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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Homemade Queso Dip - So Tasty and Easy

    Published: Feb 28, 2021 · Modified: Dec 13, 2021 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    How to Make Queso Dip recipe is a breeze to make.

    Homemade Queso dip is a Mexican appetizer that just about everybody loves, and it's easy to see why. Follow this easy Queso dip recipe and the results will be a cheesy, creamy, restaurant-quality dip that's guaranteed to be a hit at your next party.  A Velveeta Queso dip variation that's comforting and delicious. It's a sure winner!

    Overhead shot of homemade queso dip in cast iron skillet with tortilla chips, tomatoes, and jalapenos surrounding it

    This homemade queso dip recipe is super easy, oh so cheesy, made in one skillet, and is perfect for everything from game day to a party or movie night!

    My husband and I made this Queso dip and ate while binge-watching TV shows. One night turned into two, then three. We could see where this was going. Eating Queso dip was becoming a habit and a good one at that.

    Before making this amazing recipe, we used to order queso at restaurants. When I say we, honestly, I used to be the one who ordered queso every chance I got. In my mind, there is nothing better than dipping chips into warm, stringy cheese.

    My husband agrees and always devoured it right along with me.

    It's also true that hot cheesy dips are always a hit at any gathering, big or small. I usually rely on this queso dip and pizza dip to satisfy all cheesy cravings.

    I can't remember ever having leftovers.

    For years, we even used to keep the jarred stuff from the store in our pantry, for whenever we wanted to enjoy some. Not any longer. Now we only make this recipe or a variation thereof.

    The store-bought stuff just won't do. Our homemade version is such a terrific blend of flavors, you'll see what I mean as soon as you try it.

    We make this queso dip throughout the year. We use it to add flavor to tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas, taquitos, and pretty much anything that already has or you want to have a Mexican flare.

    I have even served some on top of freshly steamed broccoli and cauliflower. We LOVED it.

    Ideally served warm, freshly made, straight out of the oven with some tortilla or corn chips. This amazing, creamy appetizer is a personal favorite for a reason.

    This dip disappears lightning-fast and I'm always asked for the recipe. Sometimes I am asked to make it again the next day too which I don't mind because this dip is that easy to make and I always seem to have the ingredients around.

    Homemade Queso Dip is so Easy and so Good

    Making this addictive, restaurant-quality cheesy treat could not be easier. One bite is all it will take to convince you that this recipe is a definite keeper.

    For the most part, I totally LOVE celebrating holidays of all kinds and secretly it's true I wish there were more of them. I love having people stay over and as you might imagine, I love making lots of food.

    The only thing that always drives me crazy is trying to balance how much time I spend inside the kitchen versus how much time I spend visiting.

    I tend to plan and get too excited over the food and all of the things I want to serve and make. Every year I promise myself I am going to plan better and every year there may be small improvements but overall I am always too unrealistic and overly ambitious.

    Then, I am exhausted after they go home and I think I should have spent more time visiting and less time preparing, cooking and cleaning up all the wonderful things I wanted to cook.

    Recipes like this easy skillet queso dip recipe make my life so much easier. This snack is so easy and everyone always LOVES it. Simply make it ahead and heat inside your oven once needed.

    Appetizers don't get any easier or tastier than this.

    As many of you know I am a huge lover of dips. I love dipping and LOVE eating appetizers, yes sometimes more than one, for dinner with my husband.

    Have you seen my favorite dips post? I have all of my favorites listed in the same place. Originally, I created that list for friends and family members who enjoy the recipes.

    I meant to eventually include them on this blog and I figured I would get to it eventually but it just couldn't wait. I hope you enjoy them all as much as we do.

    Overhead shot of easy queso dip recipe cooked up in skillet with tortilla chips on the side

    Ingredients

    You only need a few ingredients to make this delicious and easy queso dip recipe. Whether you make it entirely from scratch or go the Velveeta queso dip route, you'll find that this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for parties, snacks, and movie night treats. Here's what you need to make this tasty queso cheese dip.

