Best Homemade Queso Dip Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor

Homemade queso dip is the ultimate party appetizer—rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors.

Made with real cheese, fresh ingredients, and a hint of spice, this dip is far better than any store-bought version. Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or just satisfying your cheesy cravings!

Serve it with tortilla chips, and warm pretzels, or drizzle it over nachos and tacos for an irresistible treat.

Homemade Queso Dip Recipe

Tried this homemade queso dip? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! Did you add your own twist—maybe extra spice, meat, or a different cheese combo? Share your experience, and let’s make this the ultimate queso recipe together! 🌶

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 1 small jalapeño finely chopped (optional, for spice)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup  whole milk
• ½ cup  heavy cream
• 8 oz  sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 4 oz  Monterey Jack cheese shredded
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½  tsp smoked paprika
• ½  tsp salt  adjust to taste
• ¼  tsp  black pepper
• 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies drained (e.g., Rotel)
• ¼  cup  fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
• ¼  cup  pickled jalapeños diced (optional)

Instructions

 

• Sauté the Aromatics:

  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

  Add the diced onion and jalapeño, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened.

  Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

  Make the Roux:

  Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  
• Add the Liquid:

  Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.

  Continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

  Melt the Cheese:

  Reduce heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
  
• Season the Queso:

  Add cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

  Add the Tomatoes & Extras:

  Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies.

  If using, add fresh cilantro and pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.
  
• Serve Warm:

  Transfer the queso to a serving bowl and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

  If the queso thickens over time, reheat it on low heat, adding a splash of milk to thin it out.
  

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 1g

Cooking Tips:

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the dip grainy.
• Adjust the Spice Level – Add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne if you like it spicier.
• Keep it Warm – Serve in a mini slow cooker on the warm setting to keep the queso smooth and creamy.
• Make it Meaty – Stir in cooked chorizo or ground beef for a heartier dip.

How About Alternative Ingredients?

If you want to customize this queso dip to fit your dietary preferences or simply use what you have on hand, there are plenty of alternative ingredients you can try. Instead of whole milk and heavy cream, you can use evaporated milk for a silkier texture or substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.

If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, swap in unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk along with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

For the cheese, while cheddar and Monterey Jack provide a great melt and flavor, you can experiment with other options like Colby Jack, Pepper Jack (for extra spice), or even processed cheese like Velveeta for an ultra-smooth texture.

If you want to change up the spices, try adding a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky kick or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors, which is characteristic of Birria Ramen.

Instead of diced tomatoes with green chilies, you can use fresh tomatoes and roasted poblanos for a deeper, homemade flavor. Lastly, if you want to add protein, cooked chorizo, bacon bits, or black beans make fantastic mix-ins for a heartier dip!

Summary

A great queso dip brings people together, adding warmth and flavor to any gathering. With simple ingredients and a few easy swaps, you can customize it to match different tastes or dietary needs.

Making it at home allows for full control over ingredients, ensuring a fresher and more satisfying experience compared to store-bought options. Served with chips, drizzled over nachos, or paired with veggies, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to resist.

Try experimenting with different cheeses, spices, and mix-ins to create a version that suits your style.