Creamy Spicy Queso Dip (Print Version)

Creamy, spicy cheese dip with cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, and warm spices—ready in just 20 minutes.

# 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

→ 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 completely melted and the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
04 - Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and velvety in 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 to a serving bowl or warm slow cooker set to the warm setting. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than most people can finish setting out the chips and napkins.
  • The texture stays silky instead of breaking into that grainy, oily mess some cheese dips turn into.
  • You can dial the heat up or down without sacrificing any of the rich, smoky flavor.
02 -
  • If you add the cheese too fast or the heat is too high, it will seize up into a grainy mess instead of melting smooth.
  • Seeding the tomato is not optional unless you want a watery dip that separates as it sits.
  • Whole milk and block cheese you shred yourself make a bigger difference than any spice tweak ever will.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese from a block because pre-shredded is coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
  • Stir constantly once the cheese goes in, and never let the heat climb past medium or the proteins will seize.
  • If the dip gets too thick as it sits, whisk in a splash of warm milk to bring it back to life.
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