Not Really Chili’s Queso Dip

It’s hard to make a copycat version of this restaurant favorite on a stovetop, given the way the cheese can burn, even with constant stirring. The only way to make a smooth, creamy dip every time is with the PIP (pot-in-pot) method in an Instant Pot. Even so, we still wanted to up the game (as you well know by now). Most copycat recipes use 100 percent Velveeta; we supplement it with sharp American cheddar for better flavor. The smoked paprika offers a bit of “hearth” or “grill” flavor. And we save the lime juice for the end for a brighter, fresher taste.

Cuisine

American, Modern

Course

Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

15-30 min

Cooking Technique

Pressure Cook

Keywords

15-30 min, 6-8 servings, american, american sharp cheddar cheese, appetizer, Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, can chili without beans (15 oz), contributed, cook 20 min, dried oregano, easy, ground cumin, instant pot queso recipe, lime juice, mild smoked paprika, modern, prep 5 min, pressure cook, side dish, snack, thin red hot sauce, velveeta cheese, water, whole or low-fat milk

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

6-8 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water
1 can chili without beans (15 oz)
8 oz Velveeta cheese
8 oz American sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup whole or low-fat milk
1 tbsp mild smoked paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp thin red hot sauce
1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

Pour the water into the insert set in a 5-, 6-, or 8-quart Instant Pot. Set a pressure-safe rack or trivet into the pot.
Stir the chili, Velveeta, cheddar, milk, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and hot sauce in a 2 quart, 7-inch-round, high-sided, pressure-safe baking or soufflé dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and set it on the rack. Lock the lid on the cooker.
MAX model: Set the pot for Pressure Cook and set the pressure to MAX. Set the time for 17 minutes with the Keep Warm Setting off.
For other models: Set the pot for Pressure Cook or Manual and set the pressure to HIGH. The valve must be closed. Set the time for 20 minutes with the Keep Warm setting off.
When the pot has finished cooking, use the quick-release method to bring the pressure back to normal. Unlatch the lid and open the cooker. Use hot pads or silicone baking mitts to transfer the (hot!) baking dish to a nearby wire rack. Stir in the lime juice (perhaps also re-emulsifying the dip). Let sit for 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

Beyond
• Garnish the dip with stemmed and minced fresh cilantro leaves.
• For more flavor (and color), stir one 4-ounce jar diced pimientos,
drained and rinsed, into the mixture with the cheese.
Other Pots
• For a 3-quart Instant Pot, you must halve almost all of the ingredient amounts except you must use 1 cup water in the insert. You must also use a 1-quart, 6-inch-round, high-sided, pressure-safe baking or soufflé dish.
• For a 10-quart Instant Pot, you must increase the amount of water in the insert to 21/2 cups while otherwise completing the recipe as stated.