Did you know that one serving (4 oz) of Chili con Queso contains 262 calories? This popular Tex-Mex dish is a favorite for its rich, cheesy flavor, but it's important to be mindful of its nutritional value.

In addition to its calorie count, one serving of Chili con Queso also contains 18g of fat, 11g of protein, and 11g of carbohydrates. It's also high in sodium and contains 16% of your daily recommended calcium intake.

In this article, we'll explore some tips for preparing and serving Chili con Queso, as well as important allergen information and health considerations to keep in mind.

Calories per serving

As mentioned earlier, one serving (4 oz) of Chili con Queso contains 262 calories. While this may not seem high, it's important to keep in mind that this is just for one small serving. If you're trying to limit your calorie intake, you may want to consider reducing your portion size or choosing a lower-calorie dip option. However, if you're looking for a flavorful treat to enjoy in moderation, Chili con Queso can certainly fit the bill.

Fat content

With 18g of fat per serving, Chili con Queso is definitely not a low-fat option. However, not all fats are created equal, and this dish contains a good amount of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Still, if you're watching your fat intake, it's important to be mindful of how much Chili con Queso you're consuming. You could also try making a homemade version with reduced-fat cheese and milk to lower the fat content.

Protein content

Chili con Queso contains 11g of protein per serving, which can help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Protein is also important for muscle growth and repair. If you're looking to boost the protein content of this dish, you could try adding some seasoned ground beef, black beans, or shredded chicken. Just be mindful of how these additions may impact the overall nutritional value of your Chili con Queso.

Carbohydrate content

With 11g of carbohydrates per serving, Chili con Queso is a fairly moderate carb choice. However, if you're following a low-carb diet, it's important to keep in mind that this dish does contain some carbs. You could try serving your Chili con Queso with some low-carb vegetables like celery or bell peppers to help balance out the carb content. Or, if you're looking for a low-carb alternative, you may want to try making a dip with cream cheese, sour cream, and herbs instead.

Sodium content

One serving of Chili con Queso contains a whopping 744mg of sodium, which is over 30% of your daily recommended intake. This can be a concern if you're trying to limit your salt intake or if you have high blood pressure. To help reduce the sodium content of your Chili con Queso, you could try using low-sodium cheese and canned tomatoes, or seasoning your dip with fresh herbs and spices instead. You could also try serving your Chili con Queso with some crudites or whole-grain crackers to help dilute the sodium content.

Calcium content

Chili con Queso contains 16% of your daily recommended calcium intake per serving, thanks to its high cheese content. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle function. If you're looking to up the calcium content of your Chili con Queso even further, you could try using a calcium-fortified cheese or serving your dip with some calcium-rich vegetables like broccoli or kale. However, if you're lactose intolerant, you may want to be cautious about consuming too much dairy-based dip.

Preparation tips

To prepare Chili con Queso at home, you'll need some basic ingredients like cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), canned tomatoes with green chilies, milk, and spices like garlic powder, cumin, and paprika. There are many variations of this recipe, so feel free to experiment with different cheese blends, spiciness levels, and additional ingredients like ground beef or jalapenos. One important tip to keep in mind is to keep your Chili con Queso on a low heat and stir it frequently to prevent the cheese from separating or burning.

Serving suggestions

Chili con Queso is delicious served warm with tortilla chips, but there are many other ways to enjoy this cheesy dip. You could try using it as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or tacos, or spreading it on a burger or sandwich. You could even try using it as a dipping sauce for veggies like raw broccoli or cauliflower for a healthier twist.

Allergen information

Chili con Queso contains dairy (cheese and milk), so it may not be a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. If you are serving this dish to a group, be sure to ask about any food allergies or sensitivities ahead of time so that you can provide alternative options if necessary. You could also try making a vegan or dairy-free version of Chili con Queso using plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.

Health considerations

While Chili con Queso can be a tasty treat, it's important to be mindful of its nutritional value and impact on your overall diet. If you're trying to lose weight, manage your blood sugar, or reduce your salt intake, you may want to limit your consumption of this dish or opt for a lower-calorie or lower-sodium version. However, if you enjoy Chili con Queso in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it can certainly be a delicious and satisfying choice.