Appetizer > Dips > Cheese Dips > Queso

Queso Pera and Spinach Dip Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced pear
- 1/2 cup of chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of diced onion
- 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of diced jalapeno pepper
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled blue cheese, diced pear, chopped spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, diced onion, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, diced jalapeno pepper, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

6. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.

7. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 510mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the pear with apple or peach.
- You can use any type of cheese that melts well.
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Variations:
- You can add cooked bacon or sausage to the dip.
- You can add chopped artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers to the dip.

Tips and tricks:
- You can make this dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- You can double the recipe for a larger crowd.
- You can use a slow cooker to keep the dip warm during a party.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the dip in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
- Arrange the tortilla chips or crackers around the dip in a circular pattern.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
- Sliced jalapeno peppers
- Diced tomatoes

Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Suggested side dishes:
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Fresh fruit

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dip is too thick, add a little bit of milk to thin it out.
- If the dip is too thin, add more cheese or sour cream to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the dip.
- Keep the dip refrigerated until ready to bake.

Food history:
- Queso dip originated in Texas and is a popular appetizer in Tex-Mex cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Savory
- Sweet

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack at a party or gathering.

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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Tangy, Nutty