Lynsey's Killer Queso Dip

Lynsey's Killer Queso Dip

Servings: 8-12 people

3 Tablespoons Butter

3 Tablespoons Flour

6 Cups of Whole Milk

1 Sweet Yellow Onion, Skinned and Halved

4-5 Cloves

3 Cups of Medium or Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded

8-12 Ounces of Homemade Tomato Salsa or your favorite jar of chunky salsa

Salt and White Pepper to taste

1. Measure out your flour and butter, skin and half the onion, shred the cheese and measure out 6 cups of whole milk into a medium saucepan.
2. Add the onion and cloves to the saucepan with milk
3. Bring the milk to a simmer and turn off the heat, set aside. Allowing the onion and cloves to sep in the milk for about 15 minutes.
4. Strain and set aside.
5. Melt the butter in a large saucepan and add the flour.
6. Cook until flour and butter have thoroughly mixed together and gives off a nutty aroma.
7. Slowly incorporate the milk a ladle full at a time, whisking constantly.
8. Once all the milk has been thoroughly incorporated, bring this mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to simmer until mixture has thickened. (Congrats! You just made a Bechamel Sauce)
9. Use the back of a spoon to check the thickness of the Bechamel. Dip the spoon into the sauce, allow to cool for a few seconds and then run your finger across the back of the spoon. If the line stays intact, your sauce is thick enough. If not, simmer until desired results.
10. Slowly start adding the shredded cheese in small handfuls and mixing until completely melted before adding the next handful.
11. Once, all the cheese is added and melted. Stir in 8-12 ounces of your choice of salsa.
12. Add Salt and White Pepper to your satisfaction and take a taster of your favorite dip.
13. To serve, add Queso Dip to your crock pot and set it on warm. Cover with a piece of parchment paper pushed down over the top to avoid a skin from developing on the top then the lid for crock pot. When guests arrive, remove the lid, peel off the parchment and use a spatula to scrape off excess cheese that may have stuck. 
14. Feel free to garnish with some rough chopped flat leaf parsley, cilantro, or my favorite green onions cut on a bias.

Some Easy Party Recommendations:

1. Keep small bowls next to the crock pot and a small ladle for the Queso Dip for guest to easily get their own serving and to avoid those daredevil double dippers!
2. If the Queso dip begins to thicken too much, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the mixture. Whisk until all milk or cream has been incorporated.
3. Add some real homemade goodness by making your own tortilla chips. Cut corn tortillas into triangles and fry in oil at about 350-375 degrees or place triangles pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment and Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp in a 400 degree oven. 
4. Other healthier options to dip in the Queso dip would be broccoli, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots or carrot sticks, and cauliflower.