Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly smooth, this queso blanco dip is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Made with a blend of creamy cheeses, spices, and just the right kick of heat, itโs perfect for dipping tortilla chips or drizzling over nachos, tacos, and more. Quick to make and incredibly satisfying, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party or movie night.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy texture thatโs perfect for dipping.
- Packed with bold, savory flavors.
- Simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Customizable to your preferred level of heat.
- Ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- White American cheese
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Diced green chiles
- Jalapeรฑo, finely chopped
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ground cumin
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Shred the white American cheese and Pepper Jack cheese for smooth melting.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil.
- Gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring constantly to melt.
- Stir in the diced green chiles, jalapeรฑo, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin.
- Continue stirring until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Transfer the queso blanco to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 8 servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Version: Add more jalapeรฑo or include a dash of hot sauce.
- Milder Version: Use Monterey Jack cheese instead of Pepper Jack and omit the jalapeรฑo.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked, crumbled chorizo or seasoned ground beef.
- Extra Veggies: Add finely diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or black beans for additional flavor and texture.
- Crockpot Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover queso blanco in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
Itโs best to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
What type of green chiles should I use?
Canned diced green chiles work well for convenience, but fresh roasted and diced green chiles provide extra flavor.
How do I prevent my queso from becoming grainy?
Heat the mixture over low to medium-low heat and stir constantly to ensure smooth melting.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
Is there a dairy-free option for queso blanco?
You can try dairy-free cheeses and plant-based milk, but the texture and flavor may vary.
What can I serve with queso blanco dip?
Serve it with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, soft pretzels, or drizzle over tacos, nachos, or burrito bowls.
Can I double the recipe for a large gathering?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and prepare in a larger saucepan or slow cooker.
How do I keep the queso warm during a party?
Transfer the dip to a small slow cooker or a warming tray to keep it warm and creamy.
Can I add other seasonings?
Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, chili powder, or a dash of cayenne for added flavor.
Why is my queso too thick?
If the dip thickens too much, add a little extra milk or cream while reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
This queso blanco dip is the ultimate cheesy indulgence thatโs perfect for any occasion. Whether youโre hosting a party, enjoying a game night, or simply craving a delicious snack, this creamy dip will satisfy every craving. Serve it warm with your favorite dippers and watch it disappear in no time!
Print
The BEST Queso Blanco Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Condiment
- Method: Chopped, No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and easy fresh salsa is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or topping your favorite Mexican dishes. Made with ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, itโs a quick and healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 6 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeรฑo peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeรฑos, cilantro, and garlic.
- Add the lime juice, salt, cumin (if using), and black pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the salsa in a food processor or blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Use Roma or plum tomatoes for less watery salsa.
- Adjust jalapeรฑos based on your spice preference.
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