If you have ever found yourself craving a smooth, creamy, and flavorful dip that instantly lifts any gathering or quiet night in, then this White Queso Dip Recipe is your new best friend. Its velvety blend of cheeses with just the right kick of jalapeños and spices make it absolutely irresistible, perfect for scooping with crunchy tortilla chips or drizzling over your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. This dip hits all the notes: silky texture, a little heat, and a fresh pop of flavor from herbs and tomatoes. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this simple, show-stopping White Queso Dip Recipe in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this White Queso Dip Recipe couldn’t be easier thanks to the straightforward list of ingredients. Every item plays a crucial role—whether it’s the creamy richness of cheeses or the subtle heat from jalapeños and spices—ensuring a perfect, balanced dip every time.
- 12 oz. evaporated milk: Provides a smooth, creamy base without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the dip for that silky, perfect queso texture.
- ¾ lb. white American cheese: The star cheese that melts flawlessly for that classic queso creaminess.
- 4 oz. freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchiness and a mild flavor to round out the blend.
- 2 tbsp chopped canned jalapeños (or chopped green chiles): Brings a gentle heat and subtle tanginess to the dip.
- 1 tsp chili powder (or cumin): Adds depth and warmth in every bite.
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional): Gives a whisper of earthiness that elevates the flavor complexity.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes: For that extra kick and a touch of spicy crunch.
- ¼ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adds gentle spice and complements the chili powder perfectly.
- Chopped fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños (for garnish): Introduce freshness, color, and textural contrast that makes every scoop special.
How to Make White Queso Dip Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Combine Cornstarch with Evaporated Milk
Start by gently heating the evaporated milk over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. This mix will be the luscious base that thickens your queso perfectly, setting the stage for the cheeses to work their magic.
Step 2: Bring to Simmer and Adjust Heat
Watch the milk carefully as it begins to bubble up the sides—this simmer point is where the cornstarch activates. The moment you see those tiny bubbles, reduce the heat to low without delay to avoid scorching the milk.
Step 3: Slowly Incorporate White American Cheese
Now comes the fun part: slowly adding the white American cheese in batches. Whisk constantly as the cheese melts to create a creamy, velvety blend. Don’t rush or stop whisking; this ensures no clumps and guarantees a smooth queso dip.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella Cheese for Stretch and Creaminess
Once the white American cheese has melted fully, add the shredded mozzarella. Continue whisking at medium-low heat until the mozzarella melts into the dip. If you prefer a thicker dip, feel free to add a bit more mozzarella for that ideal stretchiness and mild cheesy flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Spices and Jalapeños for Flavour
Now it’s time to bring the dip alive with your chopped jalapeños, chili powder, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Each spice adds a layer of flavor that makes this White Queso Dip Recipe so memorable. Give everything a thorough mix so all the ingredients meld beautifully.
Step 6: Optional Broiling for a Golden Brown Finish
For an extra touch of indulgence, pour the queso into an oven-safe skillet and broil it for 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling and a delicious golden brown top—a showstopper when serving guests!
Step 7: Garnish with Freshness
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, ripe tomatoes, and extra jalapeños on top. This not only adds a vibrant color contrast but also fresh, crisp flavors that elevate each bite of your white queso dip experience.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Grab your favorite tortilla chips, scoop away, and enjoy the rich, spicy, cheesy goodness of this White Queso Dip Recipe that’s sure to be adored by everyone.
How to Serve White Queso Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños create a refreshing contrast to the creamy queso. They add bursts of color and texture, making your dip look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips, but don’t stop there! Think warm pita bread, crunchy vegetable sticks, or even drizzled atop tacos, nachos, or scrambled eggs to give everyday meals a delicious upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the queso in a rustic cast iron skillet for a cozy, shareable vibe or in a decorative ceramic bowl for a festive table setting. Layer it with chorizo or black beans for added interest or drizzle a little hot sauce on top for those who like an extra fiery kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover White Queso Dip Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dip might firm up slightly but will still taste delicious once reheated gently.
Freezing
While the dip is best fresh, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind that freezing may alter the creamy texture slightly, so stirring in a splash of milk when reheating helps bring back that perfect consistency.
Reheating
Reheat your queso slowly on low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, whisking frequently to restore the smooth and creamy texture. Adding a little milk or evaporated milk while reheating helps loosen the dip if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the White Queso Dip Recipe?
Absolutely! White American and mozzarella are traditional for their meltability, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for a richer, tangier dip. Just keep in mind that melting characteristics vary.
Is it possible to make this dip spicy or mild?
Definitely. Adjust the jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and chili powder to your heat preference. For a milder dip, reduce or omit the jalapeños and red pepper flakes. For more spice, add fresh chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Can this dip be made vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture and classic flavor, but you could try substituting evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk and using vegan cheese alternatives. Just note the flavor and texture will be quite different.
What else can I serve with White Queso Dip Recipe besides tortilla chips?
Try fresh veggie sticks like carrots, bell peppers, or celery for a healthier crunch. Soft pretzels, crusty bread cubes, or even roasted potatoes also make excellent vehicles for this cheesy dip.
Why do I need to whisk constantly when melting the cheese?
Whisking constantly prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures it melts evenly into a smooth, creamy texture. It also helps prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom of the pan, keeping your dip perfect every time.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a homemade White Queso Dip Recipe, especially when you know it was crafted with care and just the right balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—you may just find yourself making it again and again for all those moments when you want a little creamy, cheesy happiness in a bowl.
Print
White Queso Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This White Queso Dip is a creamy, spicy cheese dip perfect for any gathering. Made with a blend of white American and mozzarella cheeses, evaporated milk, and flavorful spices, it delivers a smooth, rich texture with a kick from jalapeños and red pepper flakes. Serve warm with tortilla chips for an irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 12 oz. evaporated milk (1 can)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¾ lb. white American cheese, cubed or sliced
- 4 oz. freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
Spices & Flavorings
- 2 tbsp chopped canned jalapeños (or chopped green chiles)
- 1 tsp chili powder (or cumin)
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped tomatoes
- Additional chopped jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Heat evaporated milk: Pour the evaporated milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat. Stir in the cornstarch and whisk thoroughly to combine and prevent lumps.
- Simmer milk mixture: Bring the milk to just before boiling—watch for bubbles forming along the edges—then immediately lower the heat to low to avoid scorching.
- Add white American cheese: Begin adding the white American cheese in batches. Increase the heat to medium-low and whisk constantly as you add the cheese, stirring continuously until each batch melts into a smooth, creamy mixture before adding more.
- Incorporate mozzarella cheese: Once all the white American cheese is melted, add the shredded mozzarella cheese while continuing to whisk constantly. Ensure the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. For a thicker dip, add extra mozzarella as desired.
- Season the dip: Stir in the chopped jalapeños, chili powder, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to infuse the queso with a spicy, fragrant flavor.
- Optional broil for browning: For a browned, bubbly top, transfer the queso dip to an oven-safe skillet and broil in the oven for 3–4 minutes until the cheese begins to bubble and brown on top.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and top the dip with chopped fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and additional jalapeños if desired to add freshness and extra heat.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the warm white queso dip immediately alongside tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and smoother texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on preferred spice level.
- The optional nutmeg adds an exotic warmth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Whisking constantly while melting the cheese prevents clumping and ensures a silky dip.
- Broiling the dip is optional but adds a wonderful browned flavor and attractive presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking to restore creaminess.
