Base Ingredients

• 16 oz sharp cheddar, freshly grated
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings

• 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper

Method

Make the Base

1. Melt butter, add flour, whisk 2-3 minutes until golden
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft (5 minutes)
3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened
4. Add cream cheese chunks, stir until melted

Add Cheese

1. Reduce heat to low
2. Add cheddar gradually, stirring until melted
3. Stir in Ro-tel, jalapeño, seasonings
4. Simmer 10-15 minutes

Pro Tips

• Use block cheese, grate fresh
• Room temperature cream cheese
• Gentle heat prevents graininess
• Stir occasionally while warming
• Thin with milk if needed

Serving

• Keep warm in slow cooker
• Serve with chips, pretzels, vegetables
• Garnish with green onions, tomatoes, cilantro

Variations

• Add chorizo or bacon
• Include different peppers
• Try smoked cheese
• Add crab meat
• Incorporate caramelized onions

Store refrigerated 3 days. Reheat gently, stirring often. Makes 10-12 servings.

Success depends on quality cheese and patient melting. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Adjust heat level by varying jalapeño amount.