I didn’t grow up with queso dip, so the first time I tried it at a gathering, I didn’t expect much. It was just a warm bowl of melted cheese with some peppers and tomato, simple, but one bite changed everything. I made my own version soon after with cheddar, milk, and a few things I already had in the kitchen, like pickled jalapeños. Recipe included a how-to video!
Queso Dip Recipe
I served it with flatbread, thinking it was just a quick snack, but it disappeared fast. Everyone kept dipping, talking, and hanging around, and that’s when I realized this dip does more than feed people. It brings them in.
This queso dip is one of my favorite things to make when people come over, it’s easy, flavorful, and always a hit.
You start by cooking onion and garlic until they smell amazing, then add cumin and chipotle flakes for a bit of warmth. The green chiles and tomatoes add a fresh touch, and topping it with pico de gallo brings the whole thing to life.
To get that perfect texture, I use freshly shredded cheddar for a smooth, melty finish, and a little cornstarch to keep it velvety without turning grainy.
It’s perfect for casual get-togethers or movie nights. I prep the pico in advance, and when the dip’s ready, we dive in with tortilla chips.
Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat perfectly with a splash of milk. This queso dip really does feel like a mini party every time.
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love This Queso Dip
- It’s perfect for sharing: This dip has a way of bringing everyone together. Set it out with some chips, and it’ll quickly become the star of the table.
- You can control the spice: Whether you like things mild or with a little heat, it’s easy to adjust the chipotle and chili powder to your taste.
- The texture is extra smooth: Melting the cheese slowly and using fresh shreds gives you that creamy, restaurant-style dip every time.
- It’s just as good the next day: If you happen to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully with a splash of milk, great for round two on nachos or even as a topping.
🧾Queso Dip Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Queso Dip recipe:
For the Dip:
- Vegetable Oil: I like to use a neutral oil like vegetable oil here, it heats evenly and lets all the other flavors shine.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives the dip a deep, savory base. I always use two cloves for that perfect balance.
- Small White Onion: I go with white onion because it’s a little sharper than yellow and adds a nice punch once it’s sautéed.
- Salt: Just a teaspoon does the trick, it helps bring all the flavors together without being too much.
- Ground Cumin: This is one of my favorite spices to use, it adds that earthy, warm flavor that makes queso feel extra cozy.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Even with fresh onion and garlic, I still add these for a little boost. They round out the flavor in the best way.
- Chipotle Flakes & Chili Powder: These give the dip a gentle kick. I keep it mild most of the time, but you can always add more if you like it hotter.
- Small Tomato: I dice it up small so it melts into the dip. It adds a little brightness that keeps the cheese from feeling too heavy.
- Chopped Green Chiles: I always keep a can of these in my pantry because, in fact, they add a mild, zesty flavor that makes the queso feel more authentic.
- Cornstarch: Just a tablespoon thickens the dip perfectly. I mix it with a bit of evaporated milk before adding it in so it stays smooth.
- Evaporated Milk: This is my secret for the creamiest queso. It’s richer than regular milk but not too heavy.
- Cheddar Cheese: I always grate it fresh since, to be honest, pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly, and this really makes all the difference.
- Milk (to thin if needed): I keep a little regular milk on hand just in case I want the dip a bit looser, it’s great for adjusting the texture.
To Serve:
- Pico de Gallo: I like to spoon a little on top before serving, it adds color, crunch, and a fresh contrast to the creamy cheese.
- Corn Tortilla Chips: Always crispy and perfect for scooping, tortilla chips are my go-to; in fact, I usually serve a big bowl of them right in the middle of the table.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Queso Dip
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan, then cook the chopped onion with salt until soft. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Toast the spices: Stir in cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle flakes, and chili powder. Cook for about a minute to wake up the flavors.
3. Add the tomato and chiles: Stir in the diced tomato and green chiles. Let it all cook together for a minute or two.
4. Prep your thickener: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of evaporated milk. Stir until smooth and set aside.
5. Simmer the base: Pour the remaining evaporated milk into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Melt the cheese slowly: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the freshly shredded cheddar, making sure it melts smoothly.
7. Thicken the dip: Once the cheese is melted, stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook for a minute or two until the dip thickens.
8. Serve and enjoy: Pour into a serving bowl, top with pico de gallo, and dig in with corn chips!
📖Variations
Add-ins work great: Want to switch things up? Stir in crumbled cooked chorizo, sautéed mushrooms, or black beans at the end for a twist.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Warm your bowl before serving: Pouring hot queso into a warm bowl (just run it under hot water or microwave briefly) helps keep it melty longer.
Use a silicone spatula for stirring: It scrapes the sides of the pan clean and helps prevent any cheese from sticking and burning.
Make it in advance: You can prep the dip a few hours ahead and reheat it gently on the stove; similarly, just stir often and add a splash of milk to bring back the smooth texture.
Double it for parties: This dip disappears fast! If you're serving a crowd, I recommend doubling the batch, it reheats well, so extras never go to waste.
Leftover queso: Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk to make it smooth again.
🍛More Cheese Recipes to Try!
If you're loving this Queso Dip, you'll also adore these tasty cheese recipes:
- Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
- Homemade Mac and Cheese
- How To Make Cream Cheese
- Fried Cheese Balls
- Mac and Cheese
- Basque Cheesecake
- Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- New York Cheesecake
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite appetizer recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Queso Dip
Ingredients
For the dip:
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- ½ White Onion
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Chipotle Flakes
- ¼ teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 Small Tomato
- 110 g Chopped Green Chile - 1 Can
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 410 g Evaporated Milk - 1 Can
- 250 g Cheddar Cheese
To serve:
- Pico de Gallo
- Corn Tortilla Chips
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped white onion and salt, then sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle flakes, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the diced tomato and chopped green chiles. Stir well to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of evaporated milk and stir until smooth with no lumps. Set aside for later.
- Pour the remaining evaporated milk into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
- Reduce the heat to low, then gradually add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the dip thickens.
- If needed, add 2–3 tablespoons of milk to thin the sauce to your liking.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Remove from heat and transfer the queso dip to a serving bowl.
- Top with fresh pico de gallo.
- Serve immediately with corn tortilla chips.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Anna says
This queso dip looks amazing, so easy and comforting! Perfect for sharing with friends or a movie night. Can’t wait to try it!