Sweet dreams are made of cheese! This creamy Cheese Dip is about to become your new favorite!
I love cheese. One look in my fridge will confirm that. Right now I have (and I’ve counted) eight fancy varieties filling my fridge with the most delicious aromas. As far as I’m concerned, the more “aromatic,” the better. Which is why I’m such a fan of Époisses, a deliciously salty, somewhat runny French cheese that’s so fragrant it was supposedly banned on the Paris Metro! Whether or not that’s true, I’m not sure, but what I do know is that I can’t imagine a world without cheese.
Besides my addiction to fancy cheeses, I am also a sucker for melted cheese. What is it about melted cheese that just hits different? Whether it’s drizzled over crinkle fries or stirred into a bowl of mac and cheese, hot, velvety cheese makes everything better! Having a classic cheese dip recipe on hand for whenever you need some creamy, molten goodness is always a good idea.
The perfect cheese sauce will leave you wanting to dig in with a spoon—but I suggest at least using some chips! This recipe keeps it simple, with milk, spices, and two varieties of cheese, which not only means that it’s easy to make, but it’s also easy to pair with all kinds of foods. If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect gooey cheese dip, you’ve come to the right place.
Is Cheese Dip Healthy?
Cheese dip isn’t necessarily known for its healthy properties. While a homemade variety will skip the preservatives of packaged cheese dip, if you’re worried about calories, salt, and saturated fat, this is a snack that you’ll want to enjoy in moderation. Of course, you can always boost the nutritional content of your snack moment by dipping in some crunchy, raw vegetables. Always look on the bright side, they say!
What’s the Best Thing To Dip in Homemade Cheese Dip?
If you’ve only ever enjoyed cheese dip with tortilla chips, you’re missing out. Want to replicate the crunch without the chip? Cheese dip tastes fantastic on celery stalks, radishes, bell peppers, and carrots. It’s delicious on top of some steamed broccoli for a creamy take on broccoli and cheese. Actually, it’s great over any vegetable. I especially love grilling some asparagus spears and dipping them in! For a decadent and delicious appetizer, pair your cheese dip with a sliced baguette. Grapes and apple slices alongside a dish of cheese dip are also fun additions to any charcuterie board. And yes, I’ll even drizzle this decadent sauce over a perfectly grilled steak!
How to Make Ahead and Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave using 15-second increments, stirring your dip in between to remix the oil and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
You can’t go wrong serving up a delicious bowl of cheese dip alongside some healthy Mexican cuisine! Go for some Tasty Tofu Tacos or Mexican Tuna Zucchini Boats! If you want to drizzle melted cheese over something really healthy, try Grilled Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Broccoli And Carrots.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until the mixture is slightly golden and no longer smells raw.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the dip is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve the cheese dip warm with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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