Description
Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso is a warm, creamy dip combining Velveeta cheese, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, ranch dressing, and flavorful spices for a perfect Tex-Mex appetizer. Smooth and cheesy with a hint of smoky paprika and fresh cilantro, this dip is ideal for game days or casual gatherings, served best with crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
To Serve
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, add the cubed Velveeta cheese, undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Melt and Stir: Stir the mixture continuously to ensure the cheeses melt evenly and the ingredients blend smoothly. This process takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent burning and avoid sticking.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cheese has fully melted and the dip is creamy and smooth, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro if using for a fresh herbal note. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or maintain warmth by placing it in a slow cooker set to the “warm” setting. Serve hot alongside tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- For extra spice, use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños to the dip.
- To make it heartier, incorporate browned ground beef or sausage into the mixture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
