Quick Queso Dip (Cheesy Tex-Mex Dip)

History of Queso Dip

Queso Dip, also known as “Chile con Queso,” originated in Texas and is inspired by Mexican cuisine. The word “queso” means “cheese” in Spanish. Traditionally, queso was made with fresh cheese, tomatoes, and chilies, but over time, the recipe evolved to include processed cheese for a smooth, creamy consistency. Queso Dip became a staple at Tex-Mex restaurants and is now a popular appetizer at parties, game days, and family gatherings.

Why Queso Dip?

• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cheesy, creamy dips.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for game days, parties, potlucks, or family movie nights.
• Customizable: Make it spicy, mild, or extra cheesy—just the way you like it.

What is Queso Dip Made of?

This dish is made with:

• Cheese: The base of any queso dip. Cheddar, American, or Velveeta cheese melts perfectly.
• Milk or Cream: To make the dip smooth and creamy.
• Butter and Flour: Used to make a roux, which thickens the dip.
• Spices: Chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for a little kick of flavor.
• Chilies and Tomatoes: Adds texture, spice, and flavor to the dip.

What to Have with Queso Dip

Serve this dip with:

• Chips: Tortilla chips, pita chips, or potato chips.
• Vegetables: Carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices.
• Bread: Sliced baguette, pretzels, or breadsticks.
• Toppings: Add fresh pico de gallo, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Is Queso Dip Healthy?

Queso Dip is delicious but indulgent. It’s made with cheese, butter, and milk, which are high in fat and calories. To make it healthier, use low-fat cheese, reduce the amount of butter, and add vegetables like tomatoes, jalapeños, or spinach for extra nutrition. Serve it with fresh veggies instead of chips for a lighter option.

Kitchen Equipment

• Medium saucepan or pot (for making the dip)
• Whisk (for stirring the roux and cheese)
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping tomatoes or chilies)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (optional)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer dip)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Shred the cheese, dice the tomatoes, and chop the green chilies. Set everything aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add 2 tbsp butter and let it melt.
• Stir in 2 tbsp flour, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

• Lower the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly to melt it.
• Once all the cheese is melted, the dip should be smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Chilies, and Spices

• Add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

• Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, chili powder, or spices as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Remove from heat and pour the queso dip into a serving bowl.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or fresh tomatoes.

Tips

• Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Don’t Overheat: Use low heat when adding the cheese to prevent it from separating or clumping.
• Make It Spicier: Add fresh jalapeños, serrano peppers, or red chili flakes for extra heat.
• Use Heavy Cream: Swap milk for half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer dip.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or bacon for a heartier dip.

Conclusion

This Quick Queso Dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With fresh cheese, tomatoes, and chilies, it’s the perfect party appetizer for game days, potlucks, or any gathering. Serve it with tortilla chips, veggies, or bread for a snack that everyone will love. This easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, so you can make it anytime you’re craving something cheesy and delicious.

Quick Queso Dip (Cheesy Tex-Mex Dip)

getcakerecipes

Queso Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Tex-Mex classic that’s perfect for dipping chips, veggies, or bread. It’s made with melted cheese, milk, and spices for a smooth, rich dip that’s always a crowd favorite. This quick version is simple to make at home and ready in just a few minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a movie night, or just want a cheesy snack, this Queso Dip is a must-have.

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

• Medium saucepan or pot (for making the dip)

• Whisk (for stirring the roux and cheese)

• Knife and cutting board (for chopping tomatoes or chilies)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Mixing bowl (optional)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer dip)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)

• Shred the cheese, dice the tomatoes, and chop the green chilies. Set everything aside.

• Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat.

• Add 2 tbsp butter and let it melt.

• Stir in 2 tbsp flour, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown.

• Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

• Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

• Lower the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly to melt it.

• Once all the cheese is melted, the dip should be smooth and creamy.

• Add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to combine.

• Taste the dip and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, chili powder, or spices as needed.

• Remove from heat and pour the queso dip into a serving bowl.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or fresh tomatoes.