Description
Spicy chili meets creamy cheddar in this irresistible dip that promises party-perfect flavor. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer guaranteed to disappear from your snack table in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) medium cheddar, shredded (about 1.5 cups)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
Thickening Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) flour
Seasoning Ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Create a smooth, buttery foundation by melting butter in a small saucepan and whisking in flour until the mixture becomes frothy and golden, stirring continuously for about one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly stream milk into the butter-flour base, maintaining a gentle whisking motion to prevent lumps from forming, and allow the mixture to gradually heat and thicken while stirring consistently.
- Once the sauce reaches a velvety consistency that elegantly coats the back of a spoon, reduce the heat and introduce shredded cheddar cheese in small increments, gently folding until each handful completely dissolves into the creamy mixture.
- Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling in salt and chili powder, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the dip, and taste to ensure a balanced and robust flavor.
- If the dip appears too dense, carefully thin it with a splash of milk, stirring until the desired smooth and creamy texture is achieved, creating a luxurious and perfectly seasoned chili cheese dip ready for serving.
Notes
- Achieve a smooth, lump-free roux by continuously whisking butter and flour over medium heat for exactly one minute.
- Prevent scorching milk by gradually adding it to the roux and maintaining constant whisking during the simmering process.
- Melt cheese slowly and carefully, adding handful by handful to ensure a silky, uniform texture without separating.
- Control dip thickness by keeping a small amount of milk nearby to adjust consistency if needed.
- Use low heat when incorporating cheese to maintain a creamy, glossy finish without breaking the sauce.
- Select high-quality sharp cheddar for maximum flavor depth and rich, tangy undertones in the final dip.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg