Copycat Casa Ole Queso

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I made some Copycat Casa Ole Queso to snack on while we wait on 2023 to arrive. I hope you have a very Blessed & Prosperous New Year! Y'all go make you some!
#OurHumbleAbode #CopycatCasaOleQueso #CopycatRecipe #CasaOleQueso #Queso #CheeseDip #YallGoMakeYouSome

Copycat Casa Ole Queso
2 lbs (32 oz) American cheese, grated
1 1/4 cups + 1 1/2 TBSPs water, divided
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1 1/2 TBSPs chopped jalapeno, more or less to your taste

Combine cheese and 1 1/4 cups water in the top of a double boiler, or in a non-stick stock pot and bring to a boil, cooking on medium heat. Stir every couple of minutes. Do not let it stick & burn!
While cheese is melting, combine onion, celery, bell pepper & jalapeno in a saucepan with 1 1/2 TBSPs water. Saute over medium heat until onions begin to get translucent. When cheese is melted & smooth, add vegetables & mix thoroughly. Simmer 5 minutes. Make ahead of time if possible. The flavors will mingle with time. Keep leftovers refrigerated. It can also be frozen.