Bring some fun to your next gathering with this irresistible Homemade Queso Dip. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and made without any processed cheese.
This Homemade Queso Dip is a warm, creamy cheese dip that turns any gathering into a party. Made with a mix of cheddar and white cheddar cheese and infused with green chiles, jalapeños, and spices, it delivers bold, gooey flavor in every scoop.
I love to serve this homemade queso dip as an appetizer with some tortilla chips alongside some 7-Layer Bean Dip, but you can also serve it alongside a Mexican dish like Chicken Fajitas or Enchiladas!
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Contributes a velvety texture.
- Jalapeno: Offers a mild heat and added texture to the dip.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Imparts a smoky, spicy flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Garnish Options: Enhance your queso dip by garnishing it with fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of paprika. For added flavor, consider topping it with crumbled bacon, green onions, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Spices and Herb Variation: Add fresh cilantro, minced chives, or parsley for a burst of freshness. For a more robust flavor, incorporate spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper.
How to Make Homemade Queso Dip
Step 1: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Add the chopped chilies, then the half & half. Whisk in the cornstarch and bring to a low simmer. Turn the heat to low, then whisk in the mustard, paprika, coriander, and black pepper.
Step 2: When the mixture is smooth, sprinkle in the cheese a little at a time and continue to whisk until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded to ensure a smoother melt, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Ensure Smooth and Creamy Texture: To achieve a smooth and creamy queso dip, whisk constantly while adding the cheese, and make sure to use softened cream cheese and freshly grated cheese.
FAQs
Yes, you can make this queso dip in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients and cook on low, stirring occasionally until the dip is smooth and creamy.
A heavy-bottomed medium saucepan is ideal for making queso dip, as it distributes heat evenly and helps prevent the dip from burning.
Storage Info
To STORE this Homemade Queso Dip, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To REHEAT, place the dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated.
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Homemade Queso Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 tablespoons onion - minced
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 jalapeno - seeded and minced
- 1-2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce - chopped
- 2 tbsp canned green chiles - chopped
- 1 3/4 cup half and half
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 oz cream cheese - cut into cubes and softened*
- 2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/8 tsp ground paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
- pinch black pepper
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese - shredded
- 4 oz white cheddar cheese - shredded**
Instructions
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Add the chopped chilies, then the half & half. Whisk in the cornstarch and bring to a low simmer. Turn the heat to low, then whisk in the mustard, paprika, coriander, and black pepper.
- When the mixture is smooth, sprinkle in the cheese a little at a time and continue to whisk until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
This queso dip came out so creamy and smooth. Thank you for the recipe!
Wonderful, NO processed cheese! I plan on making a taco bar, 5 lbs of taco meat kept hot in the 4 qt slow cooker. and the cheese sauce in the 2 qt slow cooker. Perfect, thanx so much for a wonderful recipe.
You are very welcome! Sounds great! Thank you!
This stuff is seriously so addicting & easy to make! Queso is one of my favorites!!
My family is going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to make this! So excited!
Absolutely fantastic! Loved the kick from the jalpeno!