Loaded Cowboy Queso Dip makes the perfect party or game day appetizer that is ready in only 20 minutes. Pair this warm chorizo cheese dip with tortilla chips for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Where are my party people at?! Okay, sorry that was super lame, but this dip really is the perfect party appetizer so can you blame me? This Cowboy Queso Dip is filled with spicy chorizo, black beans, corn, Rotel and of course cheese for the ultimate loaded cheese dip recipe. The dip pairs great with toritlla chips or can be served over top of Mexican favorites like tacos or burritos.
This quick and easy dip recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, can be prepped ahead of time and easily customized. Crockpot instructions included for large parties and tailgates when you need the chorizo dip to stay warm and gooey for hours. I hope you love this dip, let's get into the details shall we.
Ingredient Notes
- Chorizo: Generic spicy sausage will work as well, just make sure you do not use Italian Sausage. That will mess with the overall flavor of the dip.
- Chipotle Pepper (Optional): I really like the flavors this pepper brings to the dip, but you can leave them out or use a dried Chipotle Pepper Seasoning instead.
- Corn: Frozen, canned or fresh corn work great for this dip.
- Cheese: I use a combination of Velveeta, cream cheese and Pepperjack cheese for my queso dip. You can use other varieties if you wish, but I think these two yield the perfect cheesiness with a hint of spice quickly.
- Spices: I keep it simple with salt, pepper and a touch of my homemade taco seasoning. You can bump up the spice with some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or add some chipotle chili powder for some smokey flavor.
- Rotel: I used original Rotel for my Cowboy Queso, but Chipotle, Hot or Mild can be swapped in as well depending on what you are into.
Why You'll LOVE It!
Quick & Easy: Ready in Only 20 Minutes
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for Parties, Game Days and More
Crockpot Option Included
Instructions
Cook the Chorizo
Begin by adding your ground spicy pork (chorizo preferably) to a large heavy bottom skillet. Add in diced Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce if using, and spices and cook over medium heat.
Stir and chop the sausage as you go into small pieces to ensure it cooks all the way through, about 7 minutes. After the sausage has cooked through drain the fat and return everything to the skillet.
Combine the Cheese Dip
Once the chorizo is cooked, add the cheeses, Rotel, and milk and stir over low heat until the cheese is melted. If the queso dip is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
After the cheese has melted, add in the rinsed and drained corn and black beans and stir until combined.
Finishing Touches
Once the dip is combined, remove from heat and serve immediately topped with additional extras and served with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Leftover Storage Instructions
Store leftover chorizo cheese dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, scoop the desired amount into a microwave safe bowl and warm for 30 seconds or until melted. Alternatively, you can re-warm the dip in a large slow cooker.
FAQS
No, this queso dip cannot be frozen. When the dip thawed it will separate and have a strange texture to it.
Yes, the entire dip can be made ahead of time according to the recipe instructions, then stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve re-warm in a crockpot on LOW or in a large skillet.
No, not necessarily. I understand people want to avoid processed cheeses, but the Velveeta works great for that gooey, cheese texture. You can swap it out with another cheese like cheddar, Colby Jack or more Pepperjack if you wish, but know that all cheese melt differently. If you swap out the cheese the texture and taste will be altered.
Traditional Mexican queso dip is made with a Mexican cheese like Asedero Cheese. But, lots of Amercanized queso dips features white American cheese or other similar white cheese. This chorizo cheese dip is definitely more Tex-Mex than classic white queso.
My Go-To Skillet
Personally, I love my iron skillet for this cheese dip, but any large heavy bottomed skillet will do the trick. Just make sure it is at least 12 inches in diameter.
Pro Tips
No Extra Oil
Do not add any oil or butter to the skillet with cooking the pork sausage. There is plenty of fat in chorizo and it doesn't need any extra help.
Time Saver Time
If you are needing to have this dip ready fast you can cook the sausage ahead of time. Store cooked chorizo in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. This allows you to just throw all the ingredients together into a skillet and stir until the cheese is melted. Yay, for cutting your cook and prep time in half!
Crockpot Meathod
If you are making this Cowboy Queso for a large crowd and need to keep it warm, it can be made in a crockpot. First, you can follow the recipe instructions and then place the finished dip into a crockpot to keep it warm.
Alternatively, you can cook the chorizo in a skillet, then add it and the remaining ingredients to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 1-2 hours until melted and warmed through. Once it is melted reduce the heat to WARM and stir often so the bottom doesn't burn.
Topper Ideas
This loaded queso dip is great just the way it is, but can be taken up a notch with some optional extra-ness. You can add some reserved black beans and corn over top of your dip.
Alternatively, some fresh cilantro, salsa, diced avocado, or some diced tomatoes adds a flavor boost. If serving at a large party or tailgate you can place these on the side and let guests customize their dip.
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Happy Eating!
Cowboy Queso Dip
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chorizo
- 1 tablespoon Homemade Taco Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce Optional
- 8 oz Velveeta Cheese
- 12 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 ½ cups Pepperjack Cheese Shredded
- ¾ cup Milk
- 1 10 oz Rotel
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1 15 oz Canned Black Beans Rinsed and Drained
- 1 cup Corn Canned, Frozen or Fresh
Optional for Topping
- Reserved Black Beans
- Reserved Corn
- Fresh Cilantro
- Chopped Avocados
- Homemade Salsa
For Serving
- Tortilla Chips
- Pretzels
- Fritos
Instructions
- Begin by adding your chorizo to a large skillet (I like using an iron skillet). Diced Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce if using then add into the chorizo. Finally adding in taco seasoning, salt and pepper and cook over medium heat. Stir and chop the sausage as you go into small pieces to ensure it cooks all the way through, about 7-10 minutes. After the sausage has cooked through drain the fat and return everything to the skillet.
- Once the chorizo is cooked, add the cheeses, Rotel, and milk and stir over low heat until the cheese is melted. If the queso dip is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- After the cheese has melted, add in the rinsed and drained corn and black beans, lime juice and stir until combined.
- Once the dip is combined, remove from heat and serve immediately topped with additional extras and served with tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Julia
The perfect recipe for a party!
Caitlyn Erhardt
Thanks, I totally agree!
Neha
Such a flavorful and creamy dip. We absolute loved it with home baked pretzels.
Caitlyn Erhardt
Yay glad it was a hit! It goes wonderfully with pretzels!
Jen
The way my family dug into this dip, you would've thought they hadn't eaten in weeks! Haha! It's absolutely delicious and was perfect for our movie night snacking. Thanks!
Caitlyn Erhardt
So happy to hear the whole crew loved it!
Nart at Cooking with Nart
Really does look perfect as a party appetizer...or something to have all to yourself after a long day at work! 😛
Caitlyn Erhardt
Thank you! I love leftovers to munch on after the kiddos go to bed.
Charla
I was drooling as I scrolled through the recipe, love how detailed the recipe is and all I need to accompany this dip is a bag of tortilla chips and a good movie.
Caitlyn Erhardt
Oh yeah! This is such a mouthwatering dip.