Creamy White Queso Dip (Print version)
Rich, creamy white cheese dip with jalapeños and spices, ready in 20 minutes for parties and gatherings.
# What you'll need:
→ Dairy
01 - 2 cups shredded white American cheese
02 - ½ cup whole milk
03 - ¼ cup heavy cream
04 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
05 - 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
06 - ¼ cup canned diced green chilies, 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
# How to make it:
01 - Combine whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a simmer without boiling.
02 - Add cream cheese to the simmering milk mixture, whisking constantly until completely melted and smooth.
03 - Gradually stir in shredded white American cheese, a handful at a time, whisking 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, stirring frequently, until vegetables soften slightly.
05 - Add ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
06 - Reduce heat to low to keep warm, stirring occasionally. If the dip thickens too much, whisk in a small splash of milk. Serve warm with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a nacho topping.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- Ready in just 20 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
- That restaurant style texture you can never quite achieve with melted cheese alone
02 -
- White American cheese can be tricky to find at regular grocery stores so ask at the deli counter
- Never let your dairy mixture boil or the proteins will separate and ruin the texture permanently
03 -
- Grate your own cheese from blocks if possible for the smoothest melting texture
- A tiny splash of pickled jalapeño juice adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness