Spicy “Cheddar” Chili Queso Dip (Vegan+GF)

Some of my absolute favorite recipes are the ones that remind me of different people and times in my life. I’m guessing it’s the same for you. What is it about a specific taste or smell that can immediately put you in a favorite memory, it’s crazy? So even though this dip is a pretty simple, and also fairly generic, recipe I still feel like it’s worth sharing for those of you who haven’t had it.

Growing up, it was pretty often that my dad, or my uncle who lived next door at the time, to invite some guys over to watch a UFC fight or a football game. I’m not gonna lie here, that really isn’t my favorite thing to watch so that isn’t what made these memories fun. What I loved is that all of us girls would hang in kitchen making snacks for the hungry dudes. I don’t know what it was but something about getting to share in our mutual dislike of whatever the guys were watching made the time more special. Maybe it made me feel grown up somehow to grouped in with the wives and moms.

Whatever the case, we / they always knew what to make to please their men and one of the classics that was always part of the snackage was my Aunt’s spicy sausage and cheese dip, which we always referred to as simply “rotel” or “rotel dip”. Like I said, it’s simple and generic so you’ve probably had it a million times at similar parties.

Okay, but the difference with this recipe is that I’m personally not a huge fan of the ingredients of the original recipe so all of the ingredients I used are healthier and start from scratch. It’s still quick and easy to make but I really feel like the final result is so much better when you use fresh ingredients that aren’t straight out of a can. I mean, I completely do understand that part of what makes the other version such a go-to is that it’s about 3 ingredients and takes literally minutes to make, but I also know that spending just a little bit more time for quality is so worth it. Really you guys, starting with whole ingredients hardly takes much longer and you can control the flavors and ingredients way more that way.

Okay so after you whip up this major crowd pleaser you, of course, are going to need some dippers. You can always go with obvious choices like tortilla chips or if you’re feeling like something more artsy like I was, you could use muti-colored potato chips. Some other things that go well with this are toasted bread slices, pretzels, crackers, or even some veggies (Lol, good luck getting the boys to eat those though).

The bottom line is that even with using all real ingredients this is still an extremely easy dip to make and it’s a winner every time!

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Spicy "Cheddar" Chili Queso Dip (Vegan+GF)

Every party needs a delicious dip and this one is sure to be a favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 18 - 24 servings

Ingredients

• 2 medium tomatoes diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper seeded and diced
• 2 small green chili peppers seeded and diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups plant-based milk
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup shredded dairy free "cheese"
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 cup non-dairy yogurt
• additional salt and pepper to taste
• diced green onions for garnish optional

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• Dippers for servings i.e. tortilla chips, toasted bread slices, potato chips, pretzels, or veggies

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, add the tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic to the same pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Whisk together the milk and starch in a small glass or bowl until completely smooth, then pour into pan and reduce heat to low. Add the spices, salt, and pepper and stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.

2. Add the lime juice, yogurt, cheese, and nutritional yeast and continue stirring over lowest heat until evenly melted and creamy. Season to taste with more salt and pepper to taste and if desired top with green onions.