Hatch Green Chile Cheese Dip
This Hatch Green Chile Cheese Dip is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion, combining creamy cheese, smoky Hatch green chiles, and just the right amount of heat.
With a perfect balance of cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack, it’s rich and flavorful, while the green chiles add a zesty kick.
Topped with more melted cheese for an extra layer of gooey goodness, this dip is sure to be a crowd favorite. Serve it hot with chips or crispy crostini for a perfect appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Hatch Green Chile Cheese Dip because it’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors that everyone craves.
The Hatch green chiles bring a distinctive, smoky kick without overpowering the dish, while the creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack creates a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The addition of a little hot sauce gives it just the right amount of heat, and the Parmesan topping forms a golden, bubbly crust that makes every bite even more irresistible.
Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a cozy snack, this dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
It’s rich, flavorful, and addictive – you won’t be able to stop dipping!
Key Ingredients:
Hatch Green Chiles: These chiles provide a smoky, earthy heat that gives the dip its signature southwestern flavor. They can be adjusted for heat depending on your preference.
Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy base that smooths out the dip and makes it wonderfully velvety.
Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that contributes to the dip’s smooth texture and gooeyness.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and depth of flavor, balancing the creaminess with a bit of tang.
Sour Cream: Brings a subtle tanginess to the dip, enhancing its creaminess and providing a slight cooling effect against the heat of the chiles.
Hot Sauce: Adds an extra layer of heat and a bit of acidity, kicking the flavor up a notch.
Topping of More Monterey Jack Cheese: For an extra cheesy, golden finish once baked, ensuring every bite is as indulgent as the last.
Hatch Green Chile Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Cheese Dip
4 ounces diced green Hatch chiles (any heat level, one small can)
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella, or pepperjack)
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 dashes hot sauce (to taste)
Topping
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella, or pepperjack)
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the dip mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the diced green Hatch chiles, softened cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and hot sauce.
Stir the ingredients together until fully blended and creamy.
Step 3: Transfer to a baking dish
Pour the cheese mixture into a small baking dish or casserole dish.
Spread it out evenly to create a smooth layer.
Step 4: Top with additional cheese
Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 5: Serve immediately
Remove from the oven and serve the dip while it’s hot and cheesy.
It’s perfect for dipping with chips, crostini, or even veggie sticks.
Notes:
Adjusting Spice Levels: The heat from Hatch chiles can vary, so feel free to use mild chiles if you prefer a less spicy dip. For extra heat, try adding a bit more hot sauce or using spicy Hatch chiles.
Make it Ahead: This dip can be prepared a day ahead of time. Simply mix all the ingredients and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly. This also allows the flavors to meld together.
Cheese Variations: While Monterey Jack and cheddar are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for added spice or mozzarella for a stretchier, gooier texture.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Version: To make this dip dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free shredded cheese. The texture may vary slightly but still offers a creamy base.
Serving Ideas: This dip is perfect with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks (like carrots or celery), crusty bread, or baked pita chips. It can also be served as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos for an extra indulgent treat.
Bubbling Golden Crust: For an extra golden, crispy topping, broil the dip for a minute or two at the end of baking to get the cheese bubbly and slightly browned. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 7 grams | Fat: 19 grams | Saturated Fat: 12 grams | Carbohydrates: 4 grams | Fiber: 1 grams | Sugars: 2 grams | Cholesterol: 55 mg | Sodium: 300 mg | Calcium: 150 mg | Iron: 1 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance.
Simply mix all the ingredients and transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed until it’s hot and bubbly.
This also allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more flavorful!
Can I use a different type of cheese for the dip?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack and cheddar are the classic choices, you can use other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra spicy kick, mozzarella for a stretchier texture, or even cream cheese with herbs for a more flavorful base.
Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
How spicy is this dip?
The spice level can vary depending on the Hatch chiles you use.
Hatch chiles range from mild to medium heat.
If you prefer a milder dip, you can opt for mild Hatch chiles or reduce the amount of hot sauce added.
For a spicier dip, you can use spicy Hatch chiles or add more hot sauce to taste.
Can I make this dip dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free or vegan version of this dip!
Simply swap the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free cheese.
The texture and flavor will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and creamy.
How should I serve this dip?
This dip is perfect for dipping!
Serve it with tortilla chips, crispy crostini, vegetable sticks (like carrots or celery), or even baked pita chips.
It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or grilled chicken.
The options are endless!
Do I need to drain the Hatch green chiles before using them?
Yes, if you’re using canned Hatch green chiles, you should drain them before adding them to the dip.
This helps avoid excess liquid in the dip, which could make it too runny.
Just discard the liquid and add the diced chiles directly to the cheese mixture.
Can I use fresh Hatch chiles instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh Hatch chiles, you can roast them and peel off the skins before chopping them.
Roasting fresh chiles will enhance their smoky flavor.
Just be sure to remove the seeds if you want to control the heat level.
Why is the cream cheese important in this dip?
The cream cheese creates the smooth, creamy base for the dip.
It helps the other cheeses melt together smoothly, creating that rich, velvety texture.
If you skip the cream cheese, the dip may not have the same creamy consistency.
Can I make this dip spicier?
Yes, you can easily make this dip spicier!
If you want more heat, try adding extra hot sauce or increase the amount of Hatch chiles, especially if you use a spicier variety.
You can also stir in a little bit of cayenne pepper or jalapeño for an added kick.
What type of dish should I bake this dip in?
You can bake this dip in any oven-safe dish such as a small casserole dish, a baking dish, or even a cast-iron skillet.
Just make sure the dish is large enough to hold all the ingredients and allows for an even melt.
A shallow dish will help the dip cook evenly and get a bubbly, golden top.