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Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, cozy snack that brings some serious flavor to your table, you’ve just found it in this Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe. Believe me, every time I make this, it disappears faster than I can refill the chip bowl. It’s rich, it’s spicy, and loaded with melty cheese that’s perfect for game day, parties, or even just a laid-back movie night. Stick around, because I’ll walk you through every delicious detail to make sure your dip comes out perfectly.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Bold Flavor Combo: The smoky, spicy chorizo pairs beautifully with creamy melted Monterey Jack, creating a dip that’s rich but balanced.
  • Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and affordable components make it a no-fuss recipe that anyone can pull off.
  • Textural Perfection: Browning the chorizo just right adds a little crisp edge, while the cheese melts smooth without separating.
  • Quick & Crowd-Friendly: Ready in about 20 minutes and feeds a party — what’s not to love?

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dip is all about balance — you want spicy, you want creaminess, and you want that fresh bite at the end. Each ingredient plays a key role, and I’ve learned some shopping tips that’ll save you trouble at the store.

  • Mexican chorizo: Look for fresh, raw chorizo packed with spices; it’s the star of the show that brings boldness and a little heat.
  • Diced tomatoes with green chiles: My go-to is Rotel—they add juiciness and a mild kick without overpowering everything.
  • Evaporated milk: This gives the dip its silky texture without watering down flavor like regular milk might.
  • Monterey Jack cheese: I recommend hand-shredding block cheese over pre-shredded for better melting and smoothness.
  • Green onions: They’re more than just garnish—they bring a fresh bite that complements all the richness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to tweak this Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to play around and make it your own—you’ll find it’s super flexible.

  • Variation: One time, I swapped the Monterey Jack for a mild cheddar to bring a sharper flavor. It was a hit, but just remember sharper cheeses can sometimes separate, so melt gently!
  • Spice Level: Want more heat? Add a finely chopped jalapeño or hot sauce while cooking the chorizo—just don’t skip the cooling green onions for balance.
  • Dietary Twist: For a lighter version, you can reduce the cheese slightly or use a lower-fat evaporated milk, but keep the chorizo in—that’s where all the magic comes from.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe

Step 1: Brown the chorizo just right

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat, then add the raw chorizo. Stir it frequently and let it brown until the edges start crisping up a bit—that’s where the flavor builds. If your chorizo is super fatty, I’ve learned it’s best to drain off most of the grease but leave about two tablespoons in the pan to keep things tasty and not dry.

Step 2: Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles

Drain the canned tomatoes really well before dumping them in—excess liquid can make your dip runny. Stir everything together and let the liquid cook off for a few minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickening and the flavors melding, which is a great sign.

Step 3: Stir in the evaporated milk

Pour in the evaporated milk and stir continuously until the dip is warmed through and creamy. This part is key for a silky texture, so don’t rush it.

Step 4: Melt in the cheese carefully

Turn your heat down to low and let the dip cool slightly—here’s the trick to prevent gritty or separated cheese. Add the shredded Monterey Jack a handful at a time, stirring gently after each addition until fully melted. Patience really pays here, and you’ll end up with the most luscious dip.

Step 5: Garnish and serve!

Once all the cheese has melted in, switch the heat off and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. The fresh onion flavor is like a buzzy, crunchy exclamation point to this creamy, spicy dip. Now, grab your favorite chips and dig in!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Rush Cheese Melting: I used to crank the heat and add all the cheese at once—big mistake! Low and slow keeps it creamy.
  • Drain Tomatoes Well: Letting excess moisture evaporate makes the dip thick and prevents it from becoming watery.
  • Keep Some Fat for Flavor: I always leave a bit of chorizo fat in the pan—it’s where a ton of flavor lives.
  • Fresh Garnish Boosts Flavor: The green onions really brighten up the rich dip—don’t skip them!

How to Serve Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with a creamy orange cheese sauce with small bits of ground meat mixed in, topped with scattered green chopped scallions and small browned meat pieces mainly gathered on one side, placed on a dark textured surface with a black and white striped cloth partially visible on the left, and three yellow tortilla chips scattered on the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this dip with fresh green onions for that crisp, oniony pop. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if I’m feeling fancy. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top can also cut through the richness just right.

Side Dishes

Besides your favorite tortilla chips, this dip pairs wonderfully with sliced veggies like bell peppers or sturdy celery sticks. When I want to turn it into a full party spread, I serve it alongside warm pita wedges and some fresh guacamole for extra flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to serve the Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip in a rustic cast-iron skillet—it stays warm longer and looks pretty inviting on the table. Nestle it inside a bread bowl to add a fun, shareable twist that impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps well for about 3 days. When you reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but I find the texture changes slightly, especially the cheese. If you freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir gently when reheating to help it recombine well.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on low heat on the stove, stirring often. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring, or the cheese can get grainy. Adding a little milk while reheating makes the dip creamy again.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Just hold off on adding fresh green onions until just before serving to keep them crisp and bright. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently to maintain a creamy texture.

  2. What can I substitute for Mexican chorizo?

    If Mexican chorizo isn’t available, you can use spicy breakfast sausage or even ground pork with added chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to mimic the flavors. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious!

  3. Why should I use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?

    Evaporated milk is thicker and creamier since some water is removed, which helps create that smooth, rich dip texture without thinning it out like regular milk could.

  4. Can I use a different cheese in this recipe?

    You can swap in mild or medium cheddar if needed, but avoid sharp cheddar because it tends to separate when melted. Monterey Jack is my favorite for its mild flavor and great meltability.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe holds a special place on my menu because it’s simple, satisfying, and full of personality—just like a good conversation with a friend. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) it as much as I do. Trust me, once you try this dip, it’ll become your secret weapon for gatherings and cozy nights alike. Go ahead, grab your skillet, and make some magic!

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Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip combines flavorful Mexican chorizo with creamy melted Monterey jack cheese and zesty diced tomatoes with green chiles, making it a perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings. The dip is rich, spicy, and cheesy, garnished with fresh green onions for a subtle crunch and color.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. Mexican chorizo
  • 1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
  • 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
  • 12 oz. Monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • 3 green onions, sliced for garnish


Instructions

  1. Brown the chorizo: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the Mexican chorizo until it is slightly crispy on the edges. If the chorizo releases a lot of fat, drain off all but a couple of tablespoons to retain flavor for the dip.
  2. Add diced tomatoes with green chiles: Drain the diced tomatoes thoroughly then add them to the skillet with the chorizo. Stir and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated, concentrating the flavors.
  3. Incorporate evaporated milk: Pour the evaporated milk into the skillet and stir well, heating the mixture through to combine the flavors evenly.
  4. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cool slightly so it remains warm but not too hot. Gradually add the shredded Monterey jack cheese, one handful at a time, stirring continuously until fully melted before adding the next handful.
  5. Finish and garnish: Once all the cheese has melted and blended into a smooth dip, turn off the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions for freshness and serve immediately with chips or your favorite dippers.

Notes

  • Cheddar cheese can substitute Monterey jack but use mild or medium cheddar to prevent the cheese from breaking or separating.
  • Use block cheese shredded by hand rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
  • If the chorizo is too fatty, carefully drain excess fat but leave some for flavor.
  • Serve warm for the best creamy texture and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be gently reheated on low heat, stirring frequently to maintain smoothness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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