Velveeta is a pasteurized processed cheese product that was introduced in 1928, and has been used as the base for creamy, smooth dips for generations. Because Velveeta cheese melts so smoothly, a Crock-Pot is an effective way to prepare a cheesy appetizer or dip, and it requires little work on your part. In just a few hours, you will have a warm and smooth cheese sauce that you can enjoy on its own or combine with spices to create a tasty dip.
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Crock-Pot
A Crock-Pot — a brand-name, low-temperature electric cooker — is a convenient kitchen tool that allows you to combine your ingredients and let the machine do all the work for you. When you use a Crock-Pot, your food cooks slowly, allowing the the ingredients to meld together to create a flavorful dish. Your Crock-Pot can cook many different kinds of foods, including meat, fish and vegetables. Velveeta cheese is another food that holds up well to the slower cooking time of a Crock-Pot.
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Velveeta vs. Cheese
When you make a cheese dip, you may want a smooth consistency rather than clumps of unevenly melted cheese. Most shredded cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, do not melt evenly, resulting in a dip that is lumpy and inconsistently blended. Velveeta melts into a smooth texture and does not clump together, making it a better choice for dips and sauces. Pamela Rice Hahn, author of "The Everything Slow Cooker Cookbook," notes that Velveeta cheese is not as likely to separate as shredded cheeses either. This will prevent your dip from becoming oily on top, which makes it difficult to keep your cheese well-combined.
Instructions
Cut a 1-pound loaf of Velveeta cheese into small cubes. Place the cubes into your Crock-Pot. Turn the Crock-Pot to low, cover and cook for 30 minutes. Stir the Velveeta cheese cubes, recover and cook until the cheese is completely smooth and melted, about 1 to 2 hours. Turn the heat on your Crock-Pot to warm to keep the cheese smooth and hot without cooking it any further.
Tips
Add spices to your Velveeta cheese to enhance the flavor of your melted cheese. Chili powder or taco seasoning will create a spicy flavor, and rosemary or garlic powder will create a more savory dip or sauce. Include additional ingredients in the Crock-Pot with the Velveeta cheese to create more hearty dips. Add cooked lean ground beef and chopped jalapenos for a taco dip, or add cooked spinach and minced artichoke hearts for a tasty appetizer. Do not cook your Velveeta cheese any longer than it takes to completely melt it. This will dry the cheese out and affect the flavor.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES Kraft: Velveeta Cooks.com: Crockpot Cheese Dip The Everything Slow Cooker Cookbook; Pamela Rice Hahn
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