If I had to pick one nostalgic food that reminds me of family gatherings at my grandma’s house, it would be Rotel Cheese Dip. Made with Velveeta cheese, rotel tomatoes and spices—this dip is easy to make for your next party. You can make this in a slow cooker (or crock pot) or simply in a large pot or skillet on the stovetop. With only 2 basic ingredients this party dip could not be easier to make!
Related: Check out our Chalupas, Pico De Gallo, Homemade Salsa, Avocado Salsa, Guacamole, Taco Dip, or Buffalo Chicken Dip.
What is Rotel Cheese Dip?
I’ve seen people call this different things, like “cowboy dip” or “ugly dip,” but in our family, we just call it Rotel. It’s made of Velveeta, a can of Rotel tomatoes, and a couple spices and herbs.
Rotel Dip Ingredients
- Velveeta cheese – processed cheese
- Rotel tomatoes – Mexican style canned tomatoes
- Water – to make the dip thinner so it’s less like a spread
- Chili powder
- Cayenne – optional but I love a little spice
- Cilantro – fresh
How to make Rotel Dip
My grandmother usually makes this in a crockpot (or slow cooker) by adding all the ingredients and cooking on low until melted. This is a great option if you want to have this dip sitting out, but still warm during a longer party or gathering.
Another option is to make Rotel cheese dip on the stovetop. You just add all the ingredients to a pan and melt on low heat, stirring every now and again.
Can You Make Rotel Cheese Dip Without Velveeta?
I will be the first to admit that we always make this with Velveeta (processed cheese). It’s not an ingredient I use often—in fact, this is probably one of the only recipes I use it in. But there’s just something a little nostalgic about it to me.
That being said, you can substitute the processed cheese for cream cheese and a little shredded cheddar. The consistency will be a little different, but it’s still delicious.
My family typically makes this dip without meat. But, if you want to add some cooked ground beef, sausage, or a vegetarian ground meat to this dip, it’s a great addition!
And, I’m curious, how many of you make this dip at family get-togethers? I sort of think of it as a Midwest thing, but honestly I am not even sure that’s true.
So, let me know in the comments if your family makes a version of this too. xo. Emma
Rotel Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes 10 ounces
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 1-2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a medium size pan or pot, add the cubed cheese, Rotel (do not drain), chili powder, cayenne, and a little salt and pepper.
- Melt on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once melted, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to thin slightly.
- Stir in the cilantro. Add more salt and pepper if desired.