This creamy queso dip is a party favorite! Made with melted cheese, spicy peppers, and a touch of seasoning, it’s perfect for dipping your chips.
You can whip it up in just minutes, so it’s a great last-minute treat! I could easily munch on it all day—who can resist cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Processed Cheese: Velveeta gives a creamy texture that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, you could use a blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese or a non-dairy cheese alternative for vegan options.
Onion: Yellow onions are great for a sweet flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use green onions or shallots instead.
Jalapeño: This adds heat to the dip. If you want a milder flavor, you can omit the seeds or replace it with a bell pepper for no spicy kick at all.
Evaporated Milk: This creates the creamy base. You could swap it for regular milk or even unsweetened almond milk, though it may change the thickness a bit.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dip. If you’re not a fan, try parsley for a different flavor, or leave it out altogether!
How Do I Get My Queso Dip Smooth and Creamy?
To achieve a velvety queso dip, melting the cheese properly is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a medium heat when sautéing onions and peppers to soften them without burning.
- Switch to low heat for adding the cheese and evaporated milk. This prevents the cheese from seizing up.
- Stir continuously as it melts to keep the texture smooth. You can adjust the creaminess by adding more evaporated milk if it’s too thick.
By following these steps, your queso dip will turn out perfectly creamy every time!
How to Make Delicious Queso Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cubed
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (like pico de gallo or fresh diced tomatoes)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This queso dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and just a few minutes of cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or last-minute party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the finely chopped onion and jalapeño. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This adds a nice flavor to your dip!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Just enough time to let the fragrance fill your kitchen!
3. Melt the Cheese:
Now, reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed processed cheese and the evaporated milk. Stir frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This will take a few minutes—be patient, it’s worth it!
4. Season It Up:
Once the cheese is melted, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes. This will give your queso a fresh touch!
6. Serve It Up:
Transfer the queso dip to a serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish it with extra chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes on top.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your warm queso dip alongside tortilla chips for dipping. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
This creamy, mildly spicy queso dip will surely be a hit at any gathering—enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Velveeta is a classic choice for its smooth texture, you can mix different cheeses such as sharp cheddar and cream cheese for a richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust the milk as needed to keep it creamy.
How Can I Make It Spicier?
If you like more heat, consider adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or using a spicier pepper like serrano or habanero instead of jalapeño. You can also add some diced serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Make Queso Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dip in advance! Simply follow the recipe, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit more milk if it thickens up.
What Should I Serve with Queso Dip?
Tortilla chips are a classic choice, but you can also serve it with veggie sticks, pretzels, or pita chips. For a fun twist, drizzle it over nachos or use it as a topping for baked potatoes!