Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe

If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that’s ooey-gooey, flavorful, and just a little bit spicy, stick with me—I’m sharing my all-time favorite Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe that’s crazy easy to make and downright addictive. I’ve brought this dip to more parties than I can count, and it never lasts long. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to snack for game day, movie nights, or whenever you need a cheesy, spicy pick-me-up.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Bold Flavor Combo: The spicy, savory chorizo paired with creamy Monterey Jack cheese creates an irresistible balance of heat and meltiness.
  • Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples, which makes it a quick whip-up with maximum impact.
  • Perfect Texture: Slowly melting the cheese ensures the dip stays smooth and creamy, never greasy or clumpy.
  • Versatility: It’s ideal for pairing with all kinds of dippers – from tortilla chips to veggies – and easily customizable to suit your spice preference.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe serves a purpose. The chorizo brings that rich, spicy pork flavor, while the diced tomatoes with green chiles add a subtle tang and vibrant heat. The evaporated milk makes the dip luscious without watering it down, and Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully for that silky texture. Oh, and don’t skip the green onions—they lend a fresh crunch as the perfect garnish.

  • Mexican chorizo: Pick fresh chorizo from the refrigerated section; if it’s really fatty, be ready to drain some grease for a cleaner dip.
  • Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Using a brand like Rotel adds a touch of zest and mild heat to complement the chorizo.
  • Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess without extra wateriness—better than regular milk for smooth melting.
  • Monterey Jack cheese: Melts wonderfully and has a mild flavor that balances the spicy elements; grate your own from a block for best results.
  • Green onions: Fresh garnish that brightens up the dip with a little bite and color contrast.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about this Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe is how flexible it is. Whenever I make it, I adjust the spice level or cheese type depending on who I’m making it for—and you can totally do the same! Don’t hesitate to experiment a bit to find your perfect match.

  • Spicy Kick: If you like it hotter, add a pinch of cayenne powder or a dash of hot sauce before melting the cheese; I’ve done this for my spice-loving friends, and it’s a hit every time.
  • Cheese Swap: Try mild cheddar instead of Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor, but go easy—sharp cheese can sometimes break or separate.
  • Meat-Free Version: Swap the chorizo for spicy plant-based sausage crumbles for a vegetarian twist that still packs flavor.
  • Extra Veggies: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños along with the tomatoes to add texture and fresh spice layers.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chorizo

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your Mexican chorizo. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and slightly crispy around the edges—usually about 6 to 8 minutes. If your chorizo is very fatty, drain some of the grease but keep a couple of tablespoons for flavor. This step is crucial because it develops that deep, smoky flavor you want to shine through your dip.

Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes with the Chiles

Drain the diced tomatoes with green chiles well so you’re not adding too much moisture to your dip. Add them to the skillet with the chorizo and stir everything together. Keep cooking until most of the liquid evaporates—this step concentrates those flavors so the dip isn’t watery. It usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the Evaporated Milk

Pour the evaporated milk into the skillet and stir it in with the chorizo and tomato mixture. Heat through gently until everything is warmed up and blended, about 3 to 4 minutes. The evaporated milk makes this dip beautifully creamy without thinning it out like regular milk might.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese Slowly

Turn the heat to low and let the mixture cool just a little bit so that when you add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, it melts perfectly without becoming gritty or oily. Add the cheese in handfuls, stirring continuously until each handful is fully melted before adding the next. This slow melting is the secret to that smooth, silky texture everyone raves about.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once all the cheese is melted and blended, turn off the heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, peppery crunch and a pop of color. Serve your Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip warm with your favorite chips or veggies—and watch it disappear fast!

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe

  • Don’t Rush the Cheese Melting: Adding the cheese slowly over low heat prevents separation and gives you that perfect creamy dip.
  • Drain Excess Grease: Chorizo can be greasy, so drain it well but keep some fat for flavor—it enhances the dip’s richness.
  • Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that might affect melting; shredding your own yields a smoother texture.
  • Don’t Overheat After Cheese Addition: High heat burns the cheese, so keep it low until fully melted.

