Banana Pepper Queso Dip – Party Favorite Recipe
This Banana Pepper Queso Dip is a creamy, spicy cheese dip perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining the tangy heat of banana peppers with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, this dip offers a flavorful twist on traditional queso, ideal for serving with chips or fresh veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of dip, serving 8-10 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Thickening & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Onion: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Banana Peppers: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped banana peppers. Cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Mix in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt, stirring to combine evenly.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste, which helps thicken the dip.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir gently until all the cheese is melted and the dip is creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dip and adjust the salt or spices if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm with chips or vegetables.
Notes
- Removing the seeds from banana peppers reduces the heat; leave them in if you prefer spicier dip.
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; substitute with half-and-half for extra richness.
- For a thicker dip, allow it to simmer a few extra minutes after adding cheese, stirring frequently.
- This dip can be kept warm in a slow cooker or gently reheated on the stovetop.
- Pair with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or crusty bread for serving.
Keywords: Banana Pepper Queso Dip, Cheese Dip, Party Dip, Spicy Queso, Appetizer, Snack, Mexican Cheese Dip
