Keto Diet And Queso Dip: What You Need To Know

Queso dip is a Mexican-style cheese dip made from warm, melted cheeses cooked into a dip-able sauce. It is often served with tortilla chips, but it can also be enjoyed with raw veggies, such as mini bell peppers and celery, or even poured over meat. Many recipes for queso dip are keto-friendly, as they are low-carb and gluten-free with no fillers. However, some recipes include milk or thickeners that have carbs, so it's important to check the ingredients and their quantities before making the dip.

Keto queso dip ingredients

The Basics

To make a keto-friendly queso dip, you'll need to swap out the traditional evaporated milk for a keto-approved alternative. Heavy whipping cream is a good option, as it adds fat and helps to thin out the dip. You'll also want to use a thickener that is low in carbs; cream cheese is a great choice. Butter is another important ingredient, as it adds fat and helps to create a creamy texture.

Cheese

Cheese is the star of the show in any queso dip, and the good news is that most types of cheese are naturally low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet. For a classic queso dip, you'll want to use shredded cheese—white cheddar and Monterey Jack are excellent choices, as they have fantastic flavour. You can also use other types of cheese such as Gruyere, Colby Jack, pepper jack, queso blanco, or cheddar cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use a combination of different cheeses to create your own unique flavour profile. Just be sure to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded varieties often contain fillers that can affect the texture of your dip.

Spices and Seasonings

Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to take your keto queso dip to the next level. Garlic is a must-have, with fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder both working well. You can also add some heat with chilli powder, cumin, or chipotle powder. Fresh or pickled jalapeños can be added for an extra kick, and cilantro can be used to garnish your dip before serving.

Additional Ingredients

While cheese is the main event, you can also add some extra ingredients to your keto queso dip to give it a unique twist. Green chillies are a popular choice, as they add flavour and a bit of spice. If you're looking for a meatier dip, you can add cooked ground beef, chorizo, or Italian sausage. Diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers can also be used to bulk up your dip and add some extra texture.

How to make keto queso dip

Queso dip is a favourite for many, but most recipes are not keto-friendly. Traditional recipes use milk and flour or cornstarch, which are high in carbohydrates. However, with a few simple substitutions, you can make a delicious keto-approved queso dip that is even cheesier and gooier than the original.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Heavy whipping cream
• Water
• Spices (garlic, chilli powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cilantro)
• White cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Green chillies

Optional Ingredients:

• Lemon juice
• Chicken broth

Method:

• Combine butter, heavy whipping cream, spices (reserving some cilantro for garnish), and water in a double boiler or a large bowl over a pot of water. Bring to a slow boil and then reduce to low heat.
• Slowly add the cheese one handful at a time, stirring continuously with a whisk until all the cheese is melted and combined.
• Add the drained green chillies and stir to combine.
• Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately, or keep warm in a small crockpot.

Tips:

• For the best results, grate the cheese yourself using a block of cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains fillers that affect melting and incorporation into the sauce.
• Bring the grated cheese to room temperature before melting for the best consistency.
• Do not bring the dip to a hard boil, as this will cause the cheese to seize and clump.
• Add cheese slowly and stir gently to avoid vigorous mixing.

Enjoy your keto queso dip with low-carb sides such as pork rinds, veggies, or keto-friendly chips!

Storing and reheating keto queso dip

When you're ready to enjoy your dip again, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from overheating and to ensure even heating. It's important not to overheat the dip, as this may cause the cheese to separate.

Now you can enjoy your keto queso dip again! It's a delicious and creamy treat that's perfect for parties, game nights, or snacking.

Keto queso dip serving suggestions

Keto queso dip is a delicious and versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your keto queso dip and impress your guests:

As a Topping

Drizzle the keto queso dip over your favourite meats such as taco meat, hamburgers, or steak. It also works well as a topping for salads or lettuce wraps, adding a creamy and flavourful kick to your greens.

As a Dip

For a more traditional approach, serve the keto queso dip with low-carb dippers such as pork rinds, chopped bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, or radishes. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping fajita-style chicken or steak into the warm queso for a tasty treat.

With Nachos

Keto queso dip is a perfect pairing with low-carb nachos. Simply drizzle the dip over your favourite keto-friendly nacho chips, or use sliced steak and peppers as a base for a keto Philly cheese steak nacho dish.

With Vegetables

For a healthier option, serve the keto queso dip with an assortment of fresh vegetables. Cauliflower, broccoli, and jicama slices make excellent dippers and add a crunchy texture to your snack.

With Crackers

If you're looking for a crispy companion to your keto queso dip, try pairing it with low-carb crackers. This combination provides a satisfying crunch and can be a great option for those who want a more substantial snack.

As a Side

Keto queso dip can also be served as a side dish to complement your main course. Try pairing it with keto-friendly dishes like chicken fajitas, keto nachos, or Mexican stuffed peppers for a flavourful addition to your meal.

Remember, keto queso dip is a versatile dish, so feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds and even add your favourite ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy experimenting and indulging in this delicious keto-friendly treat!

Customising your keto queso dip

There are many ways to customise your keto queso dip. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheese

Firstly, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite blend. A combination of white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is a popular choice, but you could also try using cheddar and cream cheese, gouda, Gruyere, or even Pepper Jack for an extra kick. If you're feeling creative, you can use a blend of multiple types of cheese. Just remember to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains fillers that can affect how well it melts.

Liquids

Traditional queso dips use regular milk, but for a keto-friendly version, you can substitute it with heavy whipping cream, almond milk, coconut milk, or chicken broth/stock. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to keep the dip smooth. Play around with different combinations and amounts to find the perfect consistency for your dip.

Spices and Seasonings

Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to add flavour to your dip. Some popular options include garlic, chilli powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cilantro. You can also add some green chillies for an extra kick. If you want your dip to be spicy, you can add more red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or habanero peppers.

Meat

If you want to make your dip even more hearty and flavourful, you can add meat to it. Ground beef or sausage are great options that will taste fantastic in this cheese sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This keto queso dip is very versatile and can be served in many ways. You can use it as a topping for your salad or lettuce, drizzle it over meat, or serve it as a side dipping option. It also goes well with low-carb crackers, veggies, or keto-friendly chips. If you want to keep it warm, you can serve it in a small crockpot.

Frequently asked questions