Home » Appetizers + Snacks » White Queso Dip (15 minute recipe!)
by Stephanie on May 4, 2021 (Updated July 7, 2023)13*This post may contain affiliate links. Read more »
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Learn how to make White Queso Dip in just 15 minutes for an easy appetizer idea with just a few simple ingredients!
Serve this with alongside some guacamole and homemade salsa and check out my recipe for Nacho Cheese Sauce next!
Quick, easy, and fool proof. That is thebest waydescribe this White Queso Dip recipe.
I’ve tried getting fancy with this dip, but sometimes I prefer to keep things simple. No need to mess with a roux or with a slurry this time. American cheese is perfectly thick and creamy on it’s own.
This is the perfect dip to make on the spot when you have guests over, because it takes no more than 15 minutes to make. And it comes out perfect every time.
It’s also easy to customize and make it your own. More on that below.
How to Make White Queso Dip
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Sauté diced jalapeno, red bell pepper, and onions in 1 Tbsp. butter over medium heat until softened. Remove and set aside.
- Add half and half to the same skillet or over a double boiler and gradually add the cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in Sautéed vegetables and remove from heat. Garnish with Pico De Gallo and Cilantro. Serve!
Pro Tips
- If possible, heat this over a double boiler (which you can easily make yourself at home). It’s the best way to achieve a consistently even temperature for smooth and creamy results.
- For even faster dip, skip the sautéed vegetables and stir in about 1/3 cup of drained Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green chilis prior to serving.
- Heavy creamcan be used instead of half and half. I don’t recommend milk as it’s not quite thick enough.
What to Add to Queso Dip
- Meats: 1/2 lb. Ground sausage, ground beef, or a mixture of both can be added to this dip. Cook and crumble it first, then set it aside and mix it in at the end.
- Red Onions, Black Beans, and diced tomatoes are other great additions. Quantities added can be based on your preference.
- For a dip recipe that’s loaded with beef, beer, beans, and more,try my Velveeta Queso Dip!
Reheating
- This dip reheats best in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splashes of milk as needed to restore the consistency back to dip form.
- It can also be microwaved in 30 second increments. Stir in between and add milk as needed to loosen the consistency.
Storage
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links)- Check out all of my kitchen essentials here.
- Double Boiler– The best way to achieveeven heat for the smoothest and creamiest results.
- Mini Warmer– Perfect for keeping dips nice and warm.
- Silicone Spatula– The best tool for stirring and scraping cheese from the sides of your heating vessel.
- 8-inch cast iron skillet– The perfect way to serve this dip.
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White Queso Dip (Quick & Easy!)
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
5 from 4 ratings
Servings: 6 people
Tap or hover to scale
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Learn how to make White Queso Dip in just 15 minutes for an easy appetizer idea with just a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
- 2 Tablespoons yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 Tablespoons red pepper, finely diced
- 1 Tablespoon butter, I use salted
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 lb. American cheese, high quality-see notes
Garnishes
- ¼ cup Pico De Gallo
- ¼ cup Cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
Note: Heating this over a double boiler (which you can easily make yourself at home) is the best way to achieve a consistently even temperature for super smooth results. You can then transfer it to a cast iron skillet, serving bowl, or mini warmer prior to serving. (Affiliate links to double boiler and mini warmer in Notes section below.)
Sauté the peppers and onions in 1 Tbsp. butter over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add the half and half to a skillet or double boiler over medium heat. Gradually add the American cheese, (feel free to cut them into smaller squares for easier melting). Stir the cheese as it melts.
Once melted and smooth, stir in the sautéed vegetables. Remove from heat. Garnish with Pico De Gallo and cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
This double boiler is perfect for making this dip as it provides consistently even heat for melting without burning or cooking too quickly. This mini warmer is great for serving it.
I recommend using a high quality brand of American cheese. Boar’s Head is great in this dip. You can use sliced cheese or ask the deli for a pound that you can cut into cubes at home.
For even faster dip, skip the sautéed vegetables and stir in about 1/3 cup of drained Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green chilis prior to serving.
This dip is great alongside some guacamole and homemade salsa.
Nutrition
Calories: 357kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 31g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 96mg, Sodium: 1363mg, Potassium: 170mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 1079IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 835mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Author: Stephanie
Appetizers + Snacks Dips Mexican Summer Recipes
posted by Stephanie on May 4, 2021 — 13 Comments »
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13 comments on “White Queso Dip (15 minute recipe!)”
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Tim Fussell — July 15, 2023 @ 7:55 am Reply
Hi Stephanie, love your recipie.
Always wanted to make questo cheese dip.
Im not a fan of American cheese, can I substitute with a Boars Head 3 pepper Colby or a white cheddar? Thanks, Tim
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Stephanie — July 15, 2023 @ 10:28 am Reply
Hi Tim! You can, aim for a very soft consistency to ensure it melts well!
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Sara — June 30, 2023 @ 8:07 am Reply
I made this last night for bunco. Amazing!!! Everyone loved it. I did put the pico de gallo and the cilantro on the side since I have a cilantro hater in the group. also it was husband approved. Have you ever tried to freeze your leftovers? Thanks!
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Stephanie — June 30, 2023 @ 12:07 pm Reply
I’m so happy that it was a hit Sara!! I’m hungry just thinking about it! I personally have not frozen this before but after a few online searches, it does look like you can freeze it. That would certainly be handy!! The ingredients in this particular cheese dip lead me to believe that it should freeze well.
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Debbie Vincent — April 18, 2023 @ 2:40 pm Reply
Total hit with friends and family. I was complemented several times that this was better than any queso they have ever had in a restaurant. And I live in Southeast Texas with great Mexican restaurants. I did use a whole onion and bell pepper and a can of green chilies to make it my own, and doubled the cheese and half and half. Thanks for the recipe
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Stephanie — April 18, 2023 @ 8:39 pm Reply
Wow that means a lot coming from Southeast Texas! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and review Debbie!💖
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Kyle — April 26, 2022 @ 2:24 pm Reply
This looks amazing, can I use whole milk instead?
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Stephanie — April 26, 2022 @ 3:01 pm Reply
You can! You may want to simmer it a little longer to thicken it up a little more. ☺️
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greg — May 7, 2021 @ 10:13 am Reply
this is much simpler using sodium citrate. no double boiler needed As the cheese is heated, the proteins separate from each other and again act as emulsifiers, strengthening the emulsion by holding fat and water together.
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Sandra — May 6, 2021 @ 12:24 pm Reply
This was so good and a big hit with my husband and son. They ate the whole thing! I wish I was able to garnish with Cilantro like you did but the good news is I have cilantro growing in the garden! I’ll be replacing my old queso recipe with this one. Thanks Stephanie
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Stephanie — May 6, 2021 @ 6:36 pm Reply
That’s so funny Sandra, my husband and his friends attack this one during football season. It must be a guy thing😂. Thanks so much for leaving a review!
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Alyssa — May 6, 2021 @ 7:52 am Reply
So good and easy! Best home made queso I’ve had and loved that I didn’t use velveeta.
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Stephanie — May 6, 2021 @ 10:59 am Reply
I’m so happy you liked this Alyssa! My husband and his friends always devour this one. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!❤️
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