    • butter
    • white American, Queso block or velveeta cheese
    • shredded colby jack
    • heavy or whipping cream
    • green chilies, diced
    • cumin
    • cayenne (less if you are sensitive to spice)
    • jalapeno, diced
    • tomato, chopped
    • cilantro, chopped
    • black pepper
    • tortilla chips for dipping

    Spoonful of Velveeta queso dip over cast iron skillet with more cheese dip

    How to Make Homemade Queso Dip

    This is one of the easiest dips of any kind that you'll ever make. This homemade queso dip recipe is a one pan wonder that only takes a few minutes to both prepare and cook. In fact, it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish to make this queso cheese dip.

    Spread an 8 or 9-inch skillet with butter (I use cast iron), and heat over medium.

    Add in both kinds of cheese, heavy cream, green chilies, cumin, and cayenne.

    Stirring occasionally, cook for 10 minutes until cheeses are completely melted.

    Sprinkle ¼ to ⅓ cup shredded colby jack on top.

    Bake at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes.

    Then remove from oven and top with peppers, jalapenos, cilantro, tomatoes, and anything else you would like.

    Serve immediately with chips and enjoy every bite.

    Overhead shot of spoon sitting in homemade queso dip in cast iron skillet

    Queso Dip Recipe Tips

    This homemade queso dip recipe is so easy there's really not a lot of opportunities to make a mistake. In fact, you really can't go wrong. The tips below aren't so much about making sure you make the recipe correctly so much as they are about showing you different ways you can change up the recipe. Let's take a look!

    • If you want a thicker cheese dip or sauce simply add more cheese, a little at a time
    • Plain white or orange sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even muenster or Jack cheeses are great substitutes if needed
    • You can use American cheese, Velveeta or Queso block cheese (or a combination) to make this into a Velveeta queso dip
    • Shred your own cheese so it melts properly. Avoid the pre-shredded bags if at all possible
    • If adding ground beef or chorizo sausage be sure to drain before adding it to your dip to avoid it becoming greasy

    The best thing about this recipe is that it serves as a great place to start. It's so versatile that you literally can enjoy a different dip every time you make it.

    We include whatever extra ingredients we are in the mood for or have on hand. From traditional queso to a Velveeta queso dip twist, you can throw in just about anything.

    I always add something a little different. Whether it be to add some cooked chorizo sausage or ground beef. Maybe some chopped peppers, and purple onion.

    You can literally add whatever your heart desires or stick with scooping some amazing cheesy goodness over and over again. This dip is so addictive you really won't be able to stop until it's done, whether you include any extras or not.

    Serving

    There are so many ways you can serve up this easy queso dip recipe. From adding meat and beans to mixing in peppers or even hot sauce, you can get creative with this easy queso dip to really make it your own.

    • ½ pound chorizo sausage, ground beef, ground pork or chicken, cooked
    • ¼ cup cilantro
    • ¼ cup pico de gallo, fresh salsa, fresh tomatoes or canned
    • 1 poblano or serrano pepper, seeded and sliced
    • ¼ cup black beans or pinto beans
    • canned chili
    • dashes hot sauce
    • ½ cup cheddar, mozzarella, fontina, pepper jack, or authentic asadero, manchego or Oaxaca cheeses (at market or local Latin store)
    • ¼ cup onion
    • ¼ cup sweet bell pepper
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

    Uses for Queso Dip

    The truth is there are just so many things you can dip into your queso and enjoy every cheesy bite! Here are a few of our favorites.

    • Tortilla or corn chips
    • Vegetables like carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry or grape tomatoes, etc.
    • Breadsticks or crisps
    • Naan bread, pitas, or our pita chips
    • Inside or on top of burritos, taquitos, tacos, enchiladas or nachos and so much more
    • As a topping on Sloppy Joes

    How to Store and Reheat Easy Queso Dip or Velveeta Queso Dip

    Homemade queso dip will last up to three days inside your fridge, including the day you made it, inside an air-tight container. To reheat, simply microwave dip in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each burst, until hot.

