Queso Dip Recipe
Summary:
There’s something comforting about warm, creamy queso dip. Whether you’re prepping for game day, a movie night, or simply craving something cheesy and satisfying, queso always delivers. I remember the first time I made it for a group of friends – everyone hovered near the bowl and scraped it clean within minutes. That’s when I knew I had a keeper. This queso dip recipe is simple, quick, and packed with flavour. It combines melty cheeses, zesty spices, and a hint of heat for a dip that’s impossible to resist. Plus, you don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen. And the best part? It comes together in under 15 minutes, so you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to make queso dip easily. It’s rich, gooey, and incredibly addictive – just like a perfect cheese dip should be. Whether you’re scooping it up with tortilla chips or drizzling it over nachos, one thing’s for sure: this queso dip will steal the show. Ready to dive into some serious cheesy goodness? Let’s get cooking.
Equipment:
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Grater
Small serving bowl
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the flour loses its raw smell. This step helps thicken the dip and gives it a soft base.
Next, slowly pour the milk and cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens. This is when it starts to look like something magical.
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheeses. Mix gently, allowing the cheese to melt fully into the sauce. It’ll become velvety, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
Now add the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeño. Stir well to combine all the spices evenly throughout the dip. These spices create the signature Tex-Mex flavour that makes queso so delicious.
Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt if needed. Some cheeses are saltier than others, so always check before adding too much.
Once the queso dip is smooth and flavorful, pour it into a serving bowl. Serve it warm with your favourite tortilla chips or drizzle it over fries, tacos, or roasted veggies. Keep it warm on the stove or in a slow cooker if you’re serving for a party.
Notes:
Queso dip is wonderfully versatile. You can spice it up with chilli flakes, stir some cooked ground beef, or add fire-roasted tomatoes for a more complex flavour. If you’re planning a bar setup, include this queso dip recipe with various toppings like chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and crispy bacon bits. This versatility allows you to experiment and create your own unique version of queso dip. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving – a splash of milk helps revive its creamy texture.