Queso Dip (Printable)

Experience a creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy dip, ideal for game day gatherings or Super Bowl parties. A delicious appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
05 - 2 tbsp cream cheese

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 small jalapeño, finely diced, seeds removed for less heat
07 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced
08 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
14 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 tbsp sliced green onions

# Directions:

01 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and jalapeño; cook, stirring constantly, until softened, approximately 2 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Pour in milk and add cream cheese. Whisk vigorously until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is smooth.
04 - Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and sauce reaches velvety consistency.
05 - Mix in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
06 - Stir in diced tomato and cook for 1 minute just to warm through.
07 - Transfer queso to a serving bowl or warm slow cooker. Garnish with cilantro and green onions if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 20 minutes flat but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • The texture is restaurant smooth and creamy, never grainy or separated
  • It stays perfectly velvety in a slow cooker for hours during parties
02 -
  • Never use pre shredded cheese—the anti caking coating prevents smooth melting and gives you a gritty texture
  • Keep the heat at medium or lower; high heat makes cheese separate and turn into an oily mess
  • If the dip gets too thick, stir in warm milk one tablespoon at a time until silky again
03 -
  • Grate your cheese from blocks while it's cold—it's much easier to handle and melts more evenly
  • Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking because once you start melting cheese, you can't walk away
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