- Cube the Velveeta cheese and place it in the crock pot.
- Add finely chopped cilantro and the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid) to the crock pot.
- Set the crock pot to high heat and let the cheese melt, stirring occasionally, for 30-60 minutes.
- Once melted, reduce the crock pot setting to 'low' or 'warm' to maintain a warm consistency.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips directly from the crock pot.
- Calories:120 kcal25%
- Energy:502 kJ22%
- Protein:7 g28%
- Carbohydrates:5 mg40%
- Sugar:3 mg8%
- Salt:480 g25%
- Fat:8 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Velveeta Cheese Dip Recipe – Easy Crockpot Mexican Recipe
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a super easy, crowd-pleasing dip. This Velveeta cheese dip is it. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver for parties, game days, or even just a cozy night in. I first made this for a Super Bowl party years ago, and it disappeared within minutes! It’s become a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about simplicity. It requires minimal effort, just a few ingredients, and your slow cooker does most of the work! It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a little kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Plus, keeping it warm in the crockpot means no constant reheating – perfect for a relaxed gathering.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dip:
- 16 oz Velveeta Cheese
- 1 (10 oz) can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (like Rotel)
- A handful of Cilantro (Coriander Leaves)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!
Velveeta Cheese: A Classic American Cheese
Velveeta is the star here, and honestly, there’s no real substitute for that super-smooth melt. It’s a processed cheese, so it behaves differently than cheddar or Monterey Jack in a dip. About 450 grams will do the trick.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Spice Level & Brand Considerations
I usually use Rotel, but any brand of diced tomatoes with green chilies will work. Pay attention to the heat level! Mild, medium, or hot – choose what suits your taste. One 280ml can is perfect.
Cilantro (Coriander Leaves): Freshness & Regional Preferences
Fresh cilantro is best! It adds a lovely brightness to the dip. If you’re not a cilantro fan (it’s a genetic thing, apparently!), you can leave it out. But trust me, a handful of freshly chopped cilantro really elevates the flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously easy.
- First, cube the Velveeta cheese. This helps it melt faster and more evenly.
- Toss the cubed Velveeta into your crockpot.
- Next, pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies – juice and all!
- Sprinkle in that handful of chopped cilantro.
- Now, turn your crockpot to high heat and let the magic happen. Stir occasionally for the first couple of hours, just to make sure everything is melting nicely.
- Once everything is beautifully melted and combined, switch the crockpot to low or warm to keep it at the perfect consistency.
Expert Tips
Want to take your Velveeta dip to the next level? Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:
Achieving the Perfect Melt
Cubing the Velveeta is key! It really speeds up the melting process.
Preventing Scorching
Stirring occasionally, especially in the beginning, helps prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom and scorching.
Maintaining Warmth for Parties
Keeping the dip on the “warm” setting in your crockpot is the easiest way to keep it at the perfect temperature for your guests.
Variations
This recipe is a great base for customization! Here are a few ideas:
Spice Level Adjustments: Adding Jalapeños or Hot Sauce
Want more heat? Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. My friend Maria likes to add a whole chopped serrano pepper – she loves it spicy!
Vegan Velveeta Cheese Dip: Plant-Based Alternatives
Believe it or not, you can make a vegan version! Use a plant-based Velveeta alternative and proceed with the recipe as written.
Slow Cooker Size Adaptations
This recipe works well in a 2-4 quart slow cooker. If you’re using a larger one, you might want to double the recipe.
Festival Adaptations: Super Bowl, Cinco de Mayo, Game Day
This dip is perfect for any celebration! Add a sprinkle of black olives for a Cinco de Mayo vibe, or serve with wings for game day.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is best served warm with… you guessed it… tortilla chips! But don’t stop there!
- Pretzel crisps
- Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
- Pita bread
Storage Instructions
Leftovers? (If there are any!) Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently. It might thicken up a bit when chilled, so you may need to add a splash of milk or water when reheating.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Is this dip best made ahead of time?
You can definitely make it a few hours ahead of time and keep it warm in the crockpot. It actually tastes even better as the flavors meld!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While you can, the texture won’t be quite the same. Canned diced tomatoes provide the right consistency for a smooth dip.
What kind of tortilla chips pair best with this dip?
I like sturdy tortilla chips that can handle the creamy dip without breaking. Restaurant-style chips are a great choice.
Can I add meat to this Velveeta cheese dip?
Absolutely! Cooked and crumbled ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo would all be delicious additions.
How do I prevent the dip from becoming too thick?
If the dip gets too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!