Queso Blanco

This recipe will teach you how to make queso blanco from scratch just like they serve at your favorite Mexican restaurant (without Velveeta!). It’s made of high quality cheese and fresh ingredients which come together to make the perfectly creamy dip!

Is there anything better than a cheesy dip? I can’t resist making dip for every party I throw because everyone loves them. They are super quick and easy to whip up and are a total crowd pleaser. For your next party, you have to try this Super Easy Beer Cheese Dip, this delicious Baked Cream Cheese Sala Dip, and this Rotel Dip.

Queso Blanco Recipe

I absolutely love Mexican food! It’s always my family’s first choice when we are eating out. And everytime we go, we always have to order some queso blanco. It’s irresistible! I can fill up on it before my meal even arrives. I finally realized that this dish would be such a hit for my friends and party guests. Let me tell you, this recipe does not disappoint!

A cheesy dip is something that can please everyone. For the corn lovers, I whip up hot corn dip. I have never gotten turned down for my hot spinach artichoke dip, it’s always gobbled up super fast. I am obsessed with my crack chicken dip, and so is everyone else. So I was actually pretty suprised that when I served this queso blanco dip, everyone said it was their favorite! The best part is, it’s so easy to whip up I will definitely be making it all the time.

Ingredients

I really love queso blanco because there are so many ways to make it! It’s a delicious blend of quality cheeses and fresh flavors like jalapenos and green chiles. They all blend together to make the most delicious cheesy dip. White American cheese is going to be your new favorite! You can find the full measurements below in the recipe card.

• White American Cheese: White American cheese is a mild flavor that is sweet and salty. It has kind of a crumbly texture but it will melt really well. You can use any white cheese that you like as long as it is a cheese that will melt well.
• Chopped Green Chiles: The easiest thing to do is to buy a can of diced green chiles.
• Pickled Jalapeno and Juice: Pickled jalapneo is such a great flavor because they have a mild spice and also a nice sharpness because of the vinegar. The juice has SO much flavor, you are definitely going to want to take advantage of that!
• Whole Milk: Whole milk has lots of fat in it which helps add a lot of flavor to the dip, and makes it has a really nice consistency.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder has a really nice sweet and savory flavor. You could add fresh onions if you wanted to, or you could saute them first so they are soft and more flavorful.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is so great with all of these flavors. It really highlights all of the savory notes in the cheese.
• Cumin: Cumin is so rich and hearty, and it actually has a little hint of citrus flavor.
• Kosher Salt: A high quality salt is always going to make your dish taste better. Salt will help to bring out all of the flavors in the dip.

How to Make Queso Blanco

This queso blanco dip is seriously so easy to make. It’s a quick recipe that I know you’ll be making again and again. I think it’s perfect amount of salty and savory, and served with tortilla chips it’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for a watch party or just a snack when you are in the mood.

1. Heat: Add the cheese and milk to a large saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
2. Stir: Continue to stir until melted.
3. Whisk: Once melted add in green chiles, jalapenos, pickled jalapeno juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Whisk to combine.
4. Enjoy: Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Tips for Making Queso Blanco

This queso blanco dip is really so easy, there isn’t much to it! I thought I would include a few fun tips that I’ve really loved incorporating into this dip. It’s so flavorful, you can make it exactly as the recipe is written, or you can change it up with these tips.

• Add Fresh Herbs: Of course, the first one that comes to mind is cilantro. It’s really great served on top! You could also add green onion or parsley, both add lots of great flavor.
• Turn Up the Spice: If you love spice, there are some great ways to add more to this dip! You can add some cayenne pepper or some fresh serrano to really kick up the spice level! If you are on the other end of the scale and don’t like spice, definitely don’t add the seeds of the jalapeño, or leave the pepper out altogether.
• Use the Crockpot: This is a great dip to make in your crockpot! Just add all of your ingredients to the pot and let it cook on low for 1-2 hours stirring occasionally to help all of the flavors come together.

Storing Leftovers

Queso can be really easy to reheat, so it actually makes great leftovers. Make sure when you reheat it you don’t get it too hot or it might separate. Here is how to store your leftovers.

• In the Refrigerator: You can store your leftover queso blanco in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Other Dips to Try

You can never have too many good dip recipes! At least I don’t think so. I have made so many dips over the years, and there are a few that we just keep coming back to. I think you are really going to love all of these recipes! Whether it’s sweet or savory, no one can resist these.

