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Queso Blanco Recipe

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This creamy and spicy queso blanco dip will be your new favorite appetizer. It tastes just like your favorite Mexican restaurant and is ready in 10 minutes! 

I like serving it with chips, tacos, or a Mexican casserole.

a tortilla chip being dipped into a bowl of queso blanco with jalapenos.

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Dips are my go-to party appetizer. I've shared fun varieties like Philly cheesesteak dip and Bacon Cheeseburger Dip in the past.

This queso blanco recipe is my new favorite! It is creamy, spicy, and so addictive. It's name literally means white cheese.

I LOVE getting it from my favorite Mexican restaurants. I could literally eat it as a meal.

This homemade version tastes even better than what you get at restaurants!

Bonus: You can eat seconds and third with no judgments.

I love making it for a late-night snack.

It's also perfect for Cinco de Mayo, parties, and watching football.

You can also smother your burritos, tacos, and casseroles to give them a cheesy kick. baked potatoes

🤍Why I Love This Recipe🤍

  1. Easy Peasy: Ready in 10 minutes with just 2 steps.
  2. Spicy: This dip is just spicy enough and can be adjusted up or down depending on your tastes.
  3. Creamy: American Cheese + Whole Milk leads to the perfect consistency with a creamy mouthfeel.

🌶️Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips🌶️

ingredients including white American cheese, whole milk, green chiles, pickled jalapenos, and cumin.
  • White American: White American is milder and more crumbly than its yellow counterpart making it perfect for this dip. I used Land o Lakes.
    • You can also use White Velveeta.
    • Avoid pre-shredded cheeses which don't melt smoothly due to the addition of ingredients like cornstarch. 
  • Water: You can also use chicken broth if you have some on hand.
  • Diced Green Chiles: Look for these in the Hispanic food aisle near the taco shells.
  • Pickled Jalapeno Juice: If you're not using pickled jalapenos, add a squeeze of lime juice instead.
  • Whole Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest results. You could probably get away with 2% but avoid fat-free or nondairy milk.

Ingredient Spotlight: Pickled Jalapenos

Pickled jalapenos are softer and less spicy than the fresh variety. They also add a pop of acid to this recipe.

We also like that they're available all year and shelf stable.

Substitutions: Use fresh jalapenos for more spice.

Rinse them or use all green chiles if you like less heat.

🍅Fun Variations🍅

  1. Add Veggies: Consider onions, tomatoes, or even Rotel.
  2. Top: Top with ground beef, chorizo, or cilantro for a full meal.
  3. Use cheddar cheese like in my chile con queso.

🧀How To Make Queso Blanco🧀

  1. Melt Cheese: Combine cheese, milk, and water. Melt for around 5 minutes, stirring every minute.
  2. Season: Stir in green chiles, jalapenos/juice, and cumin.
an overhead view of white Mexican cheese dip with a tortilla chip scattered around.

🧺Leftovers🧺

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheat

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. 

You can also reheat on low on the stovetop until you reach your desired consistency.

Freezing

Not recommended. It could separate or have a grainy texture.

🗂️Krystle's Tips🗂️

  1. Cube cheese evenly for fast, even cooking.
  2. Stir frequently so it doesn't scorch.
  3. If it's too thick, add more milk. If it's too thick, add more cheese or allow it to cool. It will thicken as it cools.

A sprinkle of food science

If cheese is heated above 160°F, the proteins tighten up which causes it to separate and become grainy. Stir frequently and cook over low heat to avoid this.

❓FAQs❓

Can I Make It In the Crock Pot?

Yes! Heat for 1-2 hours on low.

We also like to keep it warm in the crock pot for parties.

What Can I Use For Dipping?

Tortilla chips are our favorite. Chips, pretzels, bread, veggies, and crackers are always good too.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes! Make ahead and reheat before serving.

Can I Make This On The Stove Top?

Yes! Just combine all ingredients and heat over low heat, stirring frequently.

a hand dipping a chip into a red bowl of spicy white cheese dip.

🌮Serve With🌮

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📖 Recipe

Ultimate Queso Blanco

This smooth and creamy queso Blanco dip has just the right amount of spice. This restaurant copycat is ready in less than 10 minutes! 
5 from 25 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Mexican
Cuisine: Appetizer
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 370kcal

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Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ Pound Block White American Cheese Cubed
  • Cup Whole Milk
  • ½ Cup Water
  • ¼ Cup Diced Green Chiles
  • 2 Pickled Jalapenos Finely Chopped
  • 1 Ounce Pickled Jalapeno Juice
  • Pinch of Cumin To Taste
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Instructions

  • In a large microwave safe bowl, combine cubed cheese, milk, and water, Microwave for 4-5 minutes or until melted. Stir every minute or so.
  • Once melted stir in green chiles, jalapenos, pickled jalapeno juice, and cumin.
  • Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Notes

Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
    • White American: I used Land o Lakes.
    • Water: You can also use chicken broth if you have some on hand.
    • Diced Green Chiles: Look for these in the Hispanic food aisle near the taco shells.
    • Pickled Jalapenos: Pickled jalapenos are softer and less spicy than the fresh variety.
    • Whole Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest results. You could probably get away with 2% but avoid fat-free or nondairy milk.
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Tips and Tricks
  1. Cube cheese evenly for fast, even cooking.
  2. Stir frequently so it doesn't scorch.
  3. If it's too thick, add more milk. If it's too thick, add more cheese or allow it to cool. It will thicken as it cools.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 1676mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1034IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1021mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? I want to see!Mention @BakingBeautyBlog or tag #BakingBeauty!

 

5 from 25 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




12 Comments

  1. 2pots2cook says:

    5 stars
    Oh yes ! The whole batch for me, please !!!!

  2. 5 stars
    It is so good! Such an amazing appetizer! Everyone at my house loved it!

  3. 5 stars
    The way to my heart is with a good queso and chips!

  4. Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says:

    5 stars
    This smooth and creamy queso Blanco dip looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!

  5. 5 stars
    Now I know what I will make for our movie night dinner! Everyone will love it!

  6. LAUREN KELLY says:

    5 stars
    this is so so delicious! I am making it again this weekend!

  7. Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says:

    5 stars
    This looks incredibly delicious!! Can't wait to try it!

  8. katerina @ diethood.com says:

    5 stars
    I love how easy and delicious this is! Perfect for game day!

  9. 5 stars
    This is really delicious and tasty! Super easy to make as well! Thank you so much for sharing this queso blanco recipe! Will surely have this again, Highly recommended!

  10. I am a sucker for chips and queso, this looks fantastic!!

  11. 5 stars
    This sounds absolutely delicious and perfect for movie or game night! My family is going to devour this queso dip especially since we are big cheese lovers! Excited to make this and have it on hand!

  12. Trish - Mom On Timeout says:

    Goodness I love easy recipes like this one! Looks like game day food to me!