese balances the slight heat of the pepper. This cheese jalapeno sauce isn’t meant to burn your face off, rather the heat accentuates the creaminess of the cheese, and the cheese brings out the bright, bell pepper flavors of the jalapeno and balances any spiciness.

As mentioned, this pepper is versatile – you can use it in drinks, main courses, and sides. A few of my favorite ways to utilize it are below:

  • Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese – I’d be remiss if I didn’t add in a mac & cheese dish. Because this one has both bacon and roasted jalapeno pepper in it, it has a smoky little flavor that is super pleasing to the pallet. The heat isn’t overwhelming and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you empty your plate.
  • Jalapeno Cranberry Chicken – A great main dish for dinner or lunch, and it’s quick! The cranberries and jalapeno are cooked in with the chicken, allowing the sweetness of the cranberry to influence the spiciness of the jalapeno for a perfectly balanced flavor dish! Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cranberries stored in your freezer from the holidays.
  • Cranberry Margaritas – I love margaritas, for me, they are the perfect drink! I have loads of recipes for them on my blog. This one doesn’t have jalapeno in it, however, slicing a jalapeno and floating a couple of the slices on top, would make a perfect sweet and spicy drink! 
  • Jalapeno Popper Soup – I really don’t think I need to say more. If you’re a fan of jalapeno poppers, then this is your next favorite soup!
  • Strawberry Lime and Jalapeno Pasta Salad – moving into the warmer months, this is one of my top favorites. It’s fresh, it has the sweetness of the Strawberries, balanced with the zing of the lime and the slight heat of the jalapeno. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and travels easily!

 

I have loads of ways to use this fun little pepper on my blog, so if this is your first time using it, explore and find just the right recipe for you!

cheese and jalapeno cheesy dip for chips and more createdbydiane.com

Now. some common questions I receive about jalapenos are:

What if I like it spicy?

That’s a simple fix, add more, or keep the seeds and ribs in place. Also, don’t roast your jalapeno. Roasting actually lessens the spiciness. And if you prefer a milder taste, be sure to take out all ribs and seeds and then roast them instead!

What’s the best way to handle a jalapeno?

Gloves, gloves, gloves. The oils in hot peppers can actually burn your skin and be quite unpleasant. Kitchen gloves, vinyl gloves, or even small plastic bags on your hands can protect you from this.

Can I use other cheese aside from cheddar?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I’ve experimented with many and have recipes for some. Any melting cheese will work though. Monterey Jack and Colby are great options. Here’s another cheese jalapeno sauce to get you started – Beer and Cheese Dip

 

Okay, let’s get to that recipe!

Now, this sauce isn’t just for dipping, it can be used to pour over your favorite Mexican dishes, use it for a classic broccoli and cheese dish, or over noodles. Use your imagination, some of my best dishes have come from experimentation, don’t be afraid to explore!

To begin, dice the jalapeno, remove seeds and rib if you want it mild, or leave it in as I do. 

Next, shred all your cheese, or use prepackaged shredded cheese for a time saver!

Then, in a skillet preheated to medium, heat butter then add in the desired amount of diced jalapenos. Cook for 1 minute.

Add in the flour and stir until absorbed by the butter, whisking constantly.

Slowly pour in the milk a little at a time and whisk as it thickens, and continue to slowly pour the milk until it combines and forms a sauce. If you dump it in all at once, you’ll have a lumpy mixture, it won’t be silky smooth and it won’t thicken as nicely.

Once the white sauce is smooth and combined, add in the cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.

Cut the heat and add salt for the desired flavor.

jalapeno cheese dip perfect for chips createdbydiane.com

Options to try as an add-in are fresh garlic, added in when you saute the jalapenos. Or you could use garlic powder at the end when you add in your salt. Other favorites to add in at this point would be a teaspoon of taco seasoning, favorite hot sauce, or other desired flavoring.

Other great recipes using jalapeno:

Cheesy Jalapeno Dip

a creamy and delicious lightly spicy jalapeno cheese sauce, can be used for dipping chips or putting on other Mexican food, pour it over pasta for a fun meal.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dip, sauce
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Servings: 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1-2 jalapenos diced small
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese or similar cheese, pepper jack, Mexican blend
  • salt
  • optional
  • garlic
  • taco seasoning

Instructions

  • In a skillet heat butter then add in the desired amount of diced jalapenos, I usually use 1 jalapeno and leave the seeds in, if you like it mild remove the seeds, if you like it spicy add two jalapenos with seeds, cook for 1 minute.
  • Add in the flour and stir until absorbed by the butter.
  • Slowly pour in the milk a little at a time and whisk as it thickens, and continue to slowly pour the milk until it combines and forms a sauce.
  • Add in the cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
  • Add salt for the desired flavor.
  • Options to add in are fresh garlic when you saute the jalapenos, garlic powder when adding the salt, or add in a teaspoon of taco seasoning, favorite hot sauce, or flavoring.

 

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