Description
Spicy Mexican Pumpkin Queso delivers bold autumn flavors that dance between creamy comfort and zesty excitement. Cheese lovers will discover a playful fusion of seasonal warmth and southern Mexican culinary traditions in this irresistible dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
Cheese and Cream Base
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Flavor Enhancers
Cooking and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Supporting Ingredients
Instructions
- Ignite the aromatic symphony by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then introduce chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, stirring gently until the spices release their fragrant essence.
- Cascade the pumpkin puree into the spice-infused oil, allowing the mixture to meld and intensify for 2-3 minutes, creating a rich foundation for the queso.
- Reduce the flame to a gentle whisper and incorporate cream cheese, coaxing it into a smooth, velvety texture by stirring continuously.
- Gradually introduce shredded cheddar, maintaining a constant, circular motion to ensure seamless integration and prevent any clumping or separation.
- Modulate the queso’s consistency by slowly streaming milk or heavy cream, transforming the mixture into a luxurious, silky dip that cascades effortlessly.
- Introduce a dollop of sour cream, whisking it through the mixture to add a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich, spiced base.
- Conduct a final flavor assessment, fine-tuning with a pinch of salt, a crack of pepper, or an additional sprinkle of spices to elevate the queso’s complexity.
- Serve immediately while molten and inviting, accompanied by crisp tortilla chips, an array of fresh vegetables, or rustic, crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Select fresh, high-quality spices to enhance the depth of flavor and aromatic profile of the pumpkin queso.
- Toast spices briefly to release their essential oils and maximize their intense, robust taste before adding pumpkin puree.
- Grate cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties to ensure smoother melting and prevent anti-caking agents from affecting texture.
- Control heat carefully when melting cheese to prevent separation or graininess, using low and slow technique for silky consistency.
- Balance dairy components by adjusting milk or cream quantity based on desired thickness, creating personalized creaminess.
- Transform into vegetarian or gluten-free option by using plant-based cheese alternatives and ensuring spice blends are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg