Table of Contents

Velveeta Green Chilies Cheese Spread: A Culinary Time Machine

The scent alone transports me back to childhood. It’s the unmistakable, comforting aroma of Velveeta melting into a creamy pool, punctuated by the subtle tang of green chilies. My grandmother, a woman who believed everything tasted better from a jar, always had a batch of this cheese spread tucked away in her pantry. Saturday afternoons were often spent dipping crisp tortilla chips into its warm, cheesy embrace, a simple pleasure that forged a lasting culinary memory. Making this spread now, years later, feels like a warm hug from the past, a connection to simpler times and the unwavering love of family.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 10 half-pint jars or 5-6 pint jars
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

4 lbs Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, mild
1 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup vinegar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
4 additional ounces evaporated milk (optional, for a creamier consistency)

Equipment Needed

Double boiler
Clean 10 half-pint jars or 5-6 pint jars with seals and lids
Ladle
Hot sterile cloth
Large pot for boiling water bath
Towel

Instructions

Prepare your double boiler. If you don’t have one, you can create one by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, diced green chilies, and evaporated milk to the top of the double boiler.
Gently melt the ingredients over medium heat, stirring frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is well blended. This process usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Be patient and stir consistently to prevent sticking or burning.
Once the cheese mixture is smooth, add the vinegar, salt, and dry mustard.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in color and consistency.
While the cheese mixture is melting, prepare your jars. Wash the 10 half-pint jars or 5-6 pint jars, along with their seals and lids, in hot, soapy water. Rinse them well and then sterilize them by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can sterilize them in a dishwasher with a sterilizing cycle.
Keep the sterilized jars hot until you are ready to fill them.
Once the cheese mixture is ready and the jars are sterilized, carefully ladle the hot cheese mixture into the jars, leaving at least one inch of headspace at the top. Do not fill the jars completely to the top.
After filling each jar, use a hot, sterile cloth to wipe the rims of the jars clean. This ensures a proper seal.
Place the sterilized lids and rings on the jars, tightening the rings fingertip tight.
Place the filled and sealed jars in a boiling hot water bath. The water should completely cover the jars by at least one inch.
Bring the water back to a rolling boil and process the jars for 15 minutes. This ensures proper preservation.
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a towel-lined surface away from drafts.
As the jars cool, you should hear a “pop” sound, indicating that the jars have sealed properly. The lid should also be indented in the center.
Once the jars are completely cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it doesn’t move, the jar is sealed. If it flexes, the jar did not seal properly and should be refrigerated and used promptly.
Note: If you desire a more creamy cheese spread, add 4 more ounces of evaporated milk during step 2. This will result in a smoother, more decadent final product.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Cheese Quality: While the recipe calls for Velveeta, you can experiment with other processed cheese spreads, but be mindful of the salt content, as some may be saltier than others. Adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Chili Heat: Adjust the type of green chilies to control the spice level. Mild, medium, or hot varieties can be used depending on your preference. You can even use a combination for a nuanced flavor.
Preventing Scorching: To avoid scorching the cheese in the double boiler, stir it frequently and maintain a low, consistent heat. Adding a small amount of butter or oil to the bowl can also help.
Jar Sterilization: Proper sterilization is crucial for safe canning. Ensure your jars are thoroughly cleaned and boiled for the recommended time to eliminate bacteria.
Headspace is Key: Leaving the correct amount of headspace is essential for a proper seal. Too little headspace can prevent the jar from sealing, while too much can cause spoilage.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Velveeta Green Chilies Cheese Spread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables for dipping. It’s also delicious spread on fried potatoes, baked potatoes, cooked cauliflower, or broccoli.

Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening. Properly sealed jars can last for up to a year. Once opened, the spread should be consumed within 1-2 weeks. If you didn’t get a proper seal on your jar, store in the refrigerator immediately and use within 1 week.

To reheat the spread, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

Nutritional Information

Estimated Nutrition per Serving (based on 36 servings)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	162 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	103 g	64%
Total Fat	11.5 g	17%
Saturated Fat	7.5 g	37%
Cholesterol	41.9 mg	13%
Sodium	920.1 mg	38%
Total Carbohydrate	5.8 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	4.1 g	16%
Protein	8.7 g	17%

Variations & Substitutions

Spice It Up: For a spicier spread, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano for a more complex flavor profile.
Smoked Cheese: Substitute a portion of the Velveeta with smoked Gouda or Cheddar for a smoky dimension.
Vegetarian Option: Although Velveeta is technically pasteurized cheese product, be sure to check the label of the ingredients you use to make sure they are vegetarian-friendly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh chilies instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh green chilies, but you will need to roast, peel, and dice them before adding them to the cheese mixture. Adjust the quantity to match the amount in the canned chilies.

Q: My cheese spread is too thick. What can I do?
A: Add a little more evaporated milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: How do I know if my jars have sealed properly?
A: After cooling, the lid should be indented in the center and not flex when pressed. If the lid flexes, the jar did not seal properly and should be refrigerated and consumed promptly.

Q: Can I freeze this cheese spread?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the cheese and make it grainy.

Q: Can I use a water bath canner instead of a regular pot?
A: Yes, a water bath canner is ideal for this recipe, as it is designed for safe home canning. Just make sure the jars are fully submerged in the water.

Final Thoughts

This Velveeta Green Chilies Cheese Spread is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey back to comforting flavors and cherished memories. Gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and let the aroma of melting cheese fill your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. Whether you’re serving it to friends, family, or simply enjoying it yourself, this cheese spread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try it and share your feedback. Perhaps pair it with some homemade salsa and a crisp margarita for the ultimate snack experience!

Velveeta Green Chilies Cheese Spread Recipe