Sides
Queso Blanco
This creamy and spicy Queso Blanco is the perfect game day or get-together dip. Made with white American cheese, jalapenos, and a touch of cumin, it's rich, flavorful, and ideal for dipping chips, veggies, or bread. A crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
15 minutes
Serves
8
people
Author
Cody Landry
This Queso Blanco is a rich and creamy white cheese dip that’s incredibly smooth, with just the right amount of spice from diced jalapenos and a hint of cumin. The blend of white American cheese, half and half, and seasonings creates a warm, flavorful dip that's perfect for parties, game nights, or as a savory topping for your favorite Mexican dishes. It’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
What You Can Dip in the Queso
- Tortilla Chips: A classic choice for queso.
- Vegetables: Try sliced bell peppers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or broccoli florets.
- Pretzels: Soft or hard pretzels pair wonderfully with queso.
- Bread: Cubed French bread or soft breadsticks are delicious options.
- Crackers: Choose any type, from plain to flavored, for an extra crunch.
How to Keep the Queso Warm
- Slow Cooker: Transfer the queso to a slow cooker on the "warm" setting to keep it melted and smooth throughout serving.
- Fondue Pot: A fondue pot is another great option that maintains a consistent temperature.
- Double Boiler Method: Place the queso in a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water to keep it warm without burning.
Additions or Substitutions for Queso
- Additions:
- Tomatoes: Add some diced tomatoes for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Green Chiles: Include canned green chiles for a mild heat and extra flavor.
- Ground Beef or Chorizo: Brown and crumble these meats, then mix them in for a heartier queso.
- Fresh Cilantro: Stir in chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Substitutions:
- Cheese: Substitute white American cheese with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or queso fresco for a different flavor profile.
- Half and Half: Use whole milk or evaporated milk for a lighter option, or heavy cream for an even richer dip.
- Spice Level: Swap cayenne pepper for smoked paprika for a milder flavor, or add chopped fresh jalapenos, serrano peppers, or hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Ingredients
Directions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the chopped white American cheese and half and half. Stir constantly until the cheese begins to melt and smooth out.
- Once the cheese is mostly melted, stir in the cumin, salt, black pepper, and ground red pepper (cayenne) until well combined.
- Add the diced jalapenos and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the queso is completely smooth and creamy.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or drizzle over your favorite dishes.