White Queso Dip Recipe (2024)

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This hot, cheesy white queso dip is perfect for game day! Loaded with two types of cheese, along with jalapenos, tomatoes and onions, this restaurant-style white queso recipe is the perfect appetizer anytime you want a great snack!

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White Queso Dip Recipe (1)

If you love ordering white queso dip with tortilla chips at your local Tex-Mex restaurant, know that you can now make it easily at home.

Perfect for watching the game at home, or gathering with friends for margaritas, this delicious homemade queso will quickly become your new favorite party recipe.

White Queso Dip Recipe (2)

What do I need to make homemade queso?

Here’s a quick-reference check list of the ingredients you’ll need to queso at home:

  • Olive oil – this is for sautéing the onion and peppers in the skillet.
  • Yellow onion – adds a great flavor and body to the dip.
  • Jalapeno peppers – when the peppers are seeded and diced, much of the heat is removed, making this dip on the mild side. If you would prefer to not use jalapenos, you can substitute a very mild, unspicy green bell pepper.
  • White Cheddar Cheese – adds a great sharpness to the dip. If you would prefer a more creamy dip, you can swap out the white cheddar for white American cheese.
  • Monterrey Jack Cheese – melts great and comes together nicely with the cheddar.
  • Half and Half – very helpful when melting the cheeses together. It will keep the dip consistency cream and thick.
  • Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies – a great addition to the dip and adds some nice color and volume.
  • Tortilla chips for dipping – choose your favorite corn or tortilla chips. We recommend a thicker chip that can hold up to this thick, delicious dip!

For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to the recipe card. Thanks!

White Queso Dip Recipe (3)
White Queso Dip Recipe (4)

The best way to chop jalapenos for dip:

This recipe calls for two diced jalapenos. Jalapeños are naturally very spicy and acidic. If any of the juices come in contact with your face or hands, you’ll likely experience burning and extreme irritation.

To safely and effective chop jalapenos, I recommend two things; disposable latex gloves and a sharp pairing knife. The glove will keep your hands safe from any acidic juices. Wearing gloves is also a helpful reminder to NOT touch your face while preparing the peppers.

A sharp pairing knife is very helpful in slicing and removing the inner seeds and dicing the outer flesh.

Another recipe that you’ll love jalapenos with are my Sheet Pan Steak Nachos!

White Queso Dip Recipe (5)
White Queso Dip Recipe (6)

How do I make white queso dip?

To make white queso dip, you’ll first need to sauté diced onions and jalapeno peppers. When adding the jalapenos make sure to NOT include the seeds, as the seeds can make it especially hot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or just until the onions become translucent.

Next, add in the diced tomatoes along with the shredded cheeses. Heat over medium heat as you continually stir the mixture. Gradually add in the half and half as the mixture melts together.

Be sure to not over heat. The heat level should be no higher than medium. If heating too hot, too quickly the cheese will seize and become lumpy, dry and unappetizing.

White Queso Dip Recipe (7)

FAQ’s about making white queso dip:

What is Mexican restaurant cheese dip made of?

The cheese dip served at many Mexican restaurants is made of melted cheeses (American, Monterrey-Jack and or White Cheddar) and often includes chilies, jalapeno peppers and tomatoes or salsa.

What can I use instead of Velveeta to make queso dip?

If you would rather not use Velveeta to make queso, you can use a mixture of Monterry-Jack, White Cheddar and or Mozzarella cheeses. The cheese dip will be very thick, so use half and half or evaporated milk to thin out while melting.

What can I add to queso dip to make it spicy?

To make queso dip more spicy, you can add additional jalapenos, and 1-2 tablespoons of your preferred hot sauce to give it some additional kick.

How do I keep homemade queso warm for a party?

I recommend using a crock pot or slow cooker to keep the queso dip warm. It can be served right out of the crock pot. Let your guests serve themselves, and be sure to have lots of tortilla chips on hand.

What can I serve with queso dip?

Drinks that would be perfect with chips and queso are margaritas, daquiris, Pina Coladas and mojitos. Here are some of our most popular drink recipes that would be fantastic with this white queso recipe:

  • How to Make a Skinny Margarita
  • Raspberry Margarita
  • Coconut Margarita
  • Skinny Malibu Pina Coladas
  • Pineapple Daiquiri
  • Saint Nickarita Christmas Margarita
  • Blueberry Coconut Mojito

Looking for some other party appetizer recipes? Check out some of our favorite recipes to serve at a party:

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White Queso Dip Recipe (14)

White Queso Dip

Erin Indahl-Fink

If you love restaurant queso dip, you'll love this easy white queso dip recipe. Made with two different types of cheeses along with jalapeno peppers, tomatoes and onions, it will quickly become your new favorite dip to serve at a party.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dips and Appetizers

Cuisine Mexican/American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 267 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium jalapeno peppers diced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 16 oz. Monterrey-Jack cheese shredded
  • 8 oz. White Cheddar cheese American cheese can be substituted
  • 1 10 oz. can, diced tomatoes and chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1/2 – 3/4 cup half and half
  • 1 Tablespoon hot sauce optional

Instructions

  • In a medium skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced jalapenos and onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until the onions are translucent.

  • To the sauteed onions and peppers, add in the shredded cheeses, tomatoes and optional hot sauce. Reduce the heat to medium, and continually stir. As the cheeses melt, gradually add in the half and half to keep the mixture smooth. Note: be sure to keep the heat moderate to low – DONT use high heat. A high temperature will cause the cheese to seize up and become lumpy, dry and separate.

