Go Back
Homemade Zucchini Relish Queso Dip (Game Day) recipe photo

Zucchini Relish Queso Dip (Game Day)

This Zucchini Relish Queso Dip is a fresh, cheesy, and flavorful game day hit packed with veggies, melty cheeses, and smoky turkey bacon!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheesy, Easy, Game Day, Turkey Bacon, Vegetables
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded zucchini drained
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes fresh or canned, drained
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
  • tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

  • Shred the zucchini and drain thoroughly by pressing or squeezing out moisture using a fine mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel to avoid a watery dip. Dice the tomatoes and drain excess liquid if canned. Chop the onion and dice the green bell pepper into small pieces.

Cook the Turkey Bacon

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and drain excess fat on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Combine Cheeses

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until blended.

Mix Vegetables and Seasonings

  • Add drained shredded zucchini, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and diced green bell pepper to the cheese mixture. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well incorporated.

Heat the Dip

  • Transfer mixture to a microwave-safe dish or small baking dish. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Add Turkey Bacon and Serve

  • Fold in most of the crumbled turkey bacon, reserving some for garnish. Stir, top with remaining bacon, and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Fine-Mesh Sieve
  • Microwave-safe Dish
  • Paper Towels

Notes

  • Drain shredded zucchini thoroughly to prevent a runny dip.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the dip's heat level.
  • Softening cream cheese ensures smoother melting and better texture.
  • Use turkey bacon for a smoky flavor while keeping the dip lighter.
  • Reheat leftovers gently and stir in a splash of milk if dip thickens after cooling.