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

S’mores Dip

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Dill Pickle Dip

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Whipped Feta Dip

Dressings, Sauces, and Dips

Easy Veggie Dip

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Queso Blanco

This recipe will teach you how to make queso blanco from scratch just like they serve at your favorite Mexican restaurant (without Velveeta!). It's made of high quality cheese and fresh ingredients which come together to make the perfectly creamy dip!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword cheese dip, queso blanco

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 232kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 pound white American cheese, roughly chopped into 1" pieces
• 3 tablespoons chopped green chiles
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeno, diced (more or less to your liking)
• 2 tablespoons juice from the pickled jalapenos
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• dash of cumin, to taste
• Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

• Add the cheese and milk to a large saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
• Continue to stir until melted.
• Once melted add in green chiles, jalapenos, pickled jalapeno juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Whisk to combine.
• Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 1023mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 635IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 633mg | Iron: 0.5mg

source https://therecipecritic.com/queso-blanco/

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Hot Chocolate Spoons

These quick and easy hot chocolate spoons are the BEST! Not only are they adorable and the perfect holiday gift, but they make a knockout cup of hot cocoa!

There’s no such thing as too much hot chocolate in the winter. White hot chocolate and peppermint hot chocolate are both must-try recipes! And if you’re serving a crowd, try making this hot chocolate charcuterie board! It’s so fun and will have everyone raving.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Spoons

I first saw hot chocolate spoons this year while I was shopping for Christmas gifts. I knew I had to try making some at home, they’re so clever! It’s the perfect all-in-one. Rich chocolate to melt into a warm cup of milk, and a spoon to stir everything together! This is the perfect DIY to try this winter for all of you chocoholics out there. They’re so easy to put together and make a great treat or holiday gift!

I’ve included a few different types of hot chocolate spoons, but the beauty of these bad boys is that you can customize them however you’d like! (See more ideas in my tips section below!) It’s the perfect activity for the family. My kids love going to town with their hot chocolate spoons. If you make extras, they also double as the perfect holiday gift for your neighbors. Because let’s be real- who wouldn’t love a treat that makes the perfect cup of hot chocolate? Between this and hot chocolate bombs, it’s hard to make hot chocolate any other way!

What You’ll Need

This is what I used to make a few different variations of hot chocolate spoons. The great thing about these is that you can customize them in so many different ways! Check out my tips section below for more ideas, and recipe card for exact measurements.

• Baking Chocolate: For some variety, I used a semi-sweet chocolate bar, white chocolate chips, and then milk chocolate chips.
• Soft Caramels: For melting and drizzling on top! You can also use homemade caramel sauce.
• Crushed Candy Canes: For topping. Crushed peppermint candies work as well!
• Mini Marshmallows: You can coat your hot chocolate spoons in these as well as melt them to create a marshmallow drizzle.
• Sprinkles: (Optional) This is my kids’ favorite step! Add some on top for a little extra holiday flair.

Using High-Quality Chocolate

Using high-quality chocolate will make all the difference in how your hot chocolate spoons turn out. It will make your hot chocolate more rich, creamy, and indulgent. Ghirardelli 60% cacao is one of my favorites to work with, as well as Valrhona!

How to Make Hot Chocolate Spoons

With how easy these are to make, you will want them all winter long! Your family can join in on the fun and create their own customized hot chocolate spoons.

1. Melt Chocolate: Place each kind of chocolate in their own microwave-safe dish. Microwave them in 20 second increments, stirring between each microwaving, until the chocolate is melted.
2. Coat Spoon: Scoop the melted chocolate up in your spoon, and spin it around to coat the entire head of the spoon. You may want to dip it a couple times, letting the chocolate harden between each dipping to get enough chocolate on the spoon. Place the dipped spoons on parchment lined baking sheet to set. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle on your desired toppings.
3. Allow to Set: Then allow the chocolate to completely cool and harden. Once the chocolate is completely set you can stir the spoon into some hot milk and enjoy!

Make For Gifts

These make great holiday gifts, just put them in a clear bag or cellophane, decorate however you’d like and spread some Christmas or New Year’s hot chocolate cheer!

