Halloween , Chorizo , Queso , Poblano , Cast Iron , Party Dip
Best for: A warm dip to share at a Halloween cookout.
Charred tomatoes and poblanos give this bubbling cheese dip real grill flavor. Pork chorizo adds richness, while blue corn chips make a simple Halloween pairing.
Grill: Two-zone, 400°F. Equipment: Tongs, covered bowl, 10-inch cast-iron skillet, thermometer. Course: Appetizer / Dip.
Ingredients
30–35 minutes Total: 45–50 minutes.
- 1 large poblano pepper
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, halved
- 2 teaspoons neutral oil
- 8 ounces raw Mexican-style pork chorizo, casings removed
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 can (12 fluid ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack, freshly shredded
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 10 ounces blue corn tortilla chips, for serving
Directions
Preheat the grill. Coat poblano and tomato halves with oil. Grill poblano 8–10 minutes, turning until blistered; grill tomatoes 5–6 minutes, turning once until softened and marked.
Cover the poblano in a bowl for 5 minutes, then peel loose skin and remove stem and seeds. Dice pepper and tomatoes, retaining tomato juices.
Meanwhile, cook chorizo and onion in the skillet over moderate direct heat for 8–10 minutes, breaking up the meat, until chorizo reaches 160°F. Spoon off excess rendered fat.
Whisk evaporated milk and cornstarch until smooth. Add to the skillet with tomatoes, poblano, and cumin. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring, about 3–5 minutes, until lightly thickened.
Move to indirect heat. Add cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until each melts, about 4–5 minutes. Do not boil once the cheese is added; remove from heat if it bubbles vigorously.
Scatter with cilantro and serve on a heatproof trivet with blue corn chips. Stir occasionally as guests scoop.
Grilling tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than packaged pre-shredded cheese. Use indirect heat to keep the dip from separating.
Allergens: Milk; check sausage and chips.
