Nothing spells comfort food like Mexican food. Am I right? Be it a plate of nachos or a bowl of gumbo, there’s just something about Mexican food that just soothes your soul. If you’re fond of Tex-Mex cuisine as much as myself, you’ll love J Alexanders spinach queso dip recipe!
Here’s my take on the deliciousness, do try and let me know what you think!
J Alexanders Spinach Queso Dip Recipe
Ingredients Â
- 5 oz frozen spinach, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 oz green chilies
- 2 tbsp flour
- 32 oz Velveeta Mexican, 1 pack
- 1/2 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1.5 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp paprika powder (optional)
InstructionsÂ
- To cook the spinach, heat the olive oil in a pan
- Add your chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, set aside
- In a medium saucepan, heat the butter
- Once melted, add the onion and cook until translucent
- Then add the flour and mix until it forms a roux
- Then add the spinach and green chilies, stir to combine
- Now add the heavy cream and stir until well combined
- Bring to a boil
- Once boiled, reduce the heat
- Now gradually add the Velveeta and cream cheese, mixing to combine
- Once combined, add the paprika(optional), salt, and pepper along with the sugar and mix
- Finally, add the cilantro and stir it in
- Serve right away
- Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Wasn’t that easy? Now if you like Tex-Mex cuisine, you’ve got to try this Gluten-free southwest tortilla soup recipe and this tricolor veggie burrito recipe that we love.
Chances are you probably have tried the infamous con queso. It’s a side dish or appetizer, made with melted cheese and chili. It’s this creamy, cheesy, gooey concoction that will have you hooked at first sight and taste.Â
Although the dish needs little improvement on its own, when I tried the Spinach Queso Dip from J. Alexander’s, I knew the spinach was an addition we didn’t know we needed. Or if cheesy, creamy dips are your thing, you might like these recipes as well:
- Velveeta spinach dip recipe
- TGI Friday’s inspired Tuscan spinach dip recipe
- Cheddar’s spinach dip recipe
- Chili’s inspired spinach dip recipe
- Yard House inspired dip recipe
We sure love spinach here at Yogi nutrition! And yes, we do make spinach dishes that are not dips! Like this spinach souffle inspired by Stouffer’s and this Afghan-inspired spinach.Â
Where Does Queso Come From?
While this cheesy concoction is mostly loved by all, its origins are often debated. Queso is a Spanish word, an abbreviation of chile con queso- which was a centuries-old liquid cheese dish originally known to be of Texas origin.
Queso has been said to originate in Mexico, way back during the 19th century. Since Texas was earlier a part of Mexico and then later became of the states to share their border with Mexico, the food and culture are heavily inspired by Mexico.Â
In 1918, a Mexican man opened the Martinez Cafe, which started serving queso as a topping for tacos. From there on, queso became the ultimate appetizer dish, gaining the popularity it upholds today.Â
How To Pick The Best Cheese For Your Queso?
Since this recipe calls for quite a few varieties of cheese, here are some tips to make sure you buy the right kind.
- Taste it: although it sounds quite obvious, a lot of people still buy cheese without tasting it. This is a rookie mistake! Experts say, if the shop doesn’t allow you to taste the cheese, you should probably go to another shop. However, make sure you’re familiar with the taste profile of different kinds of cheese before you make your choice.
- Check how long the flavor actually lasts: when tasting cheese, most people just think to focus on the initial flavor. Surprisingly though, the duration of time in which the flavor lasts is of utmost importance. Good cheeses have long-lasting, complex, and in-depth flavors.
- Check the origin: where the cheese is made says a lot about its quality and taste. Certain types of cheese can only be manufactured in certain areas, meaning if you’re buying that particular cheese, getting it from its place of origin means you’re getting the authentic version of it.
- Try different kinds to know what you like best! Some people prefer raw milk cheese while some like to stick with the usually processed cheese. It’s all about your personal preference and acquired taste.
Don’t forget to give this J Alexanders spinach queso dip recipe a try and let us know how it turned out!
I am a yogi with a smoldering passion for nutrition and healthy living. I have been a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach for over 11 years and now I want to help you. My mission is to inspire as many people as I can to expand their awareness and broaden their horizons by giving a voice to the choices that create abundant, radiant health. Here I share deliciously simple plant-based recipes, nutrition resources, detox tips, and a glimpse into my whole lifestyle.
