White Queso Dip, also known as Queso Blanco Dip, is a Mexican restaurant quality smooth and creamy dipping cheese. This delicious ten-minute recipe is perfect with fresh tortilla chips spooned over your favorite burrito or poured over steamed broccoli.
I love serving this queso dip for game day or movie night with ham and cheese sliders, little smokies, cold veggie pizza, and lemon pepper wings.
If your family is anything like mine, then one of the highlights of visiting your favorite Mexican restaurant is the white queso dip! This simple recipe can bring that creamy smooth dip right to your kitchen. The key to making great queso is the best cheese. Nothing works better than White American Cheese. It melts perfectly, can be thinned out easily to avoid a skin, and reheats perfectly like a good winter blanket.
We love this easy white queso! Your imagination only limits the endless uses for this delicious dip, which reheats so well multiple times. Store it in a covered microwaveable bowl and pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on 50% power. If it needs more heat, stir and pop it back in on reduced power.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Jalapeno: You can add as little or as much as you like. To tame the jalapeno, remove the veins and seeds.
- White American: For optimal flavor, purchase good quality American cheese from your grocery deli counter. It does make a difference. Do NOT use the prepackaged individually wrapped cheese or pre-shredded cheese.
- Milk: Preferably whole or 2%
- Chicken broth: Low sodium is best
How to Make Queso Dip
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Add a little oil to a medium saucepan over medium heat and saute a little chopped onion and minced jalapeño. Turn heat to low and add shredded cheese and milk.
Stir continuously until the cheese is melted. Slowly stir enough chicken broth to thin it out to the desired consistency. Stir in fresh chopped cilantro and finely diced sun-ripened tomatoes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or a little Pico de Gallo.
Preparation Tips
- Thin out the cheese sauce using low-sodium chicken broth. Use small amounts until you reach your desired consistency. Don’t make it too thick, as it will form a skin.
- Use fresh jalapenos and sun-ripened tomatoes. If the jalapenos are too hot for your taste, substitute a 4-ounce can of green chiles.
- You can add cooked Mexican chorizo, cooked ground beef, crisp-cooked crumbled bacon, chopped chipotle peppers, finely chopped artichokes, and even cooked lobster or crawfish.
Ways to Use This Dip
- As a dip with fresh tortilla or corn chips.
- Pour over steamed broccoli or cauliflower.
- Spoon over your favorite omelet, baked eggs, quiche, or frittata.
- Spoon over your favorite tacos, burritos, or chimichanga.
- Drizzle over burgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, and sausage.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes on 50% power. Stir it and put it back in the microwave on reduced power if it needs more heat.
This queso reheats well several times. Or serve it in a crock pot on low heat, but keep it stirred so the bottom does not brown.
White Queso Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup sweet onion chopped
- 1/2 -1 jalapeño minced to taste
- 1 lb white American cheese shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 -1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1/2 cup tomatoes finely diced
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a small skillet over medium heat. Saute onion and minced jalapeno. Turn heat to low and add shredded cheese and milk. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted. Slowly stir in enough chicken broth to thin it out to the desired consistency.
- Stir in fresh chopped cilantro and finely diced sun-ripened tomatoes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or a little Pico de Gallo.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, purchase good quality American cheese from your grocery deli counter. It does make a difference. Do NOT use the prepackaged individually wrapped cheese or pre-shredded cheese.
- Thin out the cheese sauce using low-sodium chicken broth. Use small amounts until you get it to your desired consistency. You don’t want it too thick, as it will form a skin.
- Use fresh jalapenos and sun-ripened tomatoes. If the jalapenos are too hot, substitute a 4-ounce can of green chiles.
- You can add cooked Mexican chorizo, cooked ground beef, crisp-cooked crumbled bacon, chopped chipotle peppers, frozen spinach, diced tomatoes, salsa verde, green chilies, finely chopped artichokes, and even cooked lobster or crawfish.
Nutrition
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Terra
Can you keep this warm or make in a crock pot?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can but stir often so it does not make a skin or burn to the bottom.
Donna
I would LOVE to try this but on keto diet only thing can’t have is milk. Any substitute? Almond milk??
Kristin
Recipe sounds delicious! Do I use a block of cheese then shred, or do I buy pre shredded? Thank you 🙂 any recommendations on what cheese to buy?
Beth Pierce
I buy a one pound chuck of Land O’Lakes White American at the deli and I shred it. I just ask them to cut me a one pound chunk. I hope this helps!
CindyBennett
Can it be made with white cheddar cheese? I live in Ireland and we don’t have American cheese.
Beth Pierce
It should but I am not 100% positive although the end result will be a totally different flavor. Why don’t you try making a smaller amount than what the recipe calls for.
Suzy
I could snack on this all day long!
Sylvie
I’m always looking for new fun dip ideas for my dinner parties so I’m glad I found this one – it looks so creamy and delicious!
Lauren
My entire family are BIG fans of queso dip, but I’ve never made it myself. Putting this one on my list to try asap!
Pam Greer
I have always wanted to make good homemade queso and this is it!! Who knew that the secret was white American cheese!! So good!
Chris Collins
White Queso Dip is my absolute fave and your version looks incredible!
Barry Butler
I was looking for a Mexican White Sauce and I believe that after tasting it..I have found it. This will be great over Burritos or the chips for our supper tonight. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Barry! I hope you enjoy it!!
Linda
Oh I am so drooling over this creamy queso dip! And just the thought of adding it to broccoli, hamburgers or over eggs has me all excited to whip some up and keep it on hand. Thanks for the delicious inspiration.
Nellie Tracy
One of my absolute favorite queso dips!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Nellie! I am glad that you like it!
Tayler Ross
This queso is even BETTER than our local Mexican joint. Thanks so much for sharing!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Tayler! I am glad that you enjoyed it!
Noelle
I have never made homemade queso before, I love the ingredients in this! Thanks 🙂
Susan
How much does this recipe yield? Recipe reads “10”. Ten what?
Beth Pierce
Serves 10. Makes about 4 cups queso dip.
Marsha
This sounds wonderful! Would you happen to have the hot Mexican dip with ground beef? I lost mine, onions, meat, cheese, black beans etc. Before serving you top with Sour cream, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce and Salsa on the side. We ate it with chips, it was a meal for us! If I see another cold 7 layer dip recipe I’ll scream! ???? It’s the pits! You seem to be quite knowledgeable, just thought I would ask? ☺️
Beth Pierce
I sure don’t have that one but it sounds amazing and maybe in my future. Here is one I found from a friend and it sounds close to what you are looking for. Hot & Cheesy Taco Dip
Terrie
I’ve made this a couple of times and it has been a huge hit both times. I have about two cups left over. Have you ever frozen left over dip?
Beth Pierce
Sorry, Terrie! I have not frozen this. Perhaps one of the readers have. You could always freeze a small portion and see how it goes.
Tami G
I’d like the recipe if you find it…thank you.
jamie plotkin
Pound of hamburger browned and drained, a can of Rotel, and a brick of velveta, in a crock pot until melted and yummy 😋. Through any thing else you like in there! I used the Chipotle Rotel for a kick. Have a great day!