Easy, creamy, and flavorful queso blanco recipe (white Mexican cheese dip). All this savory dip takes is a frying pan and some chopping. Whip up this tex-mix favorite in under 30 minutes for an appetizer everyone will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
What is queso? Here is the US, queso is a Mexican cuisine inspired cheese dip. The word queso in Spanish means "cheese", but at Mexican restaurants in the US it is a creamy cheese dip that consists of melted cheese, cream, and seasonings.
We love this queso recipe because it is so fast and easy and also delicious! You're going to love it just as much because:
- It is creamy and dreamy and delicious
- It can be altered to suit your tastes.
- It is a great recipe for a party or crowd.
About The Ingredients
All the ingredients for this Mexican cheese dip can be purchased at your local grocery store. Here are a few items to note:
The most important ingredient in queso blano recipe is the queso! You will want to select white American cheese as your base. American cheese melts like a dream and is smooth and creamy. The other ingredients you'll need are:
- White American Cheese - Queso in US restaurants is generally made from American cheese. The name Queso Blanco is used to describe the appearance of this dish, but the appetizer does not include queso blanco cheese, which is a soft crumbly Mexican cheese. So for this dish - use American! You can pick up White American Cheese by the pound at the deli counter, or some varieties, like white velveeta can be found in the deli aisle.
- Whole Milk - we use whole cows milk to thin the dip. It combines will with the cheese well and adds some richness.
- Fresh Ingredients - We like to use a variety of peppers and onions to flavor this Mexican cheese dip. Try bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, and poblano pepper. We also use red onion and a few seasonings.
For a complete list of ingredients and amounts, see recipe card below.
How Do I Make Mexican Cheese Dip?
This recipe comes together really fast. Let me show you how to do it!
- Prepare your white American cheese by cutting it into cubes.
- Chop your onion and peppers into ½ inch cubes. I like to use on onion chopper to do this. Rough chop your cilantro.
Pro tip: White American cheese can be purchased at the deli counter.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan. Add peppers and onion and cook until softened. Add in cilantro.
- Add in cubed cheese, milk, paprika, salt, and cayenne.
- Melt cheese and milk over medium heat until smooth.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra peppers. Serve with desired dippers.
What Do I Serve Queso Blanco With?
- Queso blanco recipe can be served with dippers like: tortilla chips, grilled chicken, veggies, guacamole , and pico de Gallo.
- You can also serve queso blanco on tacos, enchiladas, on nachos, or burritos!
- This dish is a great communal recipe that is fun to be shared with a group.
Variations
This recipe can be altered to your tastes. Leave the cheese and milk as the base and try some of these variations:
- Green Chili - in place of the peppers in this recipe use a can of diced green chiles.
- Queso fundido - add cooking chorizo to your melted cheese for a meaty twist.
FAQs
While it technically can, we recommend making it right before serving. It comes together just as quickly as reheating.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Yes! This recipe is 100% gluten free.
I recommend putting the dip recipe it in a slow cooker or crock pot or fondue pot on low. But it is usually eaten before it gets cold! Ha ha!
More Recipes You'll Enjoy
If you liked this queso banco dip, you'll love these other Mexican recipes:
Stay In Touch!
Please let me know if you make this queso blanco dip. I love to hear from those who make my recipes. If you want to keep up with our newest recipes, make sure you follow is on Facebook and Instagram, and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
Queso Blanco Dip
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 12 oz. white American cheese
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ red bell pepper stem and seeds removed
- ½ poblano pepper stem and seeds removed
- ½ jalapeno stem and seeds removed
- ¼ purple onion
- ¼ bunch cilantro minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Prepare your white American cheese by cutting it into cubes.
- Chop your onion and peppers into ½ inch cubes. I like to use on onion chopper to do this. Rough chop your cilantro.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan. Add peppers and onion and cook until softened. Add in cilantro.
- Add in cubed cheese, milk, paprika, salt, and cayenne.
- Melt cheese and milk over medium heat until smooth.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra peppers. Serve with desired dippers.
Susan P says
Is this white cheese dip very spicy? My stomach doesn’t like spicy. But it sounds so good.
Kadee says
No, its not too spicy.
Emily Kemp says
This is one of my favourite dips and it's so easy too!
Juju says
What does the chicken breast do? I've never seen a queso recipe with meat in it!
Joann says
Living in California it was easy to find the cheese. This recipe is quick, easy, and super delicious.
Amy S. says
Thanks for posting this. I've been on the lookout for a good queso recipe that doesn't include Velveeta so I'm excited to try this!
Stephanie says
I know, right?! Velveeta is great, but I do feel less guilty eating this :) Thanks Amy!
Kary says
Okay, after reading this, I am starving and craving this cheese dip. I cannot wait to give this a try!
Stephanie says
Me too, Kary. Me too.
Renee says
Amazing.....I need to make this for my next family get together
Daisy says
I love cheese dips. And Mexican cheese. And Mexican anything. I had planned to buy this blender when someone have me a nutribullet a belated wedding gift. It's great that it's free but it's no Blendtec! This recipe looks delish.
Carolyn F says
Looks amazing!
Stephanie says
Thanks, Carolyn! Let me know what you think!!
Jess says
I am such a sucker for good queso!