Mexican Restaurant Style White Cheese (Queso) Dip
This easy Mexican Restaurant Style White Cheese (Queso) Dip offers a rich, creamy, and authentic taste that brings the festive flavors of Mexican restaurants right to your home. Made with melty white cheese and perfectly balanced spices, it’s ideal for parties, casual snacking, or a quick appetizer. With its smooth texture and customizable heat, this versatile dip is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (serves 6-8) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cheese and Dairy
- 8 oz Monterey Jack or White American cheese, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Spices and Heat (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons canned green chilies, drained
- 1 small jalapeño, diced (optional)
- Prepare the roux base: Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light golden and smooth, forming a thickening base for the dip.
- Add milk and seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk or heavy cream to avoid lumps. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened and warmed through.
- Melt the cheese: Lower the heat to low. Slowly add the chopped or shredded white cheese while stirring continuously until completely melted and silky smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Incorporate green chilies: Stir in the green chilies and optional diced jalapeños. Allow the flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. The dip should be creamy, flavorful, and ready to serve.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt and better texture.
- Melt cheese slowly over low heat to prevent scorching and curdling.
- Whisk constantly when making the roux to keep it velvety and lump-free.
- Adjust the dip’s thickness by thinning with milk or thickening with more butter and flour.
- Customize spice level gradually by adding jalapeños or chipotle peppers to suit your heat preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: queso dip, Mexican cheese dip, queso blanco, creamy cheese dip, appetizer, snack, Mexican restaurant style, easy dip, party dip