How to Serve Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with a creamy orange cheese sauce with small bits of ground meat mixed in, topped with scattered green chopped scallions and small browned meat pieces mainly gathered on one side, placed on a dark textured surface with a black and white striped cloth partially visible on the left, and three yellow tortilla chips scattered on the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always reach for sliced green onions because they add a fresh crunch and a mild sharpness that cuts through the richness of the dip perfectly. Sometimes, I throw on a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a few jalapeño slices if I want to amp up the heat and add color. It’s these little touches that make the dip really pop on the table.

Side Dishes

This dip is insanely versatile, so I pair it with classic tortilla chips for scooping. But don’t stop there—cut veggies like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or sturdy carrot sticks work wonderfully too for a lighter option. When I’m feeling indulgent, soft pretzel bites or warm pita wedges are game-changers with this rich dip.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite party tricks is serving this dip in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or bread bowl for fall gatherings—it adds charm and makes cleanup a breeze. For a festive touch, I sometimes garnish with diced avocados or a swirl of sour cream and a little paprika for color contrast. These small details elevate the whole experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a party, I usually get some leftovers, and the best way I’ve found to store this dip is in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I add a splash of milk or evaporated milk to bring back that creamy consistency since it can thicken as it chills.

Freezing

Freezing cheesy dips can be tricky, but I’ve successfully frozen this Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe by cooling it completely, then transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating gently.

Reheating

To warm up your leftover dip, I recommend using a low setting on the stove or microwave. Add a little milk as you heat it to keep it smooth and avoid drying out. Stir often to prevent the cheese from clumping or sticking to the pan—slow and steady wins the race here.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese in the Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe?

    Absolutely! Monterey Jack is my favorite for its meltability and mild flavor, but you can swap in mild or medium cheddar. Just be mindful that sharper cheeses may separate or become grainy if overheated, so melt them slowly over low heat.

  2. How spicy is this dip, and can I adjust it?

    The spice level is moderate thanks to the chorizo and green chiles in the diced tomatoes. If you prefer less heat, use mild chorizo or omit the green chiles. For more kick, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños—tailor it exactly to your liking!

  3. Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

    Yes! You can make it a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat before serving and stir well to bring back the creamy texture.

  4. What should I serve with Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe?

    Classic tortilla chips are always a winner, but feel free to serve it with fresh veggie sticks, pita bread, or even warm soft pretzels for a fun, hearty option.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings people together like nothing else. Whether it’s a casual night with friends or a festive get-together, this dip fills the room with comforting aromas and invites everyone to dig in. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s that kind of recipe that just feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

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Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

A flavorful and creamy Spicy Chorizo Cheese Dip made with savory Mexican chorizo, diced tomatoes with green chiles, evaporated milk, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack to serve with chips, garnished with fresh green onions.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. Mexican chorizo
  • 1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), drained
  • 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
  • 12 oz. Monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • 3 green onions, sliced for garnish


Instructions

  1. Brown the chorizo: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Mexican chorizo until slightly crispy on the edges. If the chorizo releases excess fat, drain some off, leaving about two tablespoons in the skillet to keep the dip flavorful.
  2. Add and cook tomatoes: Drain the diced tomatoes with green chiles thoroughly, then add them to the skillet with the chorizo. Stir continuously and cook until most of the moisture from the tomatoes has evaporated.
  3. Add evaporated milk: Pour the evaporated milk into the skillet and stir well. Cook the mixture until heated through.
  4. Mix in cheese: Lower the heat to low and allow the mixture to cool slightly so it is warm enough to melt the cheese without making it gritty. Add shredded Monterey Jack cheese in handfuls, stirring continually until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
  5. Finish and garnish: Once all cheese has melted smoothly into the dip, turn off the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately with chips or your favorite dippers.

Notes

  • Cheddar cheese can be substituted for Monterey Jack, preferably mild or medium to avoid separation issues.
  • Use block cheese shredded by hand for the best melting texture.
  • If chorizo is very fatty, be sure to drain some fat to avoid an overly greasy dip.
  • This dip is best served warm and fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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