Creamy Spicy Queso Dip (Print view)

Creamy, spicy cheese dip with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, and cumin—ready in just 20 minutes.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 small jalapeño, finely diced with seeds removed
07 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced
08 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 tablespoon sliced green onions

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the red onion and jalapeño; cook, stirring, until softened, approximately 2 minutes.
02 - Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the milk and cream cheese; whisk until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
04 - Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and velvety in texture.
05 - Mix in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
06 - Stir in the diced tomato and cook for 1 minute to warm through.
07 - Transfer to a serving bowl or a warm slow cooker. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than halftime and tastes like you spent hours on it.
  • The texture stays silky smooth without any grainy cheese clumps ruining the moment.
  • You can dial the heat up or down depending on who's coming over.
  • It reheats beautifully, so leftovers never go to waste.
02 -
  • If you add the cheese too fast or over high heat, it will seize up and turn grainy instead of smooth.
  • Seeding the tomato is not optional if you want to avoid a watery dip that separates.
  • A slow cooker on the warm setting is your best friend for keeping this dip perfect through an entire party.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded, the anti caking agents in bagged cheese can make the dip gritty.
  • If the dip gets too thick, whisk in warm milk a tablespoon at a time until it loosens up.
  • Make a double batch if you're feeding a crowd, this disappears faster than you think.
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