Low Calorie Queso is a twist on the beloved cheesy dip, offering all the creamy, savory goodness. It's made using reduced-fat cheeses and an array of zesty spices. This creamy cheese dip is an easy appetizer.
Try my Low Calorie Cheese Sauce and my Pepper Jack Cheese Dip for more cheesy recipes!
Craving that cheesy, flavorful goodness? This low calorie queso dip is the answer! What makes this recipe truly awesome is its simplicity. It's my favorite way to make this dip and with just 20-30 minutes from prep to plate, you'll have the perfect appetizer in no time.
Sautéed veggies and a spice blend come together to create a queso that's not just low in calories but high in taste. Why settle for bland when you can have bold?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creating the perfect cheese sauce is an art and a science. Every ingredient was chosen with precision and this easy dip will cure those cheesy cravings.
This recipe is made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It's also perfect for your next party, a football game, game days or a Cinco de Mayo party. A great option is to put the ready queso in a slow cooker on the warm setting so it stays warm.
Ingredients You Need
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and bell peppers, adding a touch of richness.
- Diced onions and bell peppers: Adds depth and a savory element. Sautéing them before adding other ingredients brings out their natural sweetness.
- Diced tomatoes: Whether from a can or fresh, adds a burst of freshness and a hint of acidity to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Diced green chiles: Provides a mild, smoky heat and a touch of tanginess.
- Spices (chili powder and cumin): Used to season the queso, giving it a hint of smokiness and a touch of warmth. I also sometimes add dehydrated jalapeño powder when I have it on hand.
- Skim milk (or any low-calorie milk alternative): Used as the liquid base in this recipe.
- Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese: Provides that classic cheesy flavor without the excessive fat content. It melts well and contributes to the creamy texture of the queso.
- Reduced-fat cream cheese: Enhances the creaminess and contributes to its rich, velvety consistency. You can also use fat free cream cheese.
- Salt & pepper: Used to taste, allowing you to adjust the flavor to your liking.
Step By Step Photos
How To Make Low Calorie Queso From Scratch
Step 1. Sauté vegetables: Cook diced onions and bell peppers until soft and translucent.
Step 2. Add flavor: Introduce diced tomatoes and green chilies, sauté briefly, and season with chili powder and cumin.
Step 3: Create base: Pour in milk, then gradually add reduced-fat cheddar and cream cheeses.
Step 4. Melt and mix: Stir continuously until cheeses melt, creating a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
Step 5. Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 6. Garnish and serve: Optional toppings can be added before serving with veggie sticks, baked tortilla chips or corn tortilla chips.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Toppings For Queso Dip
Personalize your queso by choosing your favorite toppings. Diced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or scallions are popular choices. You can also add diced avocado, diced tomatoes, or black beans. For extra protein you can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese.
Tips
- Adjust chili powder and cumin to match your spice preference for a personalized kick. If you like spicy food, top the dip with a little bit of chili peppers.
- Avoid high heat when melting cheeses to prevent a grainy texture; maintain a gentle simmer and stir consistently.
- If you have leftovers, reheat the queso gently over low heat to prevent it from separating. You may need to add a small amount of milk and stir to restore the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queso
Yes, you can experiment with your favorite cheeses like reduced-fat, low-fat or fat free cheeses. Consider using Monterey jack cheese, mozzarella, reduced-fat pepper jack cheese, or a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor.
The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, be cautious when choosing your dippers, as not all tortilla chips or crackers are gluten-free.
Yes, refrigerate any leftover queso in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Yes. Portion it into smaller quantities, cool completely, and store in airtight containers or resealable bags.Freeze for 1-2 months.
Thaw frozen queso in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain texture and flavor.
More Cheesy Recipes You Might Enjoy
Low Calorie Queso
Special Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ¼ cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup reduced-fat cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, and add the diced tomatoes and green chilies to the saucepan. Stir for another 1-2 minutes until they are heated through.
- Add the chili powder and cumin to the vegetable mixture, and stir well to combine the spices evenly with the vegetables.
- Add the milk to the saucepan and increase the heat to medium. Heat the mixture while stirring constantly until it's hot but not boiling.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Taste the queso and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Once the queso is smooth and well seasoned, remove it from the heat.
- Transfer the low-calorie queso to a serving bowl and garnish with optional toppings such as diced jalapeños or diced scallions.
- Serve your low-calorie queso with baked tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder and cumin to match your spice preference for a personalized kick. If you like spicy food, top the dip with a little bit of chili peppers.
- Avoid high heat when melting cheeses to prevent a grainy texture; maintain a gentle simmer and stir consistently.
- If you have leftovers, reheat the queso gently over low heat to prevent it from separating. You may need to add a small amount of milk and stir to restore the desired consistency.
- Storing: Refrigerate any leftover queso in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Portion it into smaller quantities, cool completely, and store in airtight containers or resealable bags.Freeze for 1-2 months.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Comments
No Comments