This Easy Queso Recipe Comes Together in Just 30 Minutes
If you’ve ever been to a Mexican restaurant and ordered a bowl of queso for dipping—and then wondered how to make it at home—this easy queso recipe is for you.
What Is Queso?
Let’s start by covering the basics. Queso simply means “cheese” in Spanish and is typically made with a variety of cheeses including Monterey Jack, cheddar or American cheese. It can also contain green chilies, jalapenos or a mix of both and can even include diced tomatoes. To make the best queso at home, you’ll want to shred the cheese yourself from the block.
Are There Different Types of Queso?
There are certainly a lot of variations of queso dip and you can play around with them once you perfect the base. Some dips include diced chilies and tomatoes while others include cooked meat. You can include taco meat or crumbled chorizo for a spicy finish. You might also try different cheeses, such as cream cheese or Velveeta, for different consistencies. Toppings also can create variations, such as sour cream, diced tomatoes or freshly chopped cilantro.
How to Make Queso Dip
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup whole milk
2-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Tortilla chips
Chopped tomato and sliced jalapeno pepper, optional
Tools You’ll Need
Chef's Knife
Mixing Spoon
Chip and Dip Bowl Set
A sharp knife will help you dice the onions and mince the garlic before cooking. This Zwilling J.A. Henckels Chef’s Knife is a great all-purpose knife at an affordable price.
A sturdy mixing spoon will help you saute the garlic and onions and also whisk in the cheese and milk to make your dip smooth and creamy.
Serving your chips and dip in a combination bowl is the best way to present your queso. This unbreakable chip and dip bowl set is the perfect way to serve queso to guests.
Instructions
Step 1: Saute onion and garlic
In a saucepan, heat butter over medium-high heat; saute onion and garlic until tender. Then, add the chilies; cook and stir for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in milk
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and milk until smooth; stir into onion mixture. Bring to a boil. Now you want to cook and stir gently until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Add in cheese and melt
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheeses. You should add in small amounts and allow cheese to melt between additions. You want to make sure the cheese is melted through for the perfect dipping consistency!
If desired, top with tomato and jalapeno. Serve warm with chips.
Tips for Easy Homemade Queso
How to make queso thicker: If you want to make your queso thicker, use more cornstarch and water. Mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch along with 2 tablespoons of the queso dip in a small bowl. Gradually add the thickener back into the queso dip and stir to incorporate.
How to make queso smoother: To keep your queso dip smooth and creamy, add in small amounts of milk while cooking and be sure to whisk well to avoid lumps. If it gets too thick and chunky once you’ve served the dip, you can put the bowl into the microwave for 20-30 seconds to melt it again.
How to make queso healthier: There are a variety of ways to make queso dip healthier including use of low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt and skim milk.
How to Store Queso
I always question the best way to store leftovers and how long will leftovers last. To store extra queso, you’ll want to allow it to cool and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep the queso in your refrigerator for 2-3 days.
You can also freeze extra queso by placing it into an airtight storage container or plastic zip-closure bas and then place in the freezer. To thaw, place the queso in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and then warm slowly in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What to Pair with Queso
The dip is perfect on its own, of course, but it can also be added on top of nachos or in these Queso Pork Enchiladas. Don’t miss all our mix-ins and meal ideas to upgrade your queso!
