Bring the flavor of an authentic queso dip to your table with this copycat recipe. Pappasito’s Queso is loaded with onions, garlic, green chilis, cheese, and fresh tomatoes, and it’s perfect with a huge bowl of tortilla chips.
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What makes Pappasito’s Queso so delicious?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that queso dip is just a version of standard nacho cheese – it is so much more. This take on the version served at Pappasito’s is packed with bold, robust flavors that can turn ordinary nacho chips into a standout meal.
The creamy cheese, fresh tomatoes and onions, and aromatic garlic and spice come together in a delicious dish that you will want to make again and again.
Why you are going to love this recipe
Skipping the jar and making queso from scratch has never been so easy. This Pappasito’s Queso recipe uses only common ingredients you can find in every supermarket and takes mere minutes to prepare. The result is a fresh, vibrant queso that is so much more delicious than anything you can find in a store.
Pappasito’s Queso is so much more than just a dip – you can use it in burritos and quesadillas or as a topping on nachos, burgers, hot dogs, baked potatoes, and steamed veggies. For taste and versatility, this Pappasito’s Queso recipe is a keeper.
Pappasito’s Queso recipe ingredients
For this Pappasito’s Queso recipe, you’ll need:
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Whole Milk
- American cheese
- Green Chilies with juice, canned
- Garlic Salt
How to queso like Pappasito’s
To prepare the Queso:
- Chop the onions and tomatoes into small dice. Discard the tomato seeds. Keep the chopped vegetables separate and save them for later.
- Mince the garlic and reserve.
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat.
- When the milk is warm, add the American cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts, and adjust the heat to prevent it from coming to a simmer.
- Stir in the chopped green chilies from the can, along with any juice.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pan.
- Cook until the onions become translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the garlic salt and cook for a minute more while continuing to stir.
- Turn off the heat and then add the chopped tomatoes just before serving.
What to serve with Pappasito’s Queso
Queso dip is an excellent appetizer for any South-of-the-border-themed meal. Try pairing this dip with a few other Mexican-inspired recipes:
Guacamole. Since you already have the tortilla chips out, why not make this Chipotle Mexican Grill Guacamole copycat recipe? This updated version adds a finely minced jalapeno pepper for just the right amount of heat.
Chicken Quesadilla. Whether you are making these for a family meal or as a snack for a party, you won’t have to worry about what to do with the leftovers. Everyone loves these simple-to-make Chicken Quesadillas, especially when you serve them with a variety of toppings for customization.
Spicy Potato Tacos. Spicy Potato Tacos inspired by the ones they sell at Taco Bell are packed with crispy seasoned potatoes, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, and topped with creamy chipotle sauce. A few make a good meal, while one is a perfect snack.
How to store and reheat the leftovers
For safety, throw away any of the Pappasito’s Queso dip that has been out of the fridge for longer than ten minutes. But you can save any dip you didn’t serve. Transfer the cooled dip into an airtight container and stick it in the refrigerator.
To reheat the dip:
- Put the dip into a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Since the queso will thicken up when it sits in the fridge, add a few tablespoons of milk or cream while reheating.
- Use a rubber spatula to continuously stir the dip until hot.
How long does the queso last?
The dip should stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
Love queso? Try these recipes!
- Applebee’s Queso Blanco
- Chili’s Skillet Queso
- Chipotle Queso Blanco
- Monterey’s Tex-Mex Queso
- White Cheese Dip
Popular Mexican recipes
- Charra Beans
- Cheese Enchiladas
- Chipotle Barbacoa
- Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
- Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
- Restaurant Style Refried Beans
- Sopapillas
- Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce
Be sure to check out more of my easy Mexican food recipes and the best copycat restaurant recipes here on CopyKat.com!
And, I would love to hear about your favorite queso dip – just drop me a line in the comments section. Be sure to follow us on Facebook!
Pappasito’s Queso
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds American cheese
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 4 to 5 ounces canned green chilies with juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 5 teaspoons minced garlic divided use
- 1/2 cup diced ripe tomatoes seeds discarded
Instructions
- Place the cheese and milk in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well blended.
- Add the chilies, garlic salt, onion, and 3 teaspoons of garlic. Cook and stir until the onions are translucent. Then add 2 teaspoons of garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
- Mix in the tomatoes and serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
Taylor Hornbeck
I followed the directions to a tee. Is it meant to thicken up so quickly? Any suggestions on what I could use to help prevent this issue
Stephanie Manley
I think some manufacture’s cheese is different, simply add more milk and you should be fine!
Cheryl
Hi is it 4-5 oz of chilis or 4 cans that are 5oz thank you and can’t wait to try it!
Stephanie Manley
I find that the ounces vary by brand. Pick a small can of green chilis that is between 4 and 5 ounces.
Marie
Husband is in love!!!
Dale
Hi, I live in Canada and am not sure what American Cheese is. Can someone please explain what kind of cheese to purchase and thank you!
Stephanie
It is a style of processed cheese. It is the cheese you typically see on a fast-food hamburger because it melts so well.
Arlene
Can you use Velveeta instead?
Stephanie
It’s ok, but the Land O’Lakes is the better choice.
Esther G
Stephanie, this is great. However it is missing a few ingredients. I used to work there so I can confirm the Land ‘O Lakes cheese. It is definitely the brand they use. However, when they serve it, not only do they top it with tomatoes but they also put cilantro and some kind of cheese (it looks like feta-with that consistency). Any way to find out what that cheese is they top it with?
Jana
It’s cojita on top not feta.
misfit365
Why not velveta?velveta is the business
Deborah M
This recipe is absolutely IDENTICAL to the real thing! I am in LOVE!!!!!!
I.am.amber
What brand of processed cheese did you use?
stephaniemanley
I used Kroger, I have also used HEB brand.
Deborah Beadles McElvey
I can’t remember the brand name but it was at the deli counter at walmart.
Matt Ferrell
Sigh…where do I find processed cheese that’s not Velveeta?!?
Stephanie
Any store sells it, just pick up the store brand.
Deborah Beadles McElvey
I bought American cheese from the deli at walmart
Esther G
Matt, the cheese is Land ‘O Lakes processed cheese (yellow american). Walmart is the only store that I know of that sells it at the deli counter. It is difficult if not impossible to find in other parts of the store, and all the other stores I called did not carry that brand. I go there and ask them to cut it at a “14” which is about an inch or inch and a half thick. Then when I go home I slice it up into cubes to make it easier to melt. It’s not expensive-like $6 per pound.
shelley
We went to find some White American processed cheese and you can find it at any walmart deli. But just be warned it is very expensive so you may be better off just going to your local mexican restaraunt and buy there premade stuff.
Kelly
Loved this dip!