Banana Pepper Queso Dip Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Banana Pepper Queso Dip made with sautéed onions, garlic, banana peppers, and cheeses, perfect for serving warm as a party appetizer or snack.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 banana peppers, chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat to create the base for the dip.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing their sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Banana Peppers: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped banana peppers, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors and soften the peppers.
- Combine Tomatoes and Spices: Mix in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste and help thicken the dip.
- Incorporate Milk: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, thickened sauce without lumps.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and the dip is creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the queso dip and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm with chips or veggies.
Notes
- Remove banana pepper seeds to reduce heat if you prefer a milder dip.
- Use full-fat cheeses and milk for the creamiest texture.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and consistency.
- This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Banana Pepper Queso Dip, cheese dip, party appetizer, creamy dip, spicy cheese dip, warm dip