Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

I Heart Naptime Recipes Appetizers

Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
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This homemade queso blanco dip takes just 5 minutes to prep and only 5 ingredients to make. This creamy white cheese dip is seriously the best ever!

Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Table of Contents

  • The Best Queso Blanco Dip
  • Recipe Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Make Queso Blanco Dip in Crockpot
  • Helpful Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Storing
  • More Tasty Cheese Dips
  • Queso Blanco Recipe Printable Recipe

The Best Queso Blanco Dip

When it comes to tasty appetizers, give me ALL the dips. Especially Mexican dips…the flavors just can’t be beat! This recipe is a favorite of mine, as well as 7-layer dip, mango salsa and black bean and corn salsa.

One of my favorite appetizers to get when eating out at Mexican restaurants is queso blanco dip (aka white queso dip). One night at my favorite Mexican restaurant, I was to able to take some at home to recreate over the weekend and it turned out amazing! And let me tell you, it is SO easy to make.

Just dump it all in the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you, just like with my cream cheese bean dip!

After reading online that white American cheese (only found in the deli) is the way to go, I can definitely confirm that! I had experimented with other cheeses before and the white American cheese really is the best because it creates a super creamy dip. Plus the green chilies give the white queso the perfect kick, while not being overly spicy (my kids loved it).

This queso blanco dip is the perfect appetizer for game day (especially the Super Bowl), too! The boys will love it. It goes great with my jalapeno poppers recipe, guacamole and salsa. Serve it on top of your favorite Mexican dishes or use it as a nacho bar topping. Yum!

Recipe Ingredients

Five simple ingredients is all it takes to make a dip that is a crowd favorite.

Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (3)

Scroll down for the printable recipe and video tutorial below.

  • Cream cheese: You’ll need one 8-ounce block of cream cheese. This helps give the dip that perfectly creamy texture. Remember to cut it into 1/2 inch cubes before adding to the slow cooker.
  • White American cheese: This cheese is the best kind when making white cheese dip! I’ve experimented with other cheeses (Monterey jack, pepper jack) and white American is by far the winner. It adds great flavor and creaminess. I get mine from the deli, which is where you can only find it at most local grocery stores.
  • Butter: Make sure to use salted butter. You’ll only need to add in a little – about 1 Tablespoon.
  • Green chiles: The green chiles add the perfect kick without too much heat. If you’re not a spice fan, simply add half the amount of chiles.
  • Milk: Add about 3-4 Tablespoons of milk to thin out the queso a little so that it’s perfectly creamy and smooth.
  • Optional: I like to top with sliced jalapenos and fresh cilantro.

Variations

  • Add in cooked meat such as chorizo, ground beef, or sausage.
  • Swap the green chiles for jalapenos or pickled jalapenos like in this jalapeno popper dip recipe.
  • Add diced onions or minced garlic, if you want to kick up the flavor
  • Try it with a can of Rotel
  • Want a little more spice? Add a dash or two of hot sauce or your favorite spice peppers.
  • Try it with a little extra seasoning, like garlic powder or onion powder.

How to Make Queso Blanco Dip in Crockpot

It doesn’t get any easier than this, folks. Simply dump everything in the slow cooker and you are good to party.

Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (4)
  1. Cook in crock pot. In a slow cooker, combine cream cheese, American cheese, butter, green chiles and jalapenos. Cook on high to melt the cheese.
  2. Stir. Stir the mixture until well combined and then add a Tablespoon at a time of milk and water until desired consistency is met.
  3. Cook. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted and smooth.
Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (5)

Helpful Tips

  • Using a 4-6 quart slow cooker works best when making this recipe but if you are in a hurry you can microwave for 5 minutes stopping to stir every minute.
  • Stick with white American cheese! This is the key component for a perfectly creamy and flavorful white queso.
  • Use whole milk versus skim. It needs the extra fat to make this creamy.
  • Get fancy and serve it like a cheese fondue!
  • When serving, I love to top with jalapenos and chopped cilantro. We keep it classic and use homemade tortilla chips for dipping, however chopped veggies taste great too if you’re looking for a healthier option!
  • Go beyond the dip and try pouring it over burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and casseroles to give them a cheesy kick.
Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (6)

Recipe FAQs

What is queso blanco dip made of?

This queso blanco dip recipe is made usingwhite American cheese, cream cheese, milk, and green chiles.

Is queso blanco served hot or cold?

I like to serve this warm when the cheese is still gooey and easily dippable.

Can I double this queso blanco dip recipe?

Yes! You can even triple it if you are feeding a really big crowd. You might just need a bigger crockpot.

Can this easy queso blanco recipe be made on the stovetop?

Of course. Add the ingredients to a medium pot over medium-low heat, and stir it occasionally to make sure it melts evenly. I prefer the slow cooker because it is so easy and it keeps the dip warm. If you make it on the stovetop, you will also want to serve it immediately and may even need to reheat if it gets cold.