Our All-Time Best Cheesy Dip Recipes
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Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip
This creamy dip is oozing with cheesy goodness thanks to the combination of cream cheese and mozzarella. We topped ours with pepperoni slices, but you can easily customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. This is just one more delicious way to use your cast-iron pan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Corn Chip Chili Cheese Dip
After trying to create a Mexican soup, I ended up with this outstanding dip. My husband and two young children love it, and so do guests at football game days or family gatherings. —Sandra Fick, Lincoln, Nebraska
Hot Bacon Cheese Dip
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Editor's Pick: Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Dip
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Beer Dip
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Jalapeno Popper Spread
I've been told by fellow party-goers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This slightly spicy dip cleverly captures the flavor of buffalo chicken wings. Using canned chicken adds to the convenience. —Allyson, DiLascio, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
Championship Bean Dip
My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. I've given out this recipe a hundred times. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska
Editor's Pick: Vegetarian Buffalo Dip
A friend made Buffalo chicken dip and that got me thinking about creating a vegetarian dip with the same flavors. This addictive dip is so amazing, no one will miss the meat. —Amanda Silvers, Old Fort, Tennessee
Paddy's Reuben Dip
This slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
Tuscan Sausage & Bean Dip
This is a spinoff of a Mexican dip I had once. The original was wicked good, but since I was going through an "I’m-so-over-Mexican-dip" phase, I decided to switch it up. Take it to a party—I'll bet you no one else will bring anything like it! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Hot Crab Dip
I have six children and one grandchild, work full-time, and coach soccer and football. So I appreciate recipes like this one that are easy to assemble. The rich, creamy dip is a fun appetizer for holiday gatherings. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Baked Crab Dip
We enjoyed this exquisite crab dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even fill the bread bowl early in the day and chill it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
Beefy Taco Dip
This taco dip is actually a combination of several different recipes I received from friends. I just experimented until I came up with my favorite. It's always a hit, no matter where I take it. —Faye Parker, Bedford, Nova Scotia
Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Everyone will simply devour this savory and delicious dip with shredded chicken throughout. The spicy kick makes it a perfect football-watching food, and the recipe always brings raves. —Janice Foltz, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Cheddar-Bacon Dip
Both children and adults enjoy this dip. I like it, too—it's so quick and easy to prepare. I make it for special occasions…birthdays, Christmas parties and more. —Carol Werkman, Neerlandia, Alberta
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Creamy Taco Dip
You'll know this snack is a hit at your next gathering when you come home with an empty pan! —Denise Smith, Lusk, Wyoming
Chunky Blue Cheese Dip
Every time I make this quick blue cheese dip, someone asks for the recipe. It only requires a few items, so its a snap to put together. I often prepare the thick spread with Gorgonzola cheese and serve it with toasted pecans. —Sandy Schneider Naperville, Illinois
Hot Pizza Dip
You can assemble this effortless appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza-flavored dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
Creamy Artichoke Dip
My sister Teresa got this recipe from a friend and she passed it along. It's loaded with cheese, artichokes and just the right amount of jalapenos for a crowd-pleasing flavor. —Mary Spencer, Greendale, Wisconsin
Slow Cooker Mexican Dip
My husband, Jamie, and I love to entertain and this hearty, 7-ingredient dip is always a hit…as well as a request. It couldn’t be much easier to put together, and using our slow cooker leaves us free to share some quality time with our guests. After all, isn't that the purpose of a holiday party? —Heather Courtney, Ames, Iowa
Baked Onion Dip
Some people like this cheesy dip so much that they can't tear themselves away from the appetizer table to eat their dinner. But can you blame them? With two kinds of cheese and sweet onions in the mix, this ultra creamy dip is unforgettable. —Mona Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin
Baked Spinach Dip Loaf
Any round loaf works as a serving bowl for this cream-cheesy dip, with spinach, cheddar, water chestnuts and, yes, bacon. Scoop the dip with the extra bread and veggies—then eat the bowl! —Frieda Meding, Trochu, Alberta
Cheesy Beef Taco Dip
Try this recipe for a warm, hearty snack with a bit of a kick. It's a hit with my family, and guests rave about it, too. Ideal for parties, it makes a big potful. The only "utensil" you'll need to serve it with is a brimming bowl of tortilla chips. —Carol Smith, Sanford, North Carolina
Baked Onion Cheese Dip
This cheddar-Vidalia dip gets a nice kick from an added cup of pepper Jack cheese. It's fun to serve with an assortment of crackers and breadsticks. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Chili con Queso
Years ago, my husband invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I have to say it's excellent. If you like heat, rev it up with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Layered BLT Dip
