Queso

Have you ever been to a party where the queso dip was so smooth and creamy that you couldn’t stop scooping it up with tortilla chips? That’s this dip right here—so cheesy and easy to whip up, it’s the appetizer you’ll have ready in minutes for any gathering.

Make it at home if you ever crave the queso from your favorite Mexican restaurant. It’s such an easy recipe that it might surprise you how similar it tastes. This cheesy dip is creamy and thick enough not to fall off your chips. 

Plus, it’s straightforward to customize. Make it as mild or flaming hot as you want! Even if this is your first time making queso, your dip will be a huge hit! The white queso cheese dip will disappear if you serve it at a party (I suggest making a double batch). 

Why You’ll Love Queso

• Tastes professional – This tastes just like the kind you get at Mexican restaurants. 
• From scratch – This recipe uses real cheese, milk, and bold spices. 
• Popular Game Day Snack – Everyone loves chips and dip. 
• Party Ready – Serve it to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or any party or holiday. 

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

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Even though it tastes authentic, the ingredients are straightforward at the grocery store. You only need a few simple ingredients to make the best queso dip recipe ever. 

• Butter: It’s best to use unsalted butter to control how salty it is. 
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour to thicken the queso. 
• Milk: Whole milk will have the fullest flavor and create a creamy queso dip. 
• American Cheese: You can use yellow or white, but most restaurants use white American cheese. 
• Canned Green Chiles: These add the perfect amount of spice to the queso. 
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a little amps up the spice. 
• Garlic Powder: This rounds out the other flavors. 
• Tortilla Chips: Use your favorite chips for dipping. 
• Pico De Gallo: This is optional and can be a great topping. 

How to Make Queso

• Step One: Heat butter in a small saucepan on medium-low heat until melted. Whisk in flour, then add in milk and half of the cheese.  

• Step Two: Whisk until cheese has melted, then add the remaining cheese. Continue to whisk until bubbly. Cheese sauce should be smooth and creamy. Add in green chilis, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk to combine and cook for one more minute. Serve with tortilla chips and pico de Gallo.

Equipment Needed

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• Small Saucepan 
• Whisk 
• Serving Bowls 

What to Serve with Queso

This homemade queso recipe is the perfect thing to serve at a party. Serve it with these party food recipes. 

• Southwestern Party Nuts 
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Slow Cooker Little Smokies 
• Crockpot Pineapple Ham Balls
• Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs 

Variations and Substitutions

• Pepper Jack Cheese. Increase the spice a bit by adding freshly grated pepper jack cheese. 
• Cream Cheese. A little bit will make it creamier, but it will also make it milder, so you might want to add more green chilies. 
• Heavy Cream instead of milk. This will make it creamier and richer. 
• Evaporated milk. Use this instead of whole milk for a thicker sauce. 

Storage Instructions 

Store leftover queso in a spill-proof and airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to three days.  

Queso Tips and Tricks

• The queso will thicken as it cools. 
• To make the queso thinner, add a splash of milk. 
• American cheese is the best cheese for this recipe. 
• You’ll find white American cheese at the deli counter of most grocery stores. 
• Whisk it continuously so the cheese doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. 

What Is Queso?

Queso is basically a white cheese dip that is spiced with peppers. In Spanish, queso literally means “cheese.” There are different ways to make it. Some are made with toppings; others with just cheese and thickeners. But almost all queso recipes are white cheese sauces spiced with peppers. This popular Tex-Mex dip is usually served with fresh tortilla chips. 

What Kind of Cheese Is Used For Queso? 

Do not use pre-shredded cheese. The anti-caking agents will affect how smooth and creamy the sauce is. For best results, shred your cheese at home. 

You can use different types of cheeses in the dip, but white American cheese is the most common kind that is used. Try it with Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, or Colby Jack. 

Add-Ins

Add your favorite secret ingredient to the queso – there is a lot of room for creativity. You can make chile con queso by adding some ground beef and spiced with taco seasoning. Or mix some pinto beans or chopped serrano pepper into it.  

Toppings

This is the fun part! Add some chopped green onions as a garnish. Or sprinkle a drained can of Rotel on top of the hot cheese dip. Other people might add a few black beans, jalapeno pepper slices, or a dollop of sour cream on top. 

Dipping Ideas For Queso 

Most people will use tortilla chips to dip into the queso. There are other ideas you can try, too! Serve the queso with corn chips or even some pork rinds for dipping. 

Why Is My Queso Grainy? 

Most queso dips will turn grainy if the cheese is added to a bubbling mixture of milk, flour, and butter. Do not overheat the milk and flour mixture. Add your cheese to a simmering – but not bubbly – mixture. 

How To Thicken 

Making a slurry with cornstarch and milk is an easy way to thicken your homemade queso dip. The best ratio for this slurry is 1:1, so start out with one tablespoon of each. Heat it, let it cool, and then see how well it thickens before adding more. 

How To Reheat 

Reheat the queso over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir it constantly, and then serve it when it is thoroughly heated through. 

How To Make It Spicy

Add a little bit of chili powder to the queso to kick up the spice. If it’s still not hot enough, add your favorite hot sauce and mix it in really well. 

Can I Make It In A Crockpot? 

Yes, you can make queso in a slow cooker. Add everything to the Crock Pot, stir it well, and turn it low. Cook it for about four hours. 

FAQ

Mexican Inspired Recipes          

Want to make more Mexican recipes at home? Here are some of my favorites:

• Mexican Tater Tot Casserole 
• Tex Mex Spinach Dip
• Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Mexican Stuffed Peppers

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