Here’s the best white queso you will ever try!

White Queso, also known as Queso Blanco dip is one of the most popular appetizers in a Mexican restaurant. Don’t be intimidated by much-loved cheese dip. A trip to the deli counter, and the purchase of some white cheese (American), and you can rival any restaurant!

a bowl of white queso dip and tortilla chips


What Does Queso Mean

Queso means cheese in Spanish. But cheese is not all you’re getting when you order this gooey, often spicy delight at a Tex-Mex restaurant. Queso is actually short for chile con queso which means chile with cheese in English. That’s where the spiciness comes in.

Queso is a Mexican-inspired appetizer that’s meant for dipping, but this tasty cheese sauce can also be spooned over nachos, tacos, fajitas, burritos, or grilled chicken.

Why This is the Best Homemade White Queso Dip

You have had delicious white and creamy white queso made in the restaurant, now you can make it at home. What makes this recipe so good is you will start with white American cheese, it has the perfect melt. Then you will season it perfectly with green chilies, it doesn’t get better than this!

Walk on the Wild Side with Queso Blanco

White queso is a popular alternative to yellow queso, and it is typically flavored with some onions and green chile. It’s a zesty and creamy cheese dip that is easy to put together and is the perfect addition to any party menu.

It’s creamy smooth, delightfully spicy and everyone will be totally addicted to scooping it up with a big pile of tortilla chips. Other great dipping options are triangles of flour tortillas or assorted veggies.

Make White Cheese Dip at Home!

This homemade white queso dip is perfect for parties, taco night, Cinco de Mayo, or any time when you’re looking for a quick and satisfying snack. Homemade queso is also one of the best parts of any game day. It’s perfect for celebrating after a win, but it also gives you a pick-me-up after your team loses.

White queso dip is best served up piping hot from the pan, but it can be reheated if needed. Simply microwave it in increments of 30 seconds or so until the dip becomes liquid and you’re ready to go.

American cheese, milk, butter, chopped onions, and green chilis

Make White Queso Dip like Mexican Restaurants

We have all been to a Mexican restaurant and enjoyed delicious chips and queso. Who doesn’t love to dip a tortilla chip into a bowl of ooey-gooey queso?

The real secret here is using white American cheese as the base, you can always add in some additional Monterey Jack cheese, and some places add onions and jalapenos as well. American cheese provides a dependable base for queso without the cheese becoming stringy or separating over time.

White Queso Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

  • Butter
  • White onion
  • White American cheese
  • Canned green chilies
  • Heavy cream
white queso dip ingredients

Make Cheese Dip with Any Type of American Cheese

There are yellow, orange, and white queso, depending on the type of cheese you use. Whatever its color, queso can be prepared with green chiles or jalapenos (or both). It may also be made a little spicier with a dash of chili powder or cumin.

While this white Mexican cheese dip is great just by itself, you may want to make it even more delicious by adding a topping of fresh pico de gallo. If you’re reheating your dip, add the pico de gallo after the reheating. If you add it before, your dip may become watery.

How to Make White Queso Dip

  1. Melt butter in a medium-sized frying pan.
  2. Add onions and cook until they become translucent.
  3. Place the cheese and heavy cream together in a medium-sized pan. Heat over low-medium heat until the cheese melts. 
  4. After the cheese has melted, add green chilies and onions and stir well.

Frequently asked questions about homemade queso

What type of pan should you use to make queso?

You should use a non-stick pan if you have one, if you do not, use a medium-sized pan with a thick bottom for this recipe. The thick bottom of the pan will distribute the heat very well. You could make this recipe in a fondue pot, or even a small crockpot if you desire.

How do I keep the cheese from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan when making queso?

Keep the heat low, and stirring frequently will keep your cheesy queso from sticking and burning to the bottom of a pan.

How to make White Queso Dip in a Crockpot or Slow Cooker

This recipe is very easy to make in a crockpot. Simply add all of the ingredients to a 4-quart slow cooker and set it to low. Stir from time to time and you will have delicious queso.

