Easy Queso Dip

This homemade queso dip is easy, creamy, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, and bring it to every party.

By Hannah Klinger Published: Jul 6, 2021

Jump to Recipe

Yields:

3 c.

Prep Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Will DickeyYields: 3 c.Prep Time: 5 minsTotal Time: 45 minsSavePrintThere's no better combo than a bowl of warm, melty queso dip and a basket of crispy tortilla chips. This classic Tex-Mex starter is one of the best game day snacks for the Super Bowl, but let's be honest—it's a fan favorite any time of year. As far as cheese dip recipes go, this queso is incredibly easy to whip up. Make it quickly on your stovetop, or pull out your slow cooker for one of the simplest slow cooker dips around! However you make it, this queso is guaranteed to be the star of every gathering.

Start by checking the cheese section of your grocery store—some markets carry block or pre-sliced white American cheese there. If you don’t see it, head to the deli counter and ask for 12 ounces of white American cheese, and they’ll slice it fresh for you.

It has a little kick thanks to the fresh jalapeño, but the heat isn’t overwhelming. To dial it back, remove the seeds and membrane from the jalapeño before chopping it, or skip it altogether for a milder dip. The green chiles add subtle spice as well, though they’re typically on the mild side.

Ingredients

12 oz. white American cheese
4 oz. pepper jack cheese, shredded
2/3 c. half-and-half
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 jalapeño, chopped
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
4 oz. green chiles, drained
Diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced fresh jalapeño, for topping

Directions

Step 1

Stovetop method: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and place a bowl inside the pot to create a double boiler. (The bowl should be big enough to rest above the rim of the pot without the bottom touching the water.) Add both cheeses, the half-and-half, garlic, jalapeño, and black pepper, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the dip is creamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the green chiles.
Step 2

Slow cooker method: In the base of a slow cooker, stir to combine both cheeses, the half-and-half, garlic, jalapeño, and black pepper. Cover and cook on high for 50 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Stir in the green chiles. Transfer to a serving bowl or reduce the temperature of the slow cooker to warm and keep covered until ready to serve.
Step 3

Top with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced jalapeño. Serve immediately.