This quick and easy Mexican style white queso dip is ready in minutes and is perfect for a Superbowl party, holiday parties, events, or to go with your favorite Mexican dish.
This queso dip is unique from other recipes in that it has a secret ingredient that gives it a silky smooth texture and prevents it from becoming thick and gummy as many queso dips do as they sit.
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What is queso
The term “queso” has different meanings in different cultures.
In America, queso refers to a Mexican style cheese dip that is usually served with tortilla chips or with TexMex style meals. American style queso cheese dips can be white or yellow depending on the type of cheese used. White queso dips are my personal favorite.
In Latin cultures, the term “queso” is literally translated to “cheese”. You may have heard of queso blanco or queso fresco which are Mexican style cheeses. These cheeses are very different than the American style queso and though you can use either one as a topping for your queso dip, you do not want to use queso blanco or queso fresco as the main ingredient as they do not melt. It is very easy to make your own homemade authentic queso blanco with just a few ingredients. It is delicious and so fun to make!
The secret to making the perfect White Queso cheese dip is in a few key ingredients.
Ingredients
- White Amercian Cheese
- whole milk
- green chiles (mild to moderate heat per preference)
- butter
- garlic powder
- cumin
- salt
- cayenne pepper
Picking the right cheese for your queso dip is essential. White American cheese is the perfect cheese for this recipe as it melts beautifully and pairs well with the other ingredients.
However, the true secret to a great queso dip is a somewhat surprising ingredient: butter. It keeps the queso silky smooth and adds a little extra richness.
Short cut to making a quick queso dip in minutes
Using a microwave to quickly heat your queso dip is an easy hack if you are in a hurry. All of the ingredients are usually melted a ready to eat within 5 minutes. Just make sure you stir every 1-2 minutes.
Use a crockpot to keep the queso warm during parties
If you won’t be serving the queso immediately you will need to keep it warm. The best way to do this is by using a small crockpot on the WARM setting. It keeps the queso at the perfect temperature, without burning.
Additional toppings
Queso can have many different toppings. Here a few of my favorites:
- diced fresh tomatoes
- roasted peppers
- onions
- taco meat
- Farmer’s cheese
- Queso Blanco
- Homemade cottage cheese (for extra protein)
Frequently Asked Questions
The secret to the perfect queso dip is in a surprising secret ingredient: butter. Adding butter to your queso dip helps to give it a silky smooth consistency, adds richness, and helps prevent a gummy texture as it sits during parties.
White American cheese is the perfect cheese to use in white queso dips. It melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Using a crockpot set that has a warm temperature setting will allow you to keep the queso warm without worrying about it burning or becoming to cold to eat.
Adding a small amount of butter to your queso dip helps keep the cheese from congealing and becoming gummy. Also, it is important for the queso dip to be propertly thinned with milk and use an appropriate cheese that melts easily.
Quick and Easy White Queso Dip
Equipment
- 1 spoon
- 1 microwave safe medium bowl
- 1 small crockpot (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb white American cheese
- ¾ cup whole milk (more or less depending on desired consistency)
- 7 ounce can of chopped green chiles (mild or moderate heat)
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- If using a small crockpot to keep the dip warm, then plug in the crockpot and turn to low heat.
- Combine all ingredients in a medium microwave safe bowl.
- Continue to microwave on high for 2 minutes then stir for 10 seconds.
- Microwave in 1 minute increments, stirring after each, until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
- Serve immediately or keep warm in a crockpot on the WARM setting until ready to serve.
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