Variations on this Favorite White Cheese Dip

White Queso Dip Variations

This white queso dip is fabulous as-is, but you can add other ingredients to make it your own. It’s the perfect mix and match dish. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Meaty Queso Dip: Add 1/2 pound cooked chorizo or crumbled ground beef.
  • Bean and Cheese Dip: Add 1 cup drained and rinsed beans, such as pinto or black beans.
  • Bacon Queso Dip: Add 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the dip.

Mexican White Cheese Dip is Easy to Prepare

It’s hard to imagine that anyone in their right mind would turn down a giant bowl of white queso dip and a pile of tortilla chips.

You’ll love the flavors of this homemade white queso and appreciate how easy it is to make. Just real quality cheese and a few ingredients all melted together and ready for dipping. Grab your chips and enjoy!

queso blanco served with chips

Fun Toppings for White Queso Dip

Want to upgrade your white cheese dip experience? Make it more colorful. Try some of these toppings for your melted cheese goodness.

  • a sprinkle of garlic powder on top of the final dish just before serving
  • fresh diced jalapenos for some heat
  • diced pickled jalapenos for color
  • a sprinkle of chopped cilantro
  • finely diced red pepper or green bell pepper
  • diced tomato
  • a spoonful of pico de gallo
  • a diced roasted green chili

How to Store Leftover White Queso Dip

Should you have any leftovers you should store this in an airtight container for up to one week.

How to Reheat Leftover White Queso

If you use heavy cream, this will reheat very well. Place it into a small pot over low heat, and stir occasionally. It should have a good texture upon reheating, if it is too thick add a single tablespoon of milk or heavy cream and stir well. If you are happy with the thickness stop, if you want the queso thinner, be sure to add another tablespoon and stir until you are happy with the thickness.

Overhead view of homemade white queso dip.

More Queso Recipes for You to Try

Let me know which one is your favorite – I love hearing from readers.

Be sure to check out more of the best Mexican recipes and my easy recipes for dips to make for your next party or game day.

homemade white queso served with crispy chips

White Queso Dip Recipe

This easy Homemade White Queso Dip Recipe is delicious and creamy! Made with American cheese you find at your deli, green chilies and more.
4.79 from 14 votes
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Queso Blanco, White Queso
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 274kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped white onions
  • 1 pound White American cheese
  • 4 ounces green chilies 1 can – do not drain
  • 4 ounces heavy cream

Instructions

  • Melt two teaspoons of butter in medium-sized frying pan. Add onions, cook until they become translucent.
  • Place the cheese and heavy cream together in a medium-sized pan and heat over low-medium heat until the cheese melts. 
  • After the cheese has melted, add green chilis and onions and stir well. 

Video

Notes

I suggest that you use heavy cream, the queso will reheat better than when using milk.  You can serve this in a fondue pot at a party to keep it warm. 

Equipment

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 1009mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 775IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 602mg | Iron: 0.4mg

About Stephanie Manley

I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Samantha Whitson

    5 stars
    *I think it’s important that people take note you are using American Cheese in this recipe~ not white cheddar cheese. Might explain why some are getting “gloppy” or inconsistent results. American cheese melts much better because it is made by heating a mild cheddar or colby cheese to a certain temperature, & then adding in emulsifiers, & usually some whey or milk proteins, & some seasoning. It makes a big difference in certain recipes, such as queso.

  2. DavidF

    Stephanie,
    We just tried Taco Cabana’s new Queso Blanco enchiladas tonight, and they were really, really good. We had both beef and chicken. But, chicken was so-so. Tasted burnt and seasoned extremely too much for being inside an enchiladas. But, the beef one was really, really good.

    Maybe, put together an enchiladas recipe, called “Queso Blanco Enchiladas copycat like at Taco Cabana”. It’s an idea because many people have been looking for it online. ANd, it’s surprising good. In Houston, it’s surely not worth $9.49 for the beef plate with 3 enchiladas and $9.69 for 3-chicken ones. But, it’s something different.

    We only went because of a $5-off coupon. But, we’re not goonna spend $21 for 2 plates. Yeah, $12 or so (if good coupon) for 2 plates, but those days might ben gone. $6 each — sure. Not almost $10 bucks. NO WAY.

    Basically, we’re gonna spend the time to figure out how to copy it. Just like everyone else who likes them.

    Thanks for all you do, DavidF

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