But I'm from Arkansas, and we don't have much to be proud of in the Natural State, besides the Clintons (obvs), natural diamond mines, and the gorgeous Ozarks. So if someone thinks we invented cheese dip, we'll take it. Regardless, cheese dip is immensely popular in Arkansas. I grew up on Pancho's Cheese Dip, a locally famous queso that got its start in the Pancho's regional restaurant chain in the 1950s. Nothing, and I mean nothing, could come close to the awesomeness that is Pancho's Cheese Dip.
It's served in the Pancho's restaurants around the Mid-South, and it's also sold in stores. And even though I'm not in Arkansas anymore, downtown Memphis is only about two minutes from the Arkansas state line, so the influence of cheese dip has certainly bled over. Folks in Memphis love their cheese dip — specifically their Pancho's Cheese Dip — too.
Well, awhile back, I was visiting my parents in Jonesboro, Arkansas. And we were having a nacho night or taco night or something like that. And my mama decided to try making a vegan version of Pancho's Cheese Dip. And she nailed it! I got her recipe, and now that I know cheese dip has such a fascinating history, I've decided to use it in my retro vegan cookbook.
I made it again this weekend for a little gathering at a friend's house. It was a huge hit, even with the non-vegans.
Because everyone needs an awesome vegan cheese dip recipe in their lives, I'm not keeping this one secret until the book comes out. I'm gonna give it to you right now. But let's be honest — you know you're craving cheese dip this very second. You're welcome.
Arkansas-Style Vegan Cheese Dip
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Makes 3 1/2 cups
1 8-ounce container of vegan cream cheese (I used Tofutti)
2 cups vegan shredded cheddar cheese (I used Daiya)
1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes & green chiles
1/2 cup plant milk, unsweetened
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Put all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high, stirring often, until the cheese shreds and cream cheese are melted and smooth.
Transfer the dip to a blender and process until very creamy.
Serve warm. I transferred my dip to a mini-crock pot for the potluck, but you can microwave it just before serving as well.
I must admit I had never thought of the origins of cheese dip before. Besides fondue, obviously, which is a different beast altogether but really the only sort of cheese dip that I knew of in Australia as a kid. Not that we had fondue very often.
ReplyDeleteYour mum's recipe sounds great!
Hey,
ReplyDeleteYou just back some wonderful memories with this post. Yes folks in Arkansas love the cheese dip! When we lived in Fayetteville, AR we quickly adopted it the habit.
Thank you!
I remember my aunt in Pine Bluff (heart of Arkansas) making cheese dip with cheese and green chilis and tomatoes about thirty years ago. I was a big Velveeta and Rotel person over the years and since going vegan have tried several recipes to mimic my favorite one but haven't found one yet. Can't wait to try your mother's recipe, thanks!
ReplyDeleteDeeply in love with cheese dip!!!! Love this great recipe so much!! Thanks for the sharing.
ReplyDelete