Velveeta Cheese Dip

• Velveeta cheese block – we used the original cheese version, but you could use Velveeta queso blanco instead. See our article on simple Velveeta substitutes for healthier substitutions of the Velveeta cheese ingredients.
• heavy cream – we found that adding this makes the sauce smoother and easier to dip and scoop! If you don’t have heavy cream, then use 1/4 cup of milk.
• shredded pepper jack cheese – you can substitute this with Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese to cut down on the spiciness. I recommend shredding your own cheese, as it melts better. Store-bought shredded cheese contains anti-caking ingredients that can keep your cheese from melting smoothly.
• black beans – use canned black beans or make your own with our how to cook dried beans 3 different ways article.
• mild Rotel diced tomatoes – I recommend canned Mild Rotel. Original Rotel tomatoes can be a touch spicy for the whole family. You can use salsa instead of Rotel, or use original diced tomatoes and double the amount of green chilies.
• canned green chiles – adding a can of green chiles gives this Velveeta queso recipe more color. If needed, you could skip this and add more chopped cilantro or jalapeno.
• cilantro and jalapeno – the cilantro and jalapeno peppers really add that Tex-Mex or Latin flavor to this appetizer dip, but you can leave them out without completely sacrificing on the flavor.
• red pepper flakes – or a pinch of cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon of Chile paste.
• lime juice – a squeeze of lime adds a zesty flavor and really brings out the other flavors. If you need to substitute this, use an equal amount of lemon or add a few dashes of hot sauce.

1. In a medium saucepan or 10″ skillet, add the cheeses and heavy cream. Cook over medium-low heat until the mixture is combined and beginning to melt, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, reserving a tablespoon of the Rotel diced tomatoes and cilantro as garnish. Stir the cheese sauce mixture until it’s creamy smooth and melted, about 5 minutes.

Top the Velveeta queso recipe with the remaining tomatoes and cilantro, and your favorite garnishes like chopped cilantro and guacamole before serving.

This Velveeta and Rotel dip would be perfect as a pretzel dip, served with pretzel bites. Or serve it in with tortilla chips, fresh veggies like celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, and bite-sized pieces of broccoli and cauliflower.

To keep warm for serving, you can transfer the Rotel Velveeta dip to your Crock Pot on the warm setting so it’s warm and ready to serve.