Creamy Spicy Queso Dip (Print Version)

Creamy, spicy cheese dip with cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, and warm spices—ideal for any gathering.

# What You 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:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the red onion and jalapeño, stirring occasionally, until softened approximately 2 minutes.
02 - Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the whole milk and cream cheese, whisking continuously until the cream cheese dissolves completely and the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
04 - Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until fully 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 to distribute evenly.
06 - Fold in the diced tomato and cook for 1 minute to heat through.
07 - Transfer to a serving bowl or warm slow cooker set to low. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than the pregame show and tastes like you spent all afternoon on it.
  • The combination of two cheeses creates a texture that stays creamy even when it cools slightly.
  • You can adjust the heat level on the fly depending on who's coming over.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully without breaking or becoming grainy.
02 -
  • Shred your own cheese from a block because preshredded varieties contain cellulose that can make your dip grainy and refuse to melt smoothly.
  • Never crank the heat above medium or the cheese will seize up and turn into a rubbery mess instead of a creamy dream.
  • If the dip thickens as it sits, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk at a time until it loosens back up to the perfect consistency.
03 -
  • Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking because once the cheese goes in, you need to keep stirring and can't step away.
  • Taste the dip before adding the tomatoes so you can adjust the seasoning while the flavors are still building.
  • If you want to make it ahead, stop before adding the tomatoes, refrigerate, then reheat gently and stir in the tomatoes just before serving.
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