Description
Warm Queso Dip is a creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex appetizer made with melted cheddar, Monterey Jack, tomatoes with green chilies, and warm spices. Perfect for parties, game days, and gatherings, this smooth and flavorful cheese dip is easy to prepare and stays rich and scoopable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 fresh jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 8 ounces processed melting cheese, cubed
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat butter or oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and jalapeño, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the milk or half-and-half. Warm gently without bringing to a boil.
- Add the cubed processed melting cheese and stir continuously until mostly melted and smooth.
- Gradually stir in the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, mixing constantly to create a creamy, smooth texture.
- Fold in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, and salt. Stir until fully combined and heated through.
- If the dip is too thick, add a splash of warm milk. If too thin, simmer gently for a few minutes while stirring.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with tortilla chips or transfer to a slow cooker to keep warm.
Notes
- Always melt cheese over low to medium heat to prevent a grainy texture.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest consistency.
- Keep warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting for serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Warm Queso Dip, queso cheese dip, Tex-Mex appetizer, cheesy dip, party dip, game day dip, melted cheese dip, tortilla chip dip