Creamy White Queso Dip (Print version)

A smooth, rich cheese dip with diced jalapeños and spices. Great for sharing.

# What you need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups shredded white American cheese (or Monterey Jack)
02 - ½ cup whole milk
03 - ¼ cup heavy cream
04 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

05 - 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
06 - ¼ cup diced green chilies (canned, drained)
07 - ¼ cup finely diced onion
08 - 1 garlic clove, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
10 - ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
11 - Salt and white pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Combine milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a simmer without boiling.
02 - Add cream cheese to the hot milk mixture, whisking until completely melted and smooth.
03 - Gradually stir in shredded white American cheese, a handful at a time. Whisk constantly until fully melted and the dip achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
04 - Stir in diced jalapeño, green chilies, onion, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes with frequent stirring until vegetables soften.
05 - Add ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
06 - Reduce heat to low to keep warm until serving, stirring occasionally. If dip thickens, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen. Serve warm with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a nacho topping.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • This comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for unexpected guests or weeknight cravings
  • The smooth, velvety texture puts grainy jarred queso to shame every single time
02 -
  • Never use high heat or the dairy can separate and turn grainy. Low and slow is the secret to perfectly smooth queso every time.
  • Grating your own cheese from blocks makes a huge difference in texture compared to pre-shredded cheese, which has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
03 -
  • For the silkiest texture, let the shredded cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the hot milk mixture
  • Keep a can of evaporated milk in your pantry as an emergency thinner if the dip gets too thick during a party

Return