    Overhead shot of cheese dip in cast iron skillet

    Crock Pot Easy Queso Dip Recipe Variation

    This is the perfect party dip and I usually will double or triple up the recipe. I have a really small Crock Pot that is perfect for dips just like this. The Crock Pot keeps cheese queso dip warm and everyone can help themselves to a scoop or two, as they desire it.

    You can't serve cold queso dip!

    Makes life so much easier for the host! Not having to worry about whether the dip is warm enough! I mean, you can eat queso dip directly out of the skillet too, and I have done it, it's just not ideal because the skillet is so hot.

    The best idea is to immediately empty the skillet into a heat-resistant serving dish and serve with chips or whatever you would like. If I'm having people over, I dump the contents of my hot skillet right inside my Crock Pot.

    I've tried tossing everything inside and I find the results are better when the dip is prepared first inside the skillet. Make sure to prepare your Crock Pot with cooking spray or you could have a mess on your hands when cleaning up after your celebration.

    I use my Crock Pot just to keep the dip warm.

    Crock Pot queso dip is always a hit and one of the first appetizers to disappear. I actually get requests for this easy queso dip recipe and you will too.

    Overhead shot of cheese dip in skillet surrounded by tomatoes, jalapenos, and tortilla chips

    Try This Recipe for Yourself

    This homemade queso dip recipe is so easy to make, there's absolutely no reason not to give it a try. No matter what kind of cheese you use, from traditional to a Velveeta queso dip varation, this recipe always comes out perfectly.

    And because it's such a perfect base for getting creative, there's no end to the ways you can mix it up.

    So give this recipe a try. It's perfect for parties, game day, movie night, or just an afternoon snack when you're feeling munchie. Once you give it a try, I'm sure you'll agree that it's a recipe you'll be making all the time. Trust me, everyone's going to love it.

    Homemade Queso Dip Video

    Easy Skillet Queso Dip

    How to Make Queso Dip

    This Queso dip recipe is easy to follow and the results will be a cheesy, creamy, restaurant-quality dip. With or without Velveeta, this Mexican appetizer is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time, divided 18 mins
    Total Time 28 mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American, Mexican
    Servings 4
    Calories 174 kcal

    Equipment

    • small skillet 8 or 9 inch, unless making a double batch like I do!
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Cheese grater
    • wooden spoon

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon butter softened
    • 2 cups shredded white American cheese, Queso block cheese or Velveeta
    • ½ cup shredded Colby Jack + extra for topping
    • ½ cup heavy or whipping cream
    • ¼ cup chopped green chilies
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne less if you are sensitive to spice
    • chopped Jalapeno pepper, seeded
    • chopped tomato
    • chopped cilantro
    • black pepper
    • Chips for dipping

    Instructions
     

    • Pull out and measure all the ingredients.
      Easy Skillet Queso Dip
    • Spread an 8 or 9 inch skillet (I use cast iron) with butter. Heat over medium.
    • Add in both cheeses, heavy cream green chilies, cumin, and cayenne.
      Easy Skillet Queso Dip
    • Stirring occasionally, cook for 10 minutes until cheeses are completely melted.
      Easy Skillet Queso Dip
    • Sprinkle ¼ - ⅓ cup shredded Colby Jack on top, and bake at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes. Remove from oven and top with pepper, Jalapeno, cilantro and tomatoes.
      Easy Skillet Queso Dip
    • Serve with chips, veggies, crackers or whatever you desire. Enjoy every bite.
      Easy Skillet Queso Dip

    Nutrition

    Calories: 174kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 144mgPotassium: 73mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 822IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 142mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cheese dip, easy dip, queso dip
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Easy Skillet Queso Dip

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    Welcome!

    Ken and Karin

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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