If you are craving a creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible dip, this White Queso Dip Recipe is going to become your new go-to for every party, family gathering, or cozy night in. Silky and smooth, with the perfect kick of jalapeños and warming spices, it combines melted white American and mozzarella cheeses for a texture that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re dipping tortilla chips or dolloping it over your favorite Tex-Mex dishes, this white queso dip brings a comforting, cheesy hug that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Queso Dip Recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dip bursting with flavor and perfect consistency. Each ingredient has a purpose, from the creamy evaporated milk that adds silkiness, to the blend of cheeses creating that luscious texture and rich taste.
- Evaporated milk (12 oz.): Provides a creamy base without being too thick or heavy, creating a smooth texture.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps to thicken the dip, ensuring it’s neither runny nor too stiff.
- White American cheese (¾ lb.): Melts beautifully for a classic queso flavor with a velvety finish.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz.): Adds stretch and a mild, creamy richness that balances the sharpness of the American cheese.
- Chopped canned jalapeños (2 tbsp): Brings just the right amount of heat and a touch of tang.
- Chili powder (1 tsp): Infuses warm, smoky spice that complements the cheeses perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg (½ tsp, optional): Adds a subtle nutty warmth that elevates the flavor slightly.
- Red pepper flakes (1 tsp): For an extra layer of kick—adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds gentle heat and depth.
- Chopped fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños: Fresh garnishes that brighten the dip and add color and crunch.
How to Make White Queso Dip Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Combine the Base
Start by warming the evaporated milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the cornstarch right away and whisk thoroughly to eliminate lumps. This base is key to your dip’s creamy texture, so take your time ensuring it’s smooth before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Simmer Before Reducing the Heat
Watch carefully for the milk mixture to just start bubbling around the edges—that gentle simmer signals you’re ready to reduce the heat. This stage sets the perfect temperature for the cheeses to melt evenly without breaking or clumping.
Step 3: Melt the White American Cheese
Now the magic begins! Add the white American cheese in batches, stirring constantly with a whisk while slightly increasing the heat to medium-low. This nonstop whisking transforms the cheese into a lush, creamy sauce step by step. Patience here rewards you with velvety smoothness.
Step 4: Incorporate the Mozzarella
Once the American cheese has reached pure creaminess, do the same with the shredded mozzarella. Keep whisking as it melts until it’s completely combined. You can add a little extra mozzarella if you want a thicker dip with wonderful stretch in every bite.
Step 5: Spice Things Up
At this point, stir in the chopped jalapeños, chili powder, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. These spices balance the richness of the cheeses with just the right flavor punch that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 6: Optional Broiling for a Golden Finish
If you love a bubbly, golden top on your dip, transfer it to a skillet and broil in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until it browns lightly. This step adds a lovely caramelized flavor and a delightful crust that contrasts the creamy inside beautifully.
Step 7: Add Fresh Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro, tomatoes, and extra jalapeños for a fresh burst of color and brightness. These garnishes add texture and a lively contrast that elevates the entire dish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your White Queso Dip Recipe into a bowl or serve straight from the skillet with a big pile of crunchy tortilla chips. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness with friends or family—it’s a guaranteed hit every time!
How to Serve White Queso Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and extra jalapeños are perfect for adding a pop of color and vibrant freshness that cuts through the rich cheese. Feel free to add a sprinkle of green onions or even a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs brilliantly with crispy tortilla chips, crunchy veggie sticks like bell peppers and celery, or even toasted pita bread. For a more indulgent snack, try it spooned over loaded nachos or as a creamy topping on baked potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your white queso dip in a warm bread bowl or alongside a grazing board featuring cured meats, olives, and fresh veggies. You can even drizzle a little smoky hot sauce on top for an extra layer of flavor that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Queso Dip Recipe should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy in smaller portions without any waste.
Freezing
While freezing queso dip is possible, the texture might change slightly upon thawing, becoming a little grainy. If you want to freeze it, place the dip in a freezer-safe container and use it within 1 to 2 months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the dip on the stovetop over low heat, whisking constantly to bring back its smooth creaminess. Adding a splash of evaporated milk or regular milk can help restore the texture if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Regular milk can work, but evaporated milk gives this White Queso Dip Recipe that extra creamy richness and helps prevent it from becoming too watery. If you substitute, consider reducing the milk slightly or adding a bit more cornstarch.
What kind of cheese is best for queso dip?
White American cheese melts smoothly and gives you that classic queso texture while mozzarella adds stretch and mild flavor. Combining these two creates the perfect smooth, creamy consistency that’s easy to whisk and delicious to eat.
Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?
Makes for a challenge since this recipe relies heavily on melting cheeses and evaporated milk, but you can adapt it with dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based milk thickened with cornstarch or tapioca. The flavor might be different but still tasty!
How spicy is this White Queso Dip Recipe?
The heat level is medium thanks to the jalapeños and red pepper flakes, but you can tailor the spice to your preference by adjusting these ingredients. For a milder dip, reduce or omit the jalapeños and red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare the White Queso Dip Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dip up to a day before your event, then gently reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just whisk well during reheating to bring back that perfect creamy consistency and add fresh garnishes before serving.
Final Thoughts
This White Queso Dip Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser, combining creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and perfectly balanced seasonings into one irresistible dip. It’s simple to make yet feels special enough to elevate any occasion. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you’ll love eating it. Dip in and savor every warm, cheesy bite!
Print
White Queso Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This creamy white queso dip combines melted white American and mozzarella cheeses with flavorful spices and jalapeños for a perfectly balanced, spicy, and cheesy dip perfect for game day or any party. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop, with an optional broiling step to achieve a bubbly, browned top. Garnished with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños, it pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Cheese and Dairy
- 12 oz. evaporated milk (1 can)
- ¾ lb. white American cheese
- 4 oz. freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
Thickening and Spices
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp chopped canned jalapeños (or chopped green chiles)
- 1 tsp chili powder (or cumin)
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat Evaporated Milk: Warm the evaporated milk over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch and whisk well to combine, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Simmer and Reduce Heat: When the mixture reaches a simmer — just before boiling, noticeable by bubbles forming around the edges — immediately reduce the heat to low to prevent scorching.
- Add White American Cheese: Gradually add the white American cheese to the simmering milk in batches. As you add, increase heat to medium-low and whisk continuously to help the cheese melt smoothly and prevent clumping. Keep whisking until each batch is fully melted and creamy before adding the next.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Once the white American cheese is fully incorporated, add the shredded mozzarella cheese gradually while continuing to whisk constantly. This ensures a creamy and blended texture. Add more mozzarella if you desire a thicker queso.
- Season the Dip: Stir in the chopped jalapeños, chili powder, nutmeg (if using), red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the dip.
- Optional Broiling: For a browned, bubbly top, transfer the queso to an oven-safe skillet and place it under the broiler for 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning; remove when the cheese bubbles and browns lightly.
- Garnish: Top the warm queso dip with freshly chopped cilantro, tomatoes, and additional jalapeños for a fresh, colorful touch and extra heat if preferred.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping while the queso is warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Constant whisking during cheese melting prevents clumping and ensures a smooth dip.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the creamy dip.
- Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of jalapeños and red pepper flakes used.
- For a thicker consistency, add extra shredded mozzarella or allow to cook slightly longer on low heat.
