Creamy Spicy Queso Dip (Printable version)

Creamy, spicy cheese dip with cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, and warm spices for your next party.

# Needed ingredients:

→ 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

→ Optional Garnishes

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 frequently, 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; whisk 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 until evenly distributed.
06 - Stir in the diced tomato and cook for 1 minute to warm through.
07 - Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or warm slow cooker set on the warm setting. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes, which means you can make it right before guests arrive without breaking a sweat.
  • The creamy blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack melts into something dangerously smooth and completely addictive.
  • You can dial the heat up or down depending on your crowd, making it flexible enough for any palate.
  • It stays warm and silky in a slow cooker, so you're not babysitting a pot while everyone else is having fun.
02 -
  • Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly or it will clump up and turn grainy instead of smooth.
  • Seed the tomato before adding it or the extra liquid will thin out your dip into soup.
  • If the queso gets too thick as it sits, whisk in a tablespoon of milk at a time until it loosens back up.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded bags, the anti-caking agents in those can make your queso grainy and they don't melt as smoothly.
  • Taste the dip before you serve it and adjust the salt and spice, every batch of cheese is a little different and you want it to sing.
  • If you're making this ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove with a little extra milk to bring it back to life.
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