  • Serve the dip right away while hot. Enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips.

Notes

You could serve this dip in a crock pot or slow cooker at a party to keep warm. Be sure to use the lowest heat setting to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming lumpy.

Cheese options: some people swear by Velveeta white "cheese" product. I don't really like the ingredients used in Velveeta, but I will say it melts nicely and smoothly. Feel free to swap either the Monterrey-Jack or the white cheddar with Velveeta or another white American cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 14gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 394mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

Keyword white queso dip, white queso recipe, homemade queso, homemade queso dip, homemade queso recipe, white queso

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

White Queso Dip Recipe (15)

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White Queso Dip Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is white queso dip made of? ›

You HAVE TO use white american cheese (not white cheddar or monterey jack). You can get Land O' Lakes sliced white american cheese in the deli and it is the only type that will melt correctly. Other than that, I use a can of jalapenos and some of the jalapeno juice and omit that butter.

What is the difference between queso and white queso? ›

Despite their similar names, flavors, and appearances, queso fresco and queso blanco are slightly different cheeses. To make queso fresco, producers use rennet and cultures to form the curds. Queso blanco requires just milk and an acidifying agent such as lemon juice or vinegar, making it an easy cheese to DIY at home.

How do you make queso thick? ›

Making a slurry with cornstarch and cold milk is how you will thicken your queso. A traditional slurry is a 1:1 liquid to cornstarch ratio, but for our queso purposes I used 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of milk.

Why put evaporated milk in queso? ›

Evaporated milk works best in queso because it doesn't have that excess of water and it can help your dip reach a delicate balance between super thick and too thin. (As in you're not constantly having to alternate between adding more milk and then more cheese.)

What kind of white cheese is used in Mexican restaurants? ›

Queso Blanco

Translated to “white cheese,” this option is yet another crumbly cheese for Mexican food. It's softer than Cotija, making it a more subtle option for refried beans, salads, and enchiladas. Queso Blanco is unique in that it melts well without melting completely.

What is the white queso called? ›

Queso Blanco: This “white cheese” dip is made from white melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, often blended with milk, cream, or sour cream. It's known for its mild flavor and creamy texture.

What kind of cheese is best for queso? ›

What Types of Cheese Do Mexican Restaurants Use for Queso
  • Queso de Oaxaca. Queso Oaxaca is probably the most popular choice of cheese for melting. ...
  • Asadero Cheese. ...
  • Quesadilla Cheese. ...
  • White or Yellow American Cheese. ...
  • Monterey Jack. ...
  • Chihuahua Cheese. ...
  • Fresco Cheese. ...
  • What Is Queso Blanco Vs.
Sep 18, 2023

What makes queso taste like queso? ›

If you're wondering what is queso made of, you needn't look much further than the name. It's mostly cheese. Beyond that, there is usually tomato, onion, and jalapeños or chiles for some added heat. Add in evaporated milk and cornstarch for thickening, and viola!

What is a substitute for white queso cheese? ›

Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack is a mild, semi-soft cheese that is similar in texture to queso blanco. It has a subtle flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute for queso blanco in recipes.

Does milk make queso thicker? ›

Adjust the consistency: When first prepared, the sauce will be slightly thin. This is to allow the queso to thicken properly as it cools. If you find your queso is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Will milk make queso thinner? ›

To make a thinner cheese dip, you can add more milk a little bit at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This is great scooped up with some tortilla chips, but it is also great for making nachos or burritos!

How do you keep queso dip from hardening? ›

For dips, you'll want to use a tablespoon of cornstarch per pound of cheese, then add at least five ounces of evaporated milk. After that, you can use more evaporated milk to thin out your dip as much as you need.

How do you thicken white queso dip? ›

Flour or cornstarch can both thicken a liquid. In a small separate bowl, mix a tablespoon of either flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cheese sauce until the mixture is smooth. Add the mixture back to the milky cheese sauce, and stir until combined and desired thickness is achieved.

Is Velveeta real cheese? ›

Though Velveeta is no longer an FDA-defined genuine cheese, it does have some similarities, namely pasteurized milk and cheese culture.

Can I use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk in queso? ›

Evaporated milk — make sure to buy evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk. The two cans look similar but are different. Evaporated milk help keeps the dip from separating and turning clumpy as it cools. Chile — I use canned green chiles, but you can also use jalapeno.

What is Mexican restaurant queso made of? ›

The BEST Queso Blanco Dip starts with combining white American cheese, chopped green chiles and pickled jalapenos in a bowl. Milk, water, cumin and just a little juice from the pickled jalapenos are added before the whole thing goes in the microwave.

Is white queso made from goat milk? ›

Queso blanco and queso fresco cheese is a creamy fresh (un-aged) cheese, typically made from cow or goat's milk. Its taste is fresh and bright with a slightly salty, sour tang. While it's milky, queso fresco is not rich, and rather similar to fresh mozzarella.

What cheese is authentic queso made of? ›

In order to make authentic queso, use Manchego cheese. Mexican Manchego Cheese is a golden-yellow, semi-firm cheese with a slightly nutty flavor.

Is real Mexican queso white or yellow? ›

In fact, most of the cheese in Mexico is white and includes such staples as queso fresco and queso cotija, among others. If the cheese in the taco is yellow, it's safe to assume that it's a Tex-Mex taco. That also goes for that bowl of delicious gooey yellowness served in nearly every Mexican restaurant.

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