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Simple Joyful Food

small ideas that add joy to life

appetizers + snacks

How to make smoked cheddar and hot pepper cheese queso.

February 1, 2019 2 Comments
#ad Petit Jean Means - queso in crockpot - main (c)thejoyofeatingwell

This post sponsored by Petit Jean Meats based in Morrilton, Arkansas. 90 years young. #ad

“Questo is the most goodest food in the world.” Truth. My sparkly-eyed niece Jayne declared this to me the other day when I curiously asked her about her favorite food. You know, she’s one smart cookie. If you asked me a year ago what I thought about queso, I would’ve wrinkled my nose or muttered a “meh.” That was before I discovered its deliciousness and learned how easy it is to make queso in crockpot or slow cooker.

Smoked Cheddar and Hot Pepper Cheese Queso Dip in crockpot

Ingredients

  • 8 ounce Petit Jean Cheese ‘n Hot Pepper Cheese, cut up in cubes
  • 8 ounce Petit Jean Smoked Cheddar Cheese, cut up iin cubes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ cup whole milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese

Instructions

  1. In a small 2 QT crockpot or slow cooker, add ingredients and set temperature on HIGH.
  2. Once cheese starts to melt, stir thoroughly and replace lid.
  3. Queso is ready pretty quickly, within and hour or two, depending on the size of your slow cooker.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

As many of you already know, I was dairy-free for fifteen lonnnnnnng years without creamy Brie, salty Parmesan, and heavy whipping cream or delicious queso. As I jumped back on the dairy wagon a few years ago, I was re-introduced to many dairy-based favorites. Queso somehow never made the list. 

But then… Keto happened. 

#ad Petit Jean Meats - queso crockpot - overhead (c)thejoyofeatingwell

Oh Keto, with your eat-all-the-fats-and-less-of-the-carbs focus. That’s right, Keto introduced me to queso and I haven’t looked back. Queso is delicious with chips, nachos or drizzled on thinly cooked chicken breasts. Seriously, try it.It is fun to add a special touch to queso to bring out the unexpected pop. This recipe for queso is made with Petite Jean’s Hickory Smoked Cheddar and Cheese n’ Hot Pepper with jalapeno peppers. The cheese combination gives it a smoky depth with a touch of zing. 

Perfect for game day. Well actually, perfect for today. Goodbye, I’m head out to get some more Petit Jean cheese.

Who is ready to fire up the crockpot and get this queso dip going? What’s your favorite accompaniment to queso? Chips? Nachos? Chicken wings? 

#ad Petit Jean Meat - queso crockpot - overhead (c)thejoyofeatingwell

Happy queso’ing!

Lyndi

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Recipe Rating




  1. Nick Hujtyn says

    February 1, 2019 at 10:27 pm

    This queso looks amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
    • Lyndi Fultz says

      February 3, 2019 at 8:37 am

      Thank you, Nick!! It’s pretty tasty!

      Reply

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simplejoyfulfood

In pursuit of small joys that add simplicity to life. + @nwafoodie

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inspiration

“Just like becoming an expert in wine–you learn by drinking it, the best you can afford–you learn about great food by finding the best there is, whether simply or luxurious. Then you savor it, analyze it, and discuss it with your companions, and you compare it with other experiences.” – Julia Child

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