The BEST Queso Dip (Easy, Delicious, and Customizable)

Tired of bringing that same old dish to the big party? Spice it up with this incredibly delicious and versatile homemade queso dip! This easy-to-make and customizable recipe will have you and your guests wishing you made (a lot) more. This post contains affiliate links.

Queso Dip Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium white onion (3/4 – 1 cup, finely chopped)
• 1 Roma tomato (approximately 1/4 cup, diced)
• 1/2 cup chopped peppers (green chili is standard but pepper choice is up to you; we used Jalapeño, red chili, and Habanero for some heat)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 8 oz. block cheddar cheese; shredded
  • We experimented with a Cheddar Gruyere with Roasted Red Pepper and Cracked Peppercorn – incredible end flavor!
• 4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese; shredded
• 4 oz. Cooper white American; sliced

Cheese choice is completely up to you! Experiment with and mix-and-match your favorite kinds of cheese, as different combinations will result in a variety of end flavors! Our only suggestion is to use cheeses that melt easily – older, aged cheeses tend to result in a grittier dip.

• 15 oz. evaporated milk (full fat)
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Queso Dip – Prep and Cooking

1. Prepare and organize ingredients and spices
2. Melt butter in medium-large pot (dutch oven recommended) over medium-high heat

3. Add finely chopped onions, cook until soft and translucent; stir occasionally, 4-6 minutes
4. Add minced garlic and mix, cook until fragrant (30 seconds to 1 minute)
5. Add diced tomatoes and chilis, cook until soft and fragrant, stir frequently; 2-4 minutes
   • Optional: Save some of the diced tomato for garnish
6. Sprinkle mixture with cornstarch, whisk frequently until there are no clumps; 1 minute

7. Stir in spices (smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne powder, and chili powder)
8. Slowly add evaporated milk, whisking to mix; bring to a slow boil/simmer
9. Turn heat to low, gradually add in cheese; stirring until mixture is smooth and consistent
10. Remove from heat and enjoy!

Looking for even more spotlight-stealing party dishes? You won’t want to miss our homemade creamy baked mac and cheese recipeAMP!