The Greatest Queso

The Greatest Queso is the ultimate cheesy dip—creamy, rich, and loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavor. It’s made with real cheese, a touch of heat, and the perfect blend of spices and mix-ins for a dip that’s irresistibly smooth and perfect for chips, tacos, nachos, or just eating by the spoonful. Ideal for parties, game day, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

white American cheese or Velveetadiced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)jalapeños (fresh or pickled)whole milk or half-and-halfbutterall-purpose flouroniongarlic clovesground cuminchili powdersalt and pepperfresh cilantro (optional)lime juice (optional)

directions

this recipe

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.

Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.

Add diced tomatoes with green chilies and chopped jalapeños. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and add shredded or cubed cheese a little at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro if desired.

Serve warm with tortilla chips, or drizzle over tacos, burritos, or fries.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 cups of queso.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add cooked chorizo or ground beef for a meaty queso dip.

Use smoked gouda or pepper jack for a deeper flavor twist.

Stir in black beans or corn for texture and color.

Make it spicy by adding more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Use evaporated milk for an extra creamy finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which may have anti-caking agents.

Is queso gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in the roux.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—sauté the aromatics separately, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low heat until melted.

How do I keep queso smooth?

Add cheese slowly and stir constantly; avoid high heat to prevent separation.

Can I freeze queso?

Not recommended—cheese sauces often separate when thawed and reheated.

Can I serve this cold?

It’s best served warm, but you can chill it and reheat before serving.

What’s the best cheese for queso?

White American melts beautifully and gives that classic smooth texture, but feel free to mix in cheddar or Monterey Jack for added flavor.

Conclusion

The Greatest Queso lives up to its name—silky, savory, and loaded with flavor, it’s a must-have for any gathering or snack craving. Whether you enjoy it as a dip or a topping, this queso brings all the creamy, cheesy goodness you could want in every bite. Once you try it, no party spread will feel complete without it.

Print