Storing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. When reheating, add a teaspoon of water and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and add another teaspoon water if needed. Heat in 30 second increments until hot.

Craving even more queso recipes? Try fried mac and cheese, cheese ball bites, or ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls.

More Tasty Cheese Dips

  • Queso Dip with Chorizo
  • Cream Cheese and Chili Queso Dip
  • Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
  • Velveeta Queso Recipe

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Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (11)

Queso Blanco Recipe

5 from 32 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

This queso blanco dip takes just 5 minutes to prep and only 5 ingredients to make. This creamy white cheese dip is seriously the best ever!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 45 minutes mins

Total Time: 50 minutes mins

Servings: 16

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Video

Equipment

  • 4-6 quart crockpot

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-ounce) package regular cream cheese , cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 pound white American cheese , cut into 1/2-inch cubes (found in deli)
  • 1 Tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles
  • Pinch ground cumin
  • 3-4 Tablespoons whole milk
  • 2-3 Tablespoons water

Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro, Diced tomatoes, or Sliced jalapeños

    For serving: Tortilla chips

      Instructions

      • In a 4- to 6-quart crockpot, combine the cream cheese, American cheese, butter, green chiles, and cumin. Cook on high for 30 minutes.

      • Stir until well combined and then add 1 Tablespoon milk and 1 Tablespoon water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Cook 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and combined.

      • Keep dip in the crockpot on the warm setting until ready to serve. Top with chopped cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapenos, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.

      Notes

      Cheese: Stick with white American cheese! This is the key component for a perfectly creamy and flavorful white queso.

      Quantity: Feel free to double or triple the recipe if serving a large crowd. Make sure to use a big enough crockpot!

      Variations:

      • Add in cooked meat such as chorizo, beef, or sausage.
      • Swap the green chiles for jalapenos.

      Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. When reheating, add a teaspoon of water and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and add another teaspoon water if needed. Heat in 30 second increments until hot.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 485IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 314mg | Iron: 0.2mg

      Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

      Course: Appetizer

      Cuisine: Mexican

      Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

      Categorized as: Appetizers, Cinco De Mayo, Crockpot, Crockpot, Dips, Gluten-Free, Mexican, Super Bowl

      Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (12)

      Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

      More about Jamielyn Nye

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      Add a comment

      76 comments

        • Colleen
        • Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (17)

        I have never rated anything until now…this is the best queso dip. I have made your recipe for years and have recommended it to numerous people. It has been a hit since I discovered it. I even make it on Christmas. I sometimes substitute a few cans of Rotel for the chiles depending if there are kids eating it. Thanks for the recipe!

        • Reply
          • I Heart Naptime

          Hi Colleen! That is great to hear. I am so glad that you loved the queso! Thanks for the great review.

          • Reply
        • beth

        Can I make this in the oven? Approx size dish? I want to set on the table with appetizers and the crock pot seems like overkill?

        • Reply
          • Jamielyn Nye

          I haven’t tried, but you probably can… it may not stay as gooey as long. This dip is a good baked one: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/chicken-enchilada-dip/

          • Reply
        • Anne

        Could queso fresco be used in place of some of the American cheese? I have so much queso fresco on hand, and am looking for ways to really put it to work. TIA

        • Reply
          • Jamielyn Nye

          Yes you could :)

          • Reply
        • Andie
        • Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (18)

        Love the simplicity of this recipe! So yummy and so easy!

        • Reply
        • Abby
        • Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (19)

        Made this for taco night and it was amazing! Never buying premade dip again. So easy and tasted way better.

        • Reply
        • Jessica
        • Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (20)

        Mmm! I made this last night for when we had our neighbors over and it was perfect to snack on while playing games!

        • Reply
          • Jamielyn Nye

          So glad you enjoyed the queso blanco dip!

          • Reply
        • Tammy

        How much jalapeno?

        • Reply
          • Taylor @ I Heart Naptime

          We always just add a few slices on top before serving. But you could also mix some diced jalapeno into the dip as well depending on how spicy you like it.

          • Reply
        • Claudia Lamascolo
        • Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (21)

        You are seriously my hero, we go to Moes here for Mexican white queso and this is a spot on flavor of their omg so good!

        • Reply
          • Jill
          • Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (22)

          My family and I LOVE this recipe! It’s delicious!

          • Reply
            • Taylor @ I Heart Naptime

            Glad to hear it is a family favorite, Jill!

          • Taryn
          • Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (23)

          This was the hit of our party! First app to disappear!

          • Reply
          • Liz
          • Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (24)

          This queso was so good!! Easy and all our friends loved it. Will make it again next time we have company!!

          • Reply
          • Renee Goerger
          • Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (25)

          Great recipe. Love how it stays warm in the slow cooker also!

          • Reply
          • Fiorella Barnes

          Can I sub the milk for heavy cream for keto?