When I throw a party for friends, I whip up this addictive layered three-cheese dip. Somehow, it’s always gone within the first 20 minutes. —Jade Bennett, Kingwood, Texas
Lemony Bacon-Artichoke Dip
Move over, spinach-artichoke dip! Bacon adds an extra layer of smokiness to this fabulous recipe. You might want to double the recipe because you probably won't have any leftovers. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
White Pizza Dip
I first served this dip during a Super Bowl party, and boy, did it disappear fast. It's a great addition to a snack table because it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to pop it in the oven.—Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
Hot Collards and Artichoke Dip
Anyone can pull off spinach and artichoke dip—so brighten it up using collard greens for a southern twist. Serve this dish with warm garlic naan or tortilla chips. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland
Warm Feta Cheese Dip
We’re big on appetizers, so this dip is a mashup of our favorite tastes, like cream cheese, feta, basil and sweet peppers. Serve with bread or chips. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Tex-Mex Dip
Sit back and relax with your family while enjoying this creamy dip. Colorful and festive, it's easy to put together ahead of time, which makes it perfect for game day. — Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use your favorite beer or ale, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Hot Cheese Dip
This recipe started at school—I'm a teacher, and when a colleague brought Hot Cheese Dip to our regular staff potluck, I immediately gave it an A-plus. —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
Ground Beef Taco Dip
Beef up your snack game and serve this easy taco dip with meat. Full of classic flavors, it's a little extra satisfaction for those football-day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Vidalia Onion Swiss Dip
I’ve got one of those sweet, creamy dips you can't resist. Bake it in the oven, or use the slow cooker to make it ooey-gooey marvelous. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Warm Broccoli Cheese Dip
When my family gathers for a party, someone serves this flavorful, creamy dip. Everyone loves its zip from the jalapeno pepper and the crunch of the broccoli. —Barbara Maiol, Conyers, Georgia
Cheesy BBQ Beef Dip
Barbecued beef dip is a holiday staple in our house. My husband can't get enough! —Selena Swafford, Dalton, Georgia
Campers Favorite Dip
Our family craves this cheesy chili dip so much we make two batches, especially for the guys. If you’re not grilling out, bake it in the oven. —Valorie Ebie, Bel Aire, Kansas
Chili Queso Dip
I’ve had this recipe for more than 42 years, but have updated it from time to time. This is an easy party favorite, and everyone loves the taquito dippers. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Bacon-Ranch Spinach Dip
During the hectic holiday season, my slow cooker works overtime. I fill it with a savory bacon dip and watch everyone line up for a helping. Keep the recipe in mind for tailgating, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Southwestern Bean Dip
Just by using different types of beans, you can make this dip as spicy as you like it. My family could eat this as a complete meal. —Jeanne Shear, Sabetha, Kansas
Cheesy Pizza Fondue
While I was growing up, I would sit for hours reading cookbooks from cover to cover. I've carried that love of cooking with me through the years. I found this recipe when we lived in Wisconsin. - Julie Barwick, Mansfield, Ohio.
Lasagna Dip
My lasagna noodle chips turned out great and are out-of-this-world crispy. And the dip truly tastes like rich, cheesy Italian-American lasagna. —Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
Jalapeno Crab Dip
Set this appetizer dip out for a football game, birthday party or even for an elegant holiday get-together. It's so worth the effort! —Erin Conner, Riverside, California
Blue Cheese Onion Dip
I decided to tweak the onion soup dip you see at every gathering, and everyone seems to be glad I did. Serve with crisp, raw vegetables or potato chips, and you’re set. —Vicki Desy, Tucson, Arizona
Cheesy Chicken Taco Dip
We're huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn't missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, California
Slow-Cooker Artichoke-Spinach Dip
Little extras, like crumbled feta and red wine vinegar, take this creamy dip of artichoke hearts, spinach and Parmesan to the next level. Just throw the whole nine yards into a slow cooker and this dip is good to go on game day. —Alyssa Janis, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Crab & Artichoke Dip
Nearly every time my girlfriends and I get together, we dip into this rich and creamy snack and our favorite bottle of wine. It’s so convenient to use the slow cooker to make this recipe—it’s a perfect fit for our relaxed friends nights. —Connie McKinney, Marshall, Missouri
Chipotle Ham 'n' Cheese Dip
During the busy holiday season, you just can't beat convenient slow cooker recipes like this that let you visit with guests instead of working away in the kitchen. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Hot Chipotle Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Lime
I make spinach and artichoke dip for party guests all the time, but I wanted to give it a Mexican twist. I amped up this app with smoky chipotle chilies and tangy lime for an unexpected kick. —Joseph A. Sciascia, San Mateo, California
Gruesome Greek Dip
Guests will help themselves to seconds of this savory dip that features shrimp, feta cheese and Greek seasoning. The orange color is fun for Halloween, too. —Gina Wilson, Austin, Texas
The post This Easy Queso Recipe Comes Together in Just 30 Minutes appeared first on Taste of Home.
