Cheese Dip: Mexican Keto Delight Or Disaster?

Mexican cheese dip is a delicious treat, but is it keto-friendly? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. While it's true that many Mexican cheese dips are loaded with carbs and starches, there are ways to make this tasty treat fit within the keto diet. The key is to be mindful of the ingredients used and the overall carb count.

When dining out, it's a good idea to inquire about the ingredients used in the cheese dip. Restaurants often add sugars and starches to enhance the flavour, which can increase the carb count. Asking if the dip is homemade and what ingredients are included can help you make an informed decision.

Fortunately, there are also plenty of recipes available for keto-friendly Mexican cheese dips. These recipes typically use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, along with spices and other flavour enhancers like garlic and green chilis. By making your own dip, you can control the ingredients and ensure it aligns with your keto diet.

So, if you're craving a cheesy, spicy Mexican dip to enjoy with your favourite keto-friendly chips or veggies, you can rest assured that it can be done! Just be mindful of the ingredients and carb counts, and you'll be on your way to a delicious and keto-approved treat.

Keto queso dip recipes

Queso dip is a Mexican-style cheese dip made from warm, melted cheeses cooked into a dip-able sauce. It can be served with raw veggies, keto-friendly tortilla chips, or as a topping for meat or salad. Here are some delicious keto-friendly queso dip recipes to try:

Crock Pot Keto Queso Dip

This easy recipe from Wholesome Yum requires just three ingredients and two minutes of prep time. Simply mix together cream cheese, salsa verde, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese in a mini slow cooker. Cook on low for 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to get rid of any lumps. You can also add aromatics like diced onions or garlic, diced tomatoes, green chiles, ground beef, or spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder.

Best Keto Queso Dip

This recipe from Kasey Trenum is simple, easy, and fits within your low-carb diet. It uses butter, white cheddar cheese, Monterrey Jack cheese, heavy whipping cream, water, green chiles, garlic cloves, and spices like chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Combine the butter, heavy whipping cream, spices, and water in a double boiler and bring to a slow boil. Then, slowly add the cheese one handful at a time, stirring continuously. Finally, add the drained green chiles and serve immediately or keep warm in a small crockpot.

Keto Queso Blanco

This recipe from Hip2Keto is super easy to make and can be served warm or at room temperature. Warm heavy cream over low-medium heat and add softened cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth. Then, add shredded Monterey Jack and sharp white cheddar cheese and continue whisking until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat and add Rotel tomatoes, green chiles, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Serve with veggies, pork rinds, or keto-friendly chips.

Keto Queso

This recipe from That Low Carb Life is smooth, creamy, and incredibly cheesy. Melt butter in a skillet and stir in onion, jalapeno, and cumin. Add cream cheese, cream, and water and let them melt together. Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Top with pico de gallo before serving. You can also add extra jalapeno for more spice or skip it altogether for a milder dip.

Nutritional info

The nutritional value of a Mexican cheese dip varies depending on the ingredients used and the recipe followed. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for some Mexican cheese dip recipes:

Keto Queso Dip:

This recipe serves 16 and has a yield of 1/4 cup per serving.

• Calories: 187
• Fat: 16.9g
• Total Carbs: 2.6g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 1.2g
• Protein: 7.5g
• Net Carbs: 2.2g

Low Carb Queso Blanco (White Cheese Dip):

This recipe provides nutritional information per 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/2 cup servings:

• Calories: 204/272/408
• Fat: 17g/23g/35g (75.5% calories from fat)
• Protein: 11g/14g/21g
• Carbohydrates: 1.94g/2.58g/3.88g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.38g/0.5g/0.75g
• Effective Carbs: 1.56g/2.08g/3.13g

Keto Queso:

This recipe serves 10 and has a nutritional profile of:

• Calories: 249kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Protein: 11.6g
• Fat: 20.6g
• Fiber: 0.4g

Easy, Cheesy Keto Queso:

This recipe has a serving size of 1/4 cup and the following nutritional values:

• Calories: 298kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 82mg
• Sodium: 523mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Net Carbs: 3g

Low-carb chip options

While Mexican cheese dip is keto-friendly, it can be challenging to find suitable chips that align with the ketogenic diet. Here are some low-carb chip options to consider:

Pork Rinds

Pork rinds, also known as chicharrones, are a popular choice among keto enthusiasts. They are made from fried pork skin, making them a crunchy and savoury snack. Look for brands that fry the rinds in pork fat, such as EPIC Provisions and 4505 Meats, and avoid those that use vegetable oil. You can also find flavoured pork rinds, like Chili & Salt or Jalapeno Cheddar, to add some variety.

Quest Keto Tortilla Chips

These tortilla chips from Quest Protein offer a convenient and tasty option with 18g of protein and only 4g of net carbs per bag. While they contain some processed ingredients, they are a good option if you're looking for something quick and easy.

Pepperoni Chips

For a simple and creative chip alternative, try making your own pepperoni chips at home! Simply bake pepperoni slices in the oven until crispy, and you've got yourself a high-fat, high-protein, low-carb snack.

