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Ingredients
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Cheese & Mix-ins
Binder & Seasoning
Method
Cheese & Mix-ins
- 1
Prepare ingredients
Grate the cheddar and jack cheeses and combine them in a bowl. If using roasted green chiles from a can, drain and finely dice them. If using fresh/frozen corn, remove kernels from the cob or thaw and drain; pat dry. Thinly slice green onions for garnish and set aside.
- 2
Binder & Assembly
- 3
Make a simple cheese sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 30–45 seconds to cook the raw flour taste but not brown. Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3–4 minutes.
- 4
Finish the sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Add 2 ounces cream cheese to the thickened milk and whisk until smooth and incorporated. Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika if using. Keep the sauce warm but not boiling.
- 5
Combine cheese and mix-ins
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar and jack cheeses in two additions, stirring until fully melted and smooth after each addition to prevent graininess. Fold in the diced green chiles and corn (toasted or not) until evenly distributed.
- 6
Adjust consistency & taste
If the cheese mixture is too thick, stir in up to 1–2 tablespoons additional milk to reach a creamy dip or sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- 7
Serve
Transfer the warm cheese mixture to a serving bowl or small cast-iron skillet. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or as a topping for baked potatoes or tacos.
- 8
Storage & Reheat
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or reheat in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between intervals.