School's out and a heat wave's in...hooray for summer!!!! We are a nacho lovin' family, but in this weather, something cool hits the the spot. The queso base is three simple ingredients whipped together. I've been known to serve just the cold queso portion of this on occasion, but it really is yummier as a layered dip.
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| Photo Credit and Original Recipe |
Mexican Layered Queso Dip
Adapted from Allrecipes.com
Queso Base:
1 8 oz package cream cheese
1 16 oz tub sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning
Bring cream cheese to room temp or warm in microwave until soft. Mix in taco seasoning and beat in sour cream until mixture is smooth. Spread on 12-15 inch plate or platter. Cover with plastic film and refrigerate until serving time. Add desired toppings right before serving.
Layers: Family Style (budget)
8 oz fresh salsa
2 cups finely chopped lettuce
1 small can sliced black olives
Spread salsa evenly over cream cheese mixture, leaving a 1/2 inch border
Top with chopped lettuce
Sprinkle with sliced black olives
For the family version, I don't add more shredded cheese or any other veg that's already in the salsa.
Layers: Picnic Style
All ingredients from Family Style
1 tomato, finely chopped
1 cup shredded mexican cheese
Optional:
1/2 cup finely chopped purple or vidalia onion
3/4 cup diced red, yellow, orange peppers (Green overpowers the rest of the dish)
Peanuts, crushed
Spread salsa evenly over cream cheese mixture, leaving a 1/2 inch border
Top with chopped lettuce
Sprinkle tomato and shredded cheese evenly over the top
Sprinkle any optional ingredients over the top
Sprinkle with sliced black olives
Cover with plastic film and refrigerate until serving.
Mom's notes:
For fancier events, make individual serving cups in halved and cleaned small bell peppers. Garnish with one blue, one white, and one yellow corn chip right before serving.
I use non-fat/low fat alternatives in this dish. Greek yogurt is good in place of sour cream, and Neufchatel cheese is just as tasty as regular. Homemade taco seasoning works fine flavor wise, but doesn't have the starch to thicken the queso into a cheese consistency.
Love,
Momma
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