Bacon Jalapeño Queso [Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free]
Bacon Jalapeño Queso
Keto | Low Carb | Gluten Free
Ooey gooey goodness - this indulgent version of queso dip takes it up a notch! Loaded with bacon and jalapeño, this is some SERIOUS queso….and its Keto and gluten-free, and not thickened with any flour. This is a must-try for your next party or taco night.
INGREDIENTS:
Ingredients:
1 - White or Yellow Onion, chopped
4 cloves - Garlic, chopped
1 to 5 - Jalapeños, chopped (depending on your desired spice level)
12 oz package - Bacon (look for no-sugar bacon)
1/2 tsp - Sea Salt
1 tsp - Cumin
1/4 tsp - Liquid Smoke (optional)
1 cup - Heavy Whipping Cream
12 oz (3/4 lb) - Yellow America Cheese, sliced (TIP: Get it at the deli counter, not the individually-wrapped slices)
10 oz ball - Oaxaca Cheese (TIP: If you can’t find this, use fresh mozzarella instead)
1/2 cup (about half can) - Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, liquid drained from can
Optional: Serve with Fried Low-carb Tortilla Chips (just cut and fry low-carb tortillas in avocado oil); Pork Rinds; Cut veggies; or serve on top of your favorite tacos, nachos, or even on top of steak
DIRECTIONS:
Prep your ingredients first, by chopping the onion, garlic, and jalapeño, Then cube up the Oaxaca cheese into 1/2” cubes, and set aside.
In a large skillet on Medium heat, fry the entire package of bacon until crispy (note, you may need to do this in two batches). Set the crispy bacon aside, but leave the bacon grease in the pan.
Add the chopped veggies, salt, cumin, and liquid smoke to the hot pan, and sauté for 3 minutes to soften and lightly brown the veggies. While the veggies brown, roughly chop the bacon into little pieces, and set aside.
Turn the heat down to medium-low, and add in the heavy cream and both cheeses. Continuously stir the pot until all the cheese is melted, and the color is uniform. Turn the heat down to Low, and continue stirring until the queso is just starting to bubble evenly. Make sure the bottom doesn’t burn by scraping the bottom as you stir. Add the canned tomatoes/chilies, as well as the majority of the chopped bacon (just reserve a little bacon for the top). Stir well to combine.
Keep the queso warm, stirring regularly, until your’re ready to serve it. Or you can keep it in the oven at 225 degrees (F) until you’re ready to serve. Then top with the remaining bacon. Serve with your favorite sides, like chips, pork rinds, or veggies.