Spinach Con Queso is a creamy and flavorful dip that combines the freshness of spinach with the richness of melted cheese. This popular Mexican-inspired appetizer is perfect for parties, game nights, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests. The dish is made with a combination of spinach, cheese, onions, garlic, and jalapenos, which gives it a spicy kick. It can be served with tortilla chips, breads, or fresh vegetables for dipping. The dip can be prepared in advance and heated just before serving, making it a convenient option for entertaining.
Ingredients
The Spinach Con Queso recipe requires several key ingredients to create a delicious and flavorful dish. These ingredients include:
- Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds a vibrant green color and a slightly earthy flavor to the queso. It is packed with nutrients and brings a healthy element to the dish.
- Queso Blanco: This creamy, mild cheese is the base of the dip and provides a smooth and rich texture. It melts easily and blends well with other ingredients.
- Jalapeno Peppers: These spicy peppers add heat and a kick of flavor to the Spinach Con Queso. They can be adjusted to taste, depending on how spicy you prefer the dip to be.
- Garlic: The addition of garlic adds a savory and aromatic element to the dip. It pairs well with the other flavors and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Onion: Onion adds a slightly sweet and tangy flavor to the queso. It also provides a nice texture and complements the other ingredients.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and acidity to the queso. They add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness to balance the other flavors.
- Cumin: This spice adds a warm and smoky flavor to the dip. It enhances the overall taste and adds a delicious depth of flavor to the Spinach Con Queso.
By combining these ingredients, you can create a flavorful and creamy Spinach Con Queso dip that is perfect for dipping tortilla chips or spreading on your favorite snacks.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Spinach Con Queso
1. Gather all the necessary ingredients for making spinach con queso. The ingredients include:
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and translucent.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside. In a separate saucepan, melt the cream cheese over low heat. Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Tip: You can use a combination of different types of cheese for a more flavorful dip.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the sautéed spinach mixture to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the spinach con queso to an oven-safe baking dish and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve hot with tortilla chips or vegetables for dipping.
Note: You can also prepare this dish in a slow cooker for easy serving during parties or gatherings.
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Spinach Con Queso
When it comes to making Spinach Con Queso, professional chefs have a few tips and tricks up their sleeves to make this dish truly outstanding. Here are some expert recommendations:
- Choose fresh spinach: Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen for a more vibrant and flavorful dish. Make sure to remove any tough stems before using.
- Blend the cheese: For a smooth and creamy texture, blend the cheese before adding it to the sauce. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and creates a silky, indulgent taste.
- Spice it up: Add a kick of spice to your Spinach Con Queso by incorporating diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will give the dish a subtle heat that balances well with the creamy cheese and spinach.
To make the most of these tips, consider the following preparation steps:
- Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a skillet until golden brown.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- In a separate pot, melt desired cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack) with milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Combine the cooked spinach with the cheese sauce, along with any additional spices or seasonings.
- Serve the Spinach Con Queso warm with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos or baked potatoes.
By following these expert tips and steps, you can elevate your Spinach Con Queso from a simple appetizer to a truly memorable culinary experience.
Reviews
I recently tried the Spinach Con Queso recipe and it was absolutely delicious. The combination of spinach and cheese was a match made in heaven. The flavors were perfectly balanced with just the right amount of creaminess from the cheese and a hint of freshness from the spinach. It was the perfect appetizer for a dinner party I hosted.
The recipe was incredibly easy to follow and required minimal ingredients, which is always a plus. The spinach was cooked just right, not too soggy or overcooked, and the cheese melted beautifully to create a smooth and creamy dip. I loved how the flavors of the spinach and cheese complemented each other so well.
The Spinach Con Queso was a hit with all my guests. They couldn’t get enough of it and kept asking for the recipe. It was the star of the evening and I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out. I highly recommend trying this recipe if you’re looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer. It will definitely impress your guests!
I recently tried the Spinach Con Queso recipe and I must say, it was absolutely delicious! The combination of the creamy queso cheese with the fresh spinach was a match made in heaven. The recipe was super easy to follow and the ingredients were readily available in my pantry.
The first step was to sauté the spinach until it wilted, which only took a few minutes. Then I added the queso cheese and let it melt into a smooth and creamy sauce. The aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible! I couldn’t wait to dive in and give it a taste.
The first bite of the Spinach Con Queso was a revelation. The cheese was rich and velvety, with just the right amount of spiciness from the jalapenos. The spinach added a freshness and earthiness to the dish that balanced out the richness of the cheese perfectly. I served it with crispy tortilla chips and it was a hit with everyone who tried it.
I highly recommend trying the Spinach Con Queso recipe if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself to a tasty treat, this recipe is definitely a winner!
I recently tried the Spinach Con Queso recipe and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. As someone who loves cooking and often experiments with new recipes, I was curious to try this one out. The combination of spinach and cheese is always a winner in my book, and this dish did not disappoint. The flavors were rich and creamy, with just the right amount of heat from the spices. The spinach added a nice earthy flavor, while the cheese gave it a gooey and indulgent texture.
One thing that stood out to me about this recipe was how simple and easy it was to make. The ingredients were all readily available and the instructions were clear and concise. I appreciated that the recipe included options for substitutions and variations, allowing me to customize the dish to my liking. I decided to add some diced tomatoes and jalapenos for an extra kick, and it turned out to be a great decision. The flavors complemented each other perfectly and created a well-rounded and delicious dish.
This Spinach Con Queso recipe is definitely one that I will be adding to my regular rotation. It’s a versatile and satisfying dish that can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course. I can imagine enjoying it with tortilla chips, on top of grilled chicken, or even mixed into pasta. The possibilities are endless! If you’re a fan of spinach and cheese, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
As a lover of all things cheesy and spicy, I was excited to try the “Spinach Con Queso” recipe. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The combination of creamy cheese and flavorful spinach created the perfect blend of flavors that had me going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). The recipe was easy to follow and the ingredients were easy to find, making it a convenient option for anyone craving a delicious and satisfying snack.
One of the things that impressed me the most about the “Spinach Con Queso” recipe was how versatile it was. I decided to add some diced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat, and it turned out to be a great decision. The jalapenos added a tangy spiciness that complemented the creamy cheese and earthy spinach perfectly. Whether you like your snacks mild or spicy, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
The “Spinach Con Queso” was definitely a hit at my party. Everyone couldn’t get enough of it and kept asking for the recipe. It’s the perfect dish to serve at gatherings or as an appetizer before a big meal. The combination of cheese and spinach is a classic one, but this recipe takes it to a whole new level with its creamy texture and bold flavors. I will definitely be making this again in the future and recommending it to all my friends.