Low-Carb Tortilla Chips

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own low-carb tortilla chips using almond flour and shredded mozzarella cheese. There are plenty of recipes available online, and you can add your favourite spices to customize the flavour.

Cheese Crisps

Cheese crisps are another excellent option for keto dieters. Brands like Bunker Hill offer a variety of flavours, and you can enjoy them on their own or dipped in salsa.

Keto-Friendly Vegetable Chips

Don't forget that vegetables can also be turned into delicious, crispy chips! Options like zucchini, cucumber, celery, bell peppers, and tomatoes can be sliced thinly, baked, and seasoned to create a healthy, low-calorie, low-carb snack.

Store-Bought Keto Chips

In addition to the options above, there are several store-bought keto chips available, such as KetoLogic Keto Buffalo Crisps, Epic Artisanal Oven Baked Pork Rinds, Wilde Protein Chips, and Quest Nutrition Tortilla Protein Chips. These options offer convenience and variety, ensuring you can always have a keto-friendly snack on hand.

Foods to eat with queso

Queso is a versatile dip that can be paired with a variety of dishes, adding a rich, creamy, and indulgent element to your meal. Here are some mouth-watering foods to eat with queso:

Soft Pretzels

The chewy delight of soft pretzels is elevated when paired with creamy queso dip. The light saltiness of the pretzel enhances the richness of the queso, and the warm, soft bread is perfect for dipping and creates a satisfying contrast in textures.

Nachos

For a classic combination, try dipping crunchy nachos into your queso. For a heartier option, top your nachos with chili con carne, cheese, onions, and jalapenos, and then add a generous drizzle of queso for an extra indulgent treat.

Tacos

Queso is an excellent addition to tacos, especially those with earthy mushroom fillings or crispy corn taco shells. The creamy queso complements the crispy taco shell, and the dip's richness is a perfect match for vegetarian tacos.

Burritos

A carne asada burrito, packed with tender marinated steak, rice, beans, and salsa, is a hearty option to pair with queso. The robust flavors and soft tortilla of the burrito create a delightful contrast with the creamy queso.

Chicken Wings

Smoky and sweet BBQ chicken wings bring a unique flavor profile to the table when served with queso. The rich, tangy barbecue sauce on the wings contrasts beautifully with the cheesy dip, making for a casual and fun meal.

Other Meat Dishes

Meat lovers can also enjoy queso with dishes like chili cheeseburgers, beef enchiladas, or Korean corn dogs. The cheese dip adds a creamy texture and savory flavor to these dishes.

Vegetarian Options

Vegetarians can enjoy queso with options like mushroom tacos, stuffed jalapenos, or cauliflower bites. The dip complements the earthiness of mushrooms and the spiciness of jalapenos, while also providing a tasty contrast to the mild sweetness of roasted cauliflower.

Creative Combinations

For those feeling adventurous, queso can be paired with unique dishes like broccoli rice casserole, Frito pie (Fritos, chili, and queso), or even drizzled over a warm, chocolatey Twix bar for a sweet and savory dessert.

How to make queso in a slow cooker

Queso dip is a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be served with tortilla chips, nachos, beef burritos, or tacos. It's also a great topping for salads, meats, or as a side dipping option. Here's a step-by-step guide to making queso in a slow cooker:

Ingredients:

• Butter
• White cheddar cheese, grated
• Monterrey Jack cheese, grated
• Heavy whipping cream
• Green chilies, drained
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cilantro

Optional Ingredients:

• Onion
• Jalapeno
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Tomatoes
• Evaporated milk
• Velveeta cheese
• Mexican blend shredded cheese
• Ground beef or sausage (fully cooked and drained)
• Cream cheese

Instructions:

• Combine butter, heavy whipping cream, spices (reserve some cilantro for garnish), and water in a slow cooker. You can also use a double boiler or a large bowl over a pot of steaming water.
• Bring the mixture to a slow boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Slowly add the cheeses a handful at a time, stirring continuously with a whisk until all the cheese is melted and well combined.
• Add the drained green chilies and stir to combine.
• If using onion and jalapeno, melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion, jalapeno, and cumin, and cook until the vegetables are softened.
• Add this mixture to the slow cooker, stirring well.
• If using tomatoes, you can add them along with the cheese. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies work well and add texture and flavor.
• Continue stirring the mixture in the slow cooker until the cheese is completely melted and well combined, about 30 minutes.
• Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately, or keep warm in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.

Tips:

• Use a block of cheese and grate it yourself for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains fillers that can affect melting.
• Bring the grated cheese to room temperature before melting for a smoother consistency.
• Avoid boiling the cheese, as it can cause it to seize and clump.
• Add cheese slowly and stir continuously but not too vigorously.
• If the queso becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of milk, cream, or chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
• If it becomes too thin, stir in a small amount of flour or cornstarch.
• Keep the slow cooker on a low setting while serving to maintain a smooth and liquid consistency.

Enjoy your homemade queso!

Frequently asked questions