Move over, pimento cheese; there’s a new dip in town that’s ready to bring the heat and steal the show. Meet Jalapeño Cheese Dip—a spicy, tangy, and utterly irresistible concoction that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a summer BBQ, or just looking for a way to spice up your snack game, this dip has got you covered.

I got this recipe from my friend Dawn. We’ve known each other for over 40 years (after meeting in 1982 when we spent a year traveling the world together as part of the musical group Up With People. Dawn is a terrific cook and she makes and sells the most wonderful caramels.

Video: Lets Make Jalapeño Cheese Dip with Dawn

Only Four Ingredients, But BIG Flavor

• Grated cheddar cheese: Sharp, creamy, and oh-so-delicious, because we’re not here to mess around with mild flavors.
• Sweet onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat, plus it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies.
• Jalapeño peppers, finely chopped: The stars of the show! Adjust the quantity based on your heat tolerance—no judgment if you need to dial it back.
• Good mayonnaise: The glue that holds this masterpiece together, making it creamy and rich without overpowering the other flavors. (I prefer Dukes and Hellmans mayo.)

The Method: Easy Peasy, Cheesy Squeezy

1. Grate the cheddar cheese: It’s like a cheesy snowstorm in your kitchen—totally worth it.
2. Chop the sweet onion and jalapeños: The finer, the better. You want these to meld seamlessly into the dip.
3. Mix it all together: In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheddar, chopped onion, jalapeños, and mayonnaise. Stir until well-blended and marvel at the colorful, creamy goodness.
4. Chill (if you can wait): Let the dip sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a harmonious bite every time.

Serving Suggestions: Versatility at Its Best

Now that you’ve whipped up this delectable Jalapeño Cheese Dip, you might be wondering, “How can I consume this in the most enjoyable ways possible?” Well, let me count the ways:

1. As a Burger Topping: Take your backyard BBQ to the next level by slathering this dip onto your burgers. The spicy kick of the jalapeños combined with the creamy cheddar will make you wonder why you ever settled for plain old ketchup and mustard. It’s a game-changer, folks.
2. In a Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Elevate your comfort food game by using Jalapeño Cheese Dip as the filling for your grilled cheese. The gooey, melted cheese paired with the crisp bread is a match made in heaven. Pro tip: Add a slice of tomato for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
3. As an Appetizer: Serve this dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks at your next gathering, and watch it disappear in record time. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
4. Stuffed in Jalapeño Poppers: Feeling extra adventurous? Try stuffing this dip into halved jalapeños, breading them, and baking or frying them. You’ll end up with a double-whammy of jalapeño goodness that’s perfect for impressing your spice-loving friends.
5. On Baked Potatoes: Transform your baked potatoes from boring to bold by topping them with a generous dollop of Jalapeño Cheese Dip. Add some crispy bacon bits and chives for an indulgent side dish or main course.

The Zesty Wrap Up

Jalapeño Cheese Dip is the spicy cousin of pimento cheese that you didn’t know you needed. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to add a burst of flavor to whatever you pair it with. Whether you’re spicing up your burger, grilling up the ultimate cheese sandwich, or serving it as an appetizer, this dip is your ticket to flavor town.

Check Out My Other Favorite Appetizer Recipes!

• Egg Roll Meatballs
• Ham and Cheese Party Puffs
• Cowboy Caviar
• High-Protein Deviled Egg Dip
• Skyline Chili Dip
• Easy Cheesy Blackeyed Pea Dip
• Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

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