Description
Creamy Mexican restaurant style white cheese (queso) dip brings restaurant magic right to kitchen counters with incredible flavor. Melted cheese blends smoothly with green chiles and spices, creating an irresistible appetizer you cannot stop spooning onto warm tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base:
- 16 oz white american cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Peppers and Aromatics:
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup diced green chiles
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water to create a gentle melting environment for the cheeses.
- Combine the shredded white American cheese and softened cream cheese in the top of the double boiler, allowing them to slowly melt and integrate.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- In a separate pan, sauté the diced white onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic qualities.
- Add the finely diced jalapeño and green chiles to the sautéed onion mixture, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to soften and meld the flavors.
- Incorporate the sautéed pepper and onion mixture into the melting cheese, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the dip.
- Continue to stir the cheese mixture over low heat until completely smooth and fully combined, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice, which will brighten the dip’s flavor profile.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and keep warm, serving immediately with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Choose high-quality white American cheese for the creamiest and most authentic restaurant-style texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help cheeses melt more smoothly and prevent clumping during preparation.
- Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeño seeds or adding extra chiles for a more intense heat profile.
- Store leftover queso in an airtight container and reheat gently using a double boiler to maintain its silky consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Double Boiler (Steaming)
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg