Right after graduating from college, I sold pharmaceuticals. Yes, the legal kind. I sat in a lot of doctors’ offices…waiting. And waiting. The waiting turned to skimming magazines which brought me this Pepper Jack Cheese Dip recipe that literally changed my life.
You ask…”changed your life? Really?” When you have a recipe that practically everyone loves and you can bring it anywhere—for any occasion, I think that classifies as life changing. (And for another super easy appetizer, check out my whipped ricotta toast with roasted figs…another holiday superstar!)
Don’t you?
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The best gooey cheese dip recipe
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I know —it’s a bold claim. But here’s why this monterey jack cheese dip is the best dip recipe:
- Memorable. There are only 5 ingredients. You’ll make it so often you’ll be able to make it in your sleep. Even after too many margaritas.
- Easy. Not only is it easy to put together, the ingredients are easy to shop for and keep on hand.
- Big flavor with lots of texture. Spicy, creamy, crunchy. This dip has got them all.
- Portable. You’ll literally bring this dip everywhere. See further down for a list of serving suggestions and location.
Two unexpected ingredients
While there are only 5 ingredients, two of them make this dip. One subtlety and the other boldy.
Bottled garlic. I know – I’m Italian. Using a minced garlic in a jar doesn’t make any sense. The original recipe actually called for it and at the time, I was young so I used it. But it does makes a subtle difference in the recipe (probably that garlic infused water it’s in). If you already have fresh garlic, by all means chop it up and put it in!
Roasted sunflower seeds. They add the perfect amount of salty crunch and nuttiness without overpowering and are a bold and unexpected twist. Totally all about that.
Mix up the easiest dip ever
Making this dip is as easy as mixing up the 5 ingredients and then baking it.
Dipping suggestion
My favorite way to serve this dip (other than the obvious tortilla chips) is with cubed pumpernickel or rye bread. Either add an unexpected savory note that people love.
Made this recipe?
I’d love it if you’d share your review and leave a star rating and comment!
Gooey Baked Pepper Jack Cheese Dip
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Ingredients
- 1 block monterey jack with jalapeno peppers, 8-10 oz; freshly grated recommended
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons minced bottled garlic, or 2-3 cloves fresh minced
- ½ cup mayonnaise, light ok
- 8 ounces sour cream, light ok
- ½ cup roasted salted sunflower seeds out of the shell, or more if needed
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced including green part
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Grate the cheese into a medium sized bowl. Gently stir in the flour with a fork.
- To the bowl, add the next three ingredients ending with the sour cream. Stir with a wooden spoon until completely combined.
- Evenly spread the dip into a pie plate (approx 8-9" works).
- Sprinkle the sunflower seeds around the edge of the pie plate creating a 1-2" thick band.
- Fill the center with the green onions.
- Sprinkle with a little paprika for color, if desired.
- Bake at 350° for 30 minutes until golden.
Notes
- In my grocery store, they’re typically near the nuts, baking or popcorn section of the store. Sometimes they’ll be in the baking aisle or even available to buy in bulk.
- If the sunflower seeds have an “off” or paint like smell, don’t use them as it will affect the taste of the dip.
Lori- this dip was devoured! I made a batch and brought it to a family party. It was creamy, just the right spice, and so easy to make. Thank you for the recipe!
So happy to hear that Maureen! It is the best dip ever and everyone always wonders what’s in it, right? So glad you all enjoyed it 😊
This is a “Top 5” app recipe. Easy, unique and flavorful! Love it with JP’s Chex Mix too! Cheese and crunch.
So good with the Chex mix…the perfect (and both equally addictive) combo! Thanks!🥰
Ok Lori.. I’m making this and will report back how it goes🤔 I had planned to make Black Forest Cake (my Dad’s was delicious) but I chickened out and ordered it from a local greenwich bakery that is knows for their version. I still want ya to do a weekend of cooking with me once we can travel and your new digs are finished!!!
Love and miss ya
Marg
Yay! Let me know! It’s been one of our favs since we got married! xo