Not Yo Cheese
Not Yo Cheese Dip is my husband's FAVORITE thing to eat during football season. Do you ever have those "I NEED TO EAT IT" moments and wish that cheese was not made with dairy? If you’re here, you’re probably craving that gooey, melty cheese dip but want to keep it free from dairy. Well, you’re in the right place. Our dairy-free nacho cheese dip is friendly to your tummy and bursting with flavor that will make your taste buds dance!
A Brief History of Nacho Cheese Dip: A Cheesy Tale
Before we dive into this recipe, let’s take a quick trip back in time. The history of nachos is as layered as the dish itself. Legend has it that nachos were invented in 1943 by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in Piedras Negras, Mexico. When a group of U.S. Army wives came to the restaurant where Ignacio worked, he whipped up a quick snack using what he had on hand—tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños. Little did he know, this humble creation would become a global sensation!
Fast forward to today, nachos have become a staple at parties, game days, and casual get-togethers. But if you’re avoiding dairy for health reasons or you simply prefer plant-based options, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with our dairy-free nacho cheese dip. It’s creamy, zesty, and just as addictive as the original.
THE SCENE
The week before Super Bowl 2020 my husband requested that we stay home, make traditional game day dishes, and enjoy the game from our 75" television. He wanted to indulge, as most of us do on Super Bowl Sunday, with all his favorites. One of which is, nacho cheese dip with corn tortilla chips. And, then, of course, separately, made up proper nachos with all the fixings. His motto with most things in life is to DO BOTH and when it comes to football he wants ALL the things. Do you know anyone like this?!
His request should not be too hard to achieve. Then, I recalled a cheese dip that a dear friend of mine introduced to me many moons ago. I fell in love with it and thought it may be a good start. His recipe had cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sausage, and a can of Rotel. Since we were going for a dip that we wanted to use on a traditional plate of nachos, I decided to omit the sausage.
I bought a bag of our go-to dairy-free cheddar cheese, dairy-free cream cheese, and a can of Rotel. Game day came and I dumped all three components into a pan and melted them together. I shrugged my shoulders and hoped for the best. As I am sure you've learned by now, not all dairy-free ingredients are made alike and it is all by trial and error that you find your favorite items, so my expectations were quite low but hopeful.
INGREDIENTS
- 7.5 oz Dairy-Free Shredded Cheddar
- 7.5 oz Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
- 10oz can Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
- 1⁄2 cup Water
METHOD
To make the “Not Yo Cheese” Dip, start by combining dairy-free cheddar, dairy-free cream cheese, and a can of Rotel in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until the ingredients melt together into a smooth, creamy dip. Once fully melted and creamy, pour the dip into a bowl and serve warm. It pairs perfectly with chips, nachos, or veggies. This easy, three-ingredient recipe is ideal for any gathering or snack time.
Tips and Tricks
- Make Ahead: You can make this dip ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Customize Your Dip: Feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs. Adding a bit of cumin or chili flakes can give your dip a unique twist!
DID IT MAKE THE CUT?
I called my husband into the kitchen to give the Not Yo Cheese Dip a taste. He grabbed a spoon and, it was like he was playing in real life in slow-motion. I watched his face to see if I could determine what the tiniest of gestures meant. It was like watching the game-winning football play with the ball in the air approaching the receiver's hands as time runs out on the clock. Alright, Mr. Official, it is decision time......
And, it was good! He was so H. A. P. P. Y! And, so was I!
Now, it was my turn. I gave it a try and it was delicious. It was everything you want nacho cheese dip to be. Creamy, tangy, velvety and so easy to make.
We love to make and best of all EAT, Not Yo Cheese Dip! And, hope you do too!
Buen Provecho!
Not Yo Cheese is an easy-to-make, 3-ingredient recipe using dairy-free cheddar and cream cheese, a can of Rotel, and water. Simply put all the ingredients in a skillet, melt, and serve.
Use the Not Yo Cheese dip to build my favorite Not Yo Cheese Nachos.
- 7.5 oz Dairy-Free Shredded Cheddar (Daiya Preferred)
- 7.5 oz Dairy-Free Cream Cheese (Violife Preferred)
- 10oz can Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (Rotel Original Preferred)
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1-12oz Bag Corn Tortilla Chips (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- 1-16 oz can Refried Beans (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)
- 1/2 cup Diary-Free Shredded Cheese (Daiya Preferred)
- 1/2 cup Red Onion (Diced)
- 1 Plum Tomato (Diced)
- 1 Avocado (Diced)
- 1 Jalepeno (Thinly sliced, Optional)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (Chopped)
Set skillet or saute pan to medium heat.
Add Dairy-Free Cheddar, dairy-free cream cheese, a can of Rotel with liquid, and 1/2 cup of water to the pan.
Slowly combine ingredients as they melt together.
Once the cheeses have melted and completely combined, remove the pan from heat.
Transfer to your serving dish or airtight container.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper.
Arrange the corn chips on the sheet pan, evenly.
Top with spoonfuls of refried beans, dispursing throughout the pan over the chips.
Pour 2 cups of the cheese dip over the beans and chips. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Bake for 6-8 minutes in preheated oven or until the shredded cheese has melted. Once melted, remove from the oven and place the baking sheet on a heat-resistant surface.
Continue to build the nachos, evenly distributing the diced onions, tomatoes, avocado, sliced jalapenos, and cilantro.
Serve immediately as-is and enjoy.
Store in cheese dip in an air-tight container in your refrigerator. Use dip to make nachos for easy access to make up your favorite nachos.