Chile Con Queso

Name: Chile Con Queso
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup pale ale, or other light-colored beer; 1 ½ cups low-fat milk, divided; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp Cheddar, preferably orange; 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, (see Note), drained, or 1 1/4 cups drained petite-diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional); ¼ cup sliced scallions; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

6 Ratings
6 Reviews

Our healthier version of chile con queso will have ooey-gooey-cheese lovers celebrating. Now you can enjoy this Tex-Mex dip without all the fat and calories. We replaced some of the cheese with a low-fat white sauce and used sharp Cheddar plus a splash of beer to boost the flavor. Our version cuts the calories in half and reduces total fat and saturated fat by nearly 60 percent.

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2009

Gallery

Recipe Summary

total:

20 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Nutrition Info

Directions

Step 1
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft and beginning to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Add beer and cook until reduced slightly, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup milk and bring to a simmer.

Advertisement
Step 2
Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add to the pan and cook, stirring vigorously, until bubbling and thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add cheese and cook, stirring, until melted. Stir in drained tomatoes, lime juice, salt, chili powder and cayenne (if using). Serve warm, garnished with scallions and cilantro.

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Slowly reheat on the stove over medium heat or on Medium in the microwave.

Note: We like the flavor of Rotel brand diced tomatoes with green chiles the best in this dip. Choose original or mild, depending on your spice preference.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:

1/4 cup

Per Serving:

84 calories; protein 4.1g; carbohydrates 5.1g; dietary fiber 0.4g; sugars 2g; fat 5g; saturated fat 2.6g; cholesterol 13.8mg; vitamin a iu 242.9IU; vitamin c 1.5mg; folate 7mcg; calcium 116.4mg; iron 0.1mg; magnesium 7.4mg; potassium 65.8mg; sodium 319mg.

Exchanges:

1/2 high fat meat

6 Ratings

5 star values: 6
4 star values: 0
3 star values: 0
2 star values: 0
1 star values: 0

Sort by: Newest

Newest Oldest

Jenny Bloom

01/30/2021

This dish is so full of flavor and so decadent that I had trouble convincing my husband that it was low fat. I had to show him the recipe on your website! Absolutely delicious. We added some 95% lean ground beef and enjoyed this with some chips we made in our air fryer. Will absolutely make this dish again.

EatingWell User

02/03/2013

Awesome queso dip I had no problems with this dip what so ever. I made homemade chips and my kids loved it. It was a nice thick cheesy dip. I used all 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, no issues using all 3 tablespoons and I had no cornstarch taste with the dip. Didn't have pale ale on hand so I used a lager and 3/4 colby cheese and 1 cup sharp cheddar. I didn't add cilantro or scallions cause I didn't have any. This was an excellent fast dip. I can't wait to make this in canada when I can get my hands on some molson stock ale! Pros: fast quick and easy

annaconforti

02/05/2012

Better than store bought.This dip was a hit in our house! The teenage boys did not even know it was low calorie until I spilled the beans. I was told it could be a little thicker, so next time I will add another 1/2 tsp of cornstarch. Otherwise, it was perfect for super bowl sunday.Pros: less calories, cheesy and flavorfulCons: could be a little thicker with a little more cornstarch

EatingWell Member

02/05/2012

Better than store bought. This dip was a hit in our house! The teenage boys did not even know it was low calorie until I spilled the beans. I was told it could be a little thicker, so next time I will add another 1/2 tsp of cornstarch. Otherwise, it was perfect for super bowl sunday. Pros: less calories, cheesy and flavorful Cons: could be a little thicker with a little more cornstarch

EatingWell Member

01/21/2011

Wonderful Flavor I loved the hint of beer taste in the cheese. I made as directed and moved the cheese to a mini crock pot to keep it warm for New Years Eve. The next day I heated it up slowly in the same crock pot. De-Lish!

brocker1413

01/21/2011

Wonderful FlavorI loved the hint of beer taste in the cheese. I made as directed and moved the cheese to a mini crock pot to keep it warm for New Years Eve. The next day I heated it up slowly in the same crock pot. De-Lish!

Back to Chile Con Queso

All Reviews for Chile Con Queso

- of Reviews

2022 American Food Heroes

No-Sugar Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan

20 Healthy Meals You Can Make in 20 Minutes

Chile Con Queso

Gallery

Recipe Summary

Nutrition Profile:

Ingredients

Directions

Tips

Nutrition Facts

Reviews (6)

All Reviews for Chile Con Queso

Account

Account

Chile Con Queso

Gallery

Recipe Summary

Nutrition Profile:

Ingredients

Directions

Tips

Nutrition Facts

Reviews (6)

All Reviews for Chile Con Queso