          • Reply
            • Jamielyn

            Definitely! :)

            • Reply

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        Queso Blanco Dip Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

        FAQs

        What is queso blanco sauce made of? ›

        Place cheese, milk, and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir until cheese is melted. Add green chilies, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper; stir until smooth. Thin with more milk if sauce is too thick.

        Why is my queso blanco not melting? ›

        Why won't my cheese melt? There are many reasons, but the biggest is the moisture content. The moisture content of the cheese has a great effect on the melting process. Cheese that contains higher amounts of fat will melt better than one that doesn't.

        How do I thicken up my queso dip? ›

        Making a slurry with cornstarch and cold milk is how you will thicken your queso. A traditional slurry is a 1:1 liquid to cornstarch ratio, but for our queso purposes I used 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of milk.

        What's the difference between queso and queso blanco? ›

        Although these two cheeses are commonly confused for each other, they have a few key differences. While queso fresco is made with rennet and bacterial cultures that separate the milk into whey and curd, queso blanco simplifies things even further by using lemon juice or vinegar to achieve the same result.

        What cheese is queso dip made from? ›

        To get that classic Mexican restaurant-style queso dip, use white American cheese (it melts really smoothly). You might also come across other varieties of “queso blanco” or “queso fresco” at your local grocery store. If you can't find any of that, try white cheddar, Muenster, or Swiss.

        What cheese is similar to queso blanco? ›

        Queso fresco can be substituted for queso blanco in just about any recipe. A longer-aged cheese with a drier texture and stronger flavor, such as cotija or queso anejo, may also be used in place of queso blanco for sprinkling or crumbling.

        How do you thicken queso blanco? ›

        Real milk is the star of the show here: It's thickened with a simple roux (a mixture of flour and melted butter) to create a sauce, which is then flavored with white American cheese and a variety of spices.

        How to get queso to melt? ›

        Add heavy cream to a saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a simmer. Add cheeses to pan and stir until completely melted (See Note 3).

        What queso is best for melting? ›

        QUESO ASADERO

        It's creamy, smooth, and makes a great addition to quesadillas – it's even sometimes referred to as “queso quesadilla.” Some chefs enjoy it on pizza too because it melts so wonderfully.

        What does cornstarch do to queso? ›

        For a cheese dip or sauce, the addition of cornstarch serves a similar function: Starch molecules absorb water and expand, not only thickening the liquid phase of the sauce, but also physically preventing the proteins from binding into long, tangled strands and the fats from separating out and pooling.

        How do you fix broken queso dip? ›

        The first thing to try is adding more liquid. How much liquid to add depends on how much of the sauce is broken. If it is half-broken, add half as much again as the amount of oil that was used to break it in the first place. If it is completely broken, add equal volumes of oil and liquid.

        How to keep cheese dip creamy? ›

        That said, for the meltiest, creamiest queso, use some American cheese. Why? American cheese has emulsifiers added that makes sure that as it melts (or is reheated), it stays creamy and melty. You can use the slices or go to the deli counter and ask for a slab off of the big block of American cheese.

        What kind of queso do they use at Mexican restaurants? ›

        Queso Oaxaca is probably the most popular choice of cheese for melting. It has a stringy texture, not totally unlike mozzarella, and has a similar taste and texture.

        What kind of cheese do Mexican restaurants use on tacos? ›

        Queso Cotija

        One of the most popular Mexican cheeses around, Cotija is a winner no matter how you slice it. Or rather, how you crumble it. This crumbly, dry cheese is an incredible addition to beans, salads, corn and tacos. It has definite saltiness to it, packing a flavor punch no matter what you put it on.

        What cheese do they use at Mexican restaurants? ›

        Two of the most common Mexican cheeses you probably heard are cotija and queso fresco. These two popular Mexican kinds of cheese have distinctive characters that they add to various Mexican dishes. Queso fresco and cotija cheese are the most common and are often compared to each other for multiple reasons.

        What is the white cheese sauce at Mexican restaurants made of? ›

        Many people think it contains goat cheese, but what you customarily find in restaurants is made from easy melt white american cheese, purchased thru suppliers or large supermarkets."

        Is queso blanco like mozzarella? ›

        Queso blanco is a general term for fresh white cheese, but is also the name given to a fresh white cheese often described as a cross between mozzarella and cottage cheese. This cheese is typically made from skim cow's milk. While it doesn't melt particularly well, it does soften nicely when heated.

        Is queso blanco a melting cheese? ›

        It works well in cooking because, unlike American-type cheeses, most Queso Blanco doesn't melt when heated. It simply becomes soft and creamy and thus makes for cheesier stuffed chicken breasts or cheesier stuffed peppers or cheesier enchiladas and burritos.

        What is Chipotle's queso blanco made of? ›

        What is Queso Blanco at Chipotle? The Queso Blanco at Chipotle Mexican Grill was created to replace the old cheesy dip once served at Chipotle. The new queso ingredients include 13 real ingredients. Which includes Monterrey Jack Cheese, tomato, garlic and aged cheddar white cheese.

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