Creamy Spicy Queso Dip (Printable View)

Creamy, spicy cheese dip with jalapeños, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Ready in 20 minutes for any gathering.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 small jalapeño, finely diced with seeds removed
07 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced
08 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices and Seasonings

10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 tablespoon sliced green onions

# How To Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the red onion and jalapeño; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, approximately 2 minutes.
02 - Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the milk and cream cheese, whisking continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
04 - Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until completely melted and the mixture reaches a velvety texture.
05 - Mix in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until evenly distributed.
06 - Stir in the diced tomato and cook for 1 minute to warm through.
07 - Transfer to a serving bowl or warm slow cooker. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under twenty minutes, so you can make it right before guests arrive without breaking a sweat.
  • The texture stays silky and smooth instead of separating into a greasy mess like so many store-bought versions do.
  • You can dial the heat up or down depending on who is coming over, making it a crowd-pleaser every single time.
02 -
  • Shred your own cheese from a block because the pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that can make your queso grainy and weird.
  • Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly once you add the cheese, or it can seize up and turn into a rubbery mess instead of a smooth dip.
  • If the queso gets too thick as it sits, whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen it back up without breaking the texture.
03 -
  • Make the queso right before serving instead of ahead of time, because it only takes twenty minutes and the texture is always better fresh.
  • If you want to prep in advance, chop all your vegetables and shred your cheese earlier in the day, then just cook it when guests arrive.
  • Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, stirring constantly to bring back that creamy consistency.
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