Delicious Variations

Here are a few extra ways to customize your hot chocolate spoons. The options are endless!

• Add Peppermint: If peppermint hot chocolate is your jam, try adding a few drops of peppermint extract to your melted chocolate! Peppermint flavor can easily become overpowering, though, so always start with less and taste test until you reach your desired flavor.
• Use Butterscotch Chips: If you love sweet, caramel-y flavor, try melting some butterscotch chips to use for your hot chocolate spoons!
• Make Them Layered: If you want to mix and match different flavors or types of chocolate, you can make your hot chocolate spoons layered by waiting for one coating of chocolate to cool and harden and then adding another.

How Long Do Hot Chocolate Spoons Last?

As long as they’re stored in a cool, dry place, they should last for a week or two! I like to keep mine in an airtight container or bag to keep them fresh.

Can You Freeze Hot Chocolate Spoons?

You sure can! They’ll keep in an airtight freezer bag for about 2 months.

More Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes

Whenever I’m craving something sweet, hot chocolate always hits the spot! Here are a few more recipes filled with rich, chocolatey flavor that you’re going to LOVE! For more tasty chocolate desserts, find my full list of recipes here.

Beverages

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Cookies

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Beverages

Hot Chocolate Charcuterie

Beverages

Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate

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Hot chocolate spoons

These quick and easy hot chocolate spoons are the BEST! Not only are they adorable and the perfect holiday gift, but they make a knockout cup of hot cocoa!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword hot chocolate on a spoon, hot chocolate spoons

Prep Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 12 people

Calories 174kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 8 ounces semi sweet baker’s chocolate
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup milk chocolate chips
• Soft caramels
• Crushed candy canes
• Mini marshmallows
• Sprinkles optional for garnish

Instructions

• Place each kind of chocolate in their own microwave safe dish. Microwave them in 20 second increments, stirring between each microwaving, until the chocolate is melted.
• Scoop the melted chocolate up in your spoon, and spin it around to coat the entire head of the spoon. You may want to dip it a couple times, letting the chocolate harden between each dipping to get enough chocolate on the spoon. Place the dipped spoons on parchment lined baking sheet to set. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle on your desired toppings.
• Allow the chocolate to completely cool and harden. Once the chocolate is completely set you can stir the spoon into some hot milk and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

source https://therecipecritic.com/hot-chocolate-spoons/

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Blintzes

Blintzes are a refreshing crepe-like pancake that is the perfect breakfast for any occasion! The cream cheese and ricotta filling is irresistible and topped with a sweet berry sauce, this breakfast dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

I love fun breakfast recipes because you can have so many different things for breakfast. Sweet or savory, filling or light. Whatever the occasion and flavor you are in the mood for, I have the recipes for you! You’ve got to try this easy Breakfast Casserole, these super tasty Breakfast Enchiladas, and one of my favorites, this Incredible Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake.

Cheese Blintz

If you are wondering what blintzes are, I’m so excited to introduce it to you! They are a breakfast game changer that I know you are going to love. They are traditionally a Jewish dish. Blintzes taste a lot like a crepe but are a little thicker and are always filled with something. Most of the time you will see them filled with a cheese mixture as we did here.

They have a similar flavor to a pancake, but I like them way more! It might be because they remind me of stuffed French toast, which I can’t get enough of. I also love that you can switch up the flavors to really make them your own. You can also top blintzes with fresh fruit or any kind of sauce or jam you like. I’ve loved every way I’ve made them!

Ingredients

Blintzes are such a delicious breakfast! You can make them with crepe batter, and stuff them with whatever you like. Here are the ingredients for blintzes the way that I like them best. You can find the exact measurments below in the recipe card.

• Full-Fat Ricotta Cheese: I love ricotta cheese, it is so rich and creamy! It works great in this dish.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Full fat has more flavor and works perfectly in this filling!
• Granulated Sugar: Your pantry sugar will work great.
• Egg: I always use large grade A eggs in my recipes. You won’t be cooking the egg, so if you are uncomfortable with a raw egg in the filling you could add a banana instead, or leave the egg out of the recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a nice flavor to the cheese, and it helps to bring out all the other flavors in the filling.
• Crepes: I have a crepe recipe linked below in the recipe card that you will follow to make the crepes for these blintzes. Once you have the crepes made, then you can fill them with your cream cheese batter.

Blintz Recipe

Blintzes are so yummy, and they are super fun to put together! They are a great dish to make with friends and family for breakfast, brunch, or anytime at all! I even like them as an afternoon snack. This cheese blintzes recipe is going to be your new family favorite, I just know it!

1. Mix: In a medium size bowl, add the ricotta, cream cheese, and sugar. Mix with an electric hand mixer or a whisk ( or food processor) until combined.
2. Add Egg: Add the egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is incorporated.
3. Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the crepes.
4. Make Crepes: Prepare the crepes according to the recipe.
5. Add Filling: To assemble the blintzes, spread about ¼ cup of filling in the middle of the side of the crepe closest to you. Fold each side in to cover the filling, then gently roll the blintz up like a burrito.
6. Enjoy: Serve with jam and berries and enjoy!

Bake Your Blintzes

Traditional blintzes are baked after they are stuffed with the filling. If you would like to finish your blintzes off in the oven, you will not be disappointed! The filling gets warm and SO delicious. Here is how to finish the blintzes.

• In the Oven: Put your stuffed and rolled blintzes on a sheet pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Then remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a bit before putting on your jam or compote and enjoy!

Variations of Blintzes

Blintzes can be so many delicious flavors! Just imagine what you would like on your pancakes or French toast, and I promise you will love those same toppings on your blintz. Here are a few suggestions that I think you would love!

• Add Chocolate: This is a no-brainer in my opinion. Chocolate and cream cheese were made to be together! You can add a chocolate ganache on top of your blintz instead of a jam to make it more like a dessert.
• Choose Your Jam: I love to use whatever I have on hand. I try to make jam in the fall when all of the fruit is really fresh and ripe, and so my favorite jams to go on top are strawberry and peach jam. It is also amazing with blackberry jam, blueberry jam, and raspberry jam! I’ve even heard of putting applesauce on top.
• Add to the Filling: The great thing about the cheese filling is that you can really add so many different flavors. You could even use sour cream in place of the cream cheese to make it more savory. You could add fresh blueberries or a blueberry sauce to make a beautiful purple colored filling. Maple syrup adds sweetness and flavor that I really love. A strawberry compote added would be incredible! Lemon juice or lemon zest is a great way to brighten it up. If you do add lemon juice, I would also add a little melted butter to balance the flavors. The cheese has salt in it, which makes it the perfect pair for any sweet additions you want.

Storing Leftovers

Fresh blintzes last about a day, so I recommend freezing them if you need to make a lot of them or make them ahead of time! Here is how to store your leftover blintzes.

• In the Refrigerator: You can store your cooked blintzes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They will not be as good after the first day so I recommend eating them fresh.
• In the Freezer: You can make this recipe up until you pour the sauce on top, and freeze the rolled up blinztes in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. They will last about 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, put the frozen blintzes on a sheet pan and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes until warmed through. Then add sauce and enjoy!

Other Breakfast Recipes to Try

Breakfast is my favorite meal! The best part about it is it’s whatever you want it to be. It could be leftovers, or practically dessert! I’m not going to judge, but what I am going to do is share some of my all time favorite breakfast recipes that you just have to try.

Breakfast

Denver Omelet Breakfast Muffins

Baked

Best Ever German Oven Pancakes

Breakfast

Coffee Cake Muffins

Breakfast

Breakfast Tacos

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Blintzes

Blintzes are a refreshing crepe-like pancake that is the perfect breakfast for any occasion! The filling is made of a cream cheese and ricotta mixture that is irresistible and topped with a sweet berry sauce, this breakfast dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine European

Keyword blintzes

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Making Crepes 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 12

Calories 107kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 recipe crepes, prepared

Instructions

• In a medium size bowl, add the ricotta, cream cheese, and sugar. Mix with an electric handmixer until combined.
• Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mix until everything is incorporated.
• Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the crepes.
• Prepare the crepes according to the recipe.
• To assemble the blintzes, spread about ¼ cup of filling in the middle of the side of the crepe closest to you. Fold each side in to cover the filling, then gently roll the blintz up like a burrito.
• Serve with jam and berries and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1blintz | Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 74mg | Potassium: 42mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 319IU | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 0.1mg

source https://therecipecritic.com/blintzes/

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