Chips, Salsa, and Queso 🧀🌶️

A classic Tex-Mex appetizer trio: crispy tortilla chips served with fresh homemade salsa and a creamy, cheesy queso dip. Perfect for game days, parties, or a casual snack night.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8

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1. Homemade Queso Dip

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 small tomato, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth.
5. Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
6. Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheeses.
7. Stir until creamy and smooth.
8. Mix in green chilies, tomatoes, and seasonings.
9. Garnish with cilantro.

Tip: Keep queso warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting for parties.

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2. Fresh Homemade Salsa

Ingredients

• 6 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 1–2 jalapeños, seeded or not (depending on heat preference)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cumin (optional)

Instructions

1. Add tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and garlic to a food processor.
2. Pulse until you reach your preferred texture.
3. Stir in lime juice, salt, pepper, and cumin.
4. Chill for 30 minutes for the best flavor.

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3. Tortilla Chips

Option 1: Store-Bought

Use your favorite:

• Restaurant-style tortilla chips
• Corn tortilla chips
• Multigrain chips

Option 2: Homemade Baked Chips

Ingredients

• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Cut tortillas into triangles.
2. Toss with oil and salt.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Cool until crisp.

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Serving Platter Ideas

Arrange with:

• Warm queso bowl
• Fresh salsa bowl
• Tortilla chips
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Pickled jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Flavor Variations

Loaded Queso

Add:

• Cooked ground beef or sausage
• Black beans
• Corn
• Extra jalapeños

Restaurant-Style Salsa

Roast tomatoes, onion, garlic, and peppers before blending for a smoky flavor.

Spicy Queso

Add:

• Chipotle peppers in adobo
• Hot sauce
• Extra chili flakes

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Storage

• Queso: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
• Salsa: Refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Homemade chips: Store in an airtight container for 3–5 days.

Approximate Nutrition (Queso + Salsa + Chips, per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Party Tip: Make the queso ahead, then warm it slowly before serving—the flavors deepen and the texture becomes even smooth.