Name: Chile Con Queso
Cook time: 20 min
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; 1.5 cups low-fat milk, divided; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1.75 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); 0.25 cup sliced scallions; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Chile Con Queso

5.0

(6)

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

Updated on August 16, 2019

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

Yield:

4 cups

Nutrition Profile:

Low Added Sugars Low Carbohydrate Vegetarian

Jump to Nutrition Facts

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

Directions

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.
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 (per serving)

84	Calories
5g	Fat
5g	Carbs
4g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 84
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 5g	2%
Dietary Fiber 0g	1%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 4g	8%
Total Fat 5g	6%
Saturated Fat 3g	13%
Cholesterol 14mg	5%
Vitamin A 243IU	5%
Vitamin C 2mg	2%
Folate 7mcg	2%
Sodium 319mg	14%
Calcium 116mg	9%
Iron 0mg	1%
Magnesium 7mg	2%
Potassium 66mg	1%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.