Cheese dip is a warm, melted-cheese mixture, often cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a processed cheese like Velveeta thinned with milk or cream, served as a dip for tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables. It is closely associated with Tex-Mex and Southwestern American cooking, flavored with chili powder, cumin, and often chorizo or salsa, and served alongside dishes such as tacos or nachos. It differs from a cheese sauce mainly in serving context and thickness: a dip is served as a stand-alone, room-temperature-stable dish rather than poured hot over a plated dish.