If you love creamy, cheesy dips that have just the right kick, this White Queso Dip Recipe is about to become your new go-to snack. It’s velvety smooth, bursting with layers of mild and spicy flavors, and perfectly balanced with the zing of jalapeños and warming spices. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want a cozy treat to share, this dip combines simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing delight that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in crafting the luscious texture and complex flavor profile that makes the White Queso Dip Recipe so irresistible. From the creamy melt of white American cheese to the subtle hint of nutmeg, you’re building flavor with every ingredient.
- 12 oz. evaporated milk: Provides a rich, creamy base with a slightly caramelized dairy flavor that elevates the whole dip.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the dip, ensuring it stays perfectly smooth and clings to every chip.
- ¾ lb. white American cheese: The star ingredient for a silky, mild cheese flavor that melts like a dream.
- 4 oz. freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch and gooeyness, boosting creaminess and texture.
- 2 tbsp chopped canned jalapeños (or chopped green chiles): Infuses a gentle spicy kick and bright color contrast.
- 1 tsp chili powder (or cumin): Introduces warm, smoky depth that layers beautifully with the cheeses.
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional): Adds an unexpected fragrant warmth that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes: Brings extra heat that you can adjust to your preference.
- ¼ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adds a subtle, sharp bite to cut through the creaminess.
- Chopped fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños (for garnish): Fresh, vibrant toppings that brighten and add texture just before serving.
How to Make White Queso Dip Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Thicken the Milk
Start by warming the evaporated milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the cornstarch and whisk everything together until the mixture thickens slightly. This is the moment the magic begins, as the milk base turns luxuriously smooth, setting the stage for those melt-in-your-mouth cheeses.
Step 2: Bring to Just Under a Boil
Watch the milk carefully and stop heating the moment you see bubbles forming around the edges—not too hot, just simmering. Then lower the heat to maintain a gentle warmth. This control ensures your dip won’t scorch and remain silky perfect.
Step 3: Melt the White American Cheese
Now comes the cheesy part! Add the white American cheese in batches, whisking constantly over medium-low heat. The continuous whisking is key to prevent clumps and builds a velvety texture. Each batch melts before adding the next, creating a dreamily creamy base.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella for Creamy Stretch
Once the first cheese is fully melted and smooth, stir in the shredded mozzarella with the same loving whisking. This extra cheese brings a wonderful stretch and richness. Feel free to adjust the quantity if you want your queso even thicker or gooier.
Step 5: Spice It Up
With your cheese base perfectly melted, fold in the chopped jalapeños, chili powder, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. These ingredients layer in bold, smoky, and spicy notes that truly make this White Queso Dip Recipe unforgettable.
Step 6: Optional Broil for Extra Flavor
If you’re craving that beautiful golden-bubbly top, transfer the dip to a skillet and pop it under the oven broiler for 3-4 minutes. Keep your eyes on it—this step adds a touch of caramelization that takes the dip to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 7: Top With Fresh Garnishes
Brighten your dip with a handful of chopped cilantro, tomatoes, and extra jalapeños. These fresh toppings add vibrant colors and fresh textures, balancing the creamy richness perfectly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Pair your White Queso Dip Recipe with crunchy tortilla chips straight from the bag or oven-warmed for extra toasty goodness. Dive in and savor every creamy, spicy bite!
How to Serve White Queso Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and extra jalapeños not only adds color but also freshness and texture that cut through the richness of the cheese. Feel free to add a dash of lime juice or a handful of chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dip shines best alongside crunchy tortilla chips, but don’t stop there—try it with warm pita wedges, crunchy veggie sticks like celery and bell peppers, or even soft pretzels. It’s a versatile companion that enhances whatever you choose to dunk.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the dip in a colorful ceramic bowl placed inside a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it cool. Or turn it into a layered dip by placing your White Queso Dip Recipe as a base then topping it with black beans, corn salsa, and guacamole for a festive twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover dip (which I hope you do), simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cheese will firm up a bit but don’t worry—you can easily reheat it back to creamy perfection.
Freezing
While freezing queso dip can work, it’s best to do so in smaller portions to avoid texture changes. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your dip slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to bring back that velvety smooth texture. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make this dip without jalapeños?
Absolutely! If you prefer no heat or want to serve kids, simply omit the jalapeños and red pepper flakes. The dip will still be creamy and flavorful, though a bit milder.
What’s the best cheese to use in this White Queso Dip Recipe?
White American cheese gives the best meltiness and smooth texture, while mozzarella adds stretch and richness. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses with anti-caking agents since they don’t melt as gracefully.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh jalapeños are fantastic and bring a brighter, fresher spice. Just be sure to chop them finely and adjust the quantity to match your heat tolerance.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe itself contains no gluten ingredients. Just check your tortilla chips or dippers to be sure they’re gluten-free if you need to be cautious.
How spicy is this dip?
This White Queso Dip Recipe has a moderate level of spice thanks to jalapeños and red pepper flakes. You can customize the heat by adjusting these ingredients or leaving them out entirely for a mild version.
Final Thoughts
This White Queso Dip Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together with its creamy texture and lively flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or treating yourself on a quiet night in, it’s simple, satisfying, and downright addictive. Go ahead, give it a try—you really can’t go wrong with a bowl of homemade queso this good!
Print
White Queso Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This creamy White Queso Dip is a deliciously smooth blend of white American cheese, mozzarella, and spicy jalapeños, perfect for parties or game day snacks. The rich evaporated milk base thickened with cornstarch creates a velvety dip with a hint of spice from chili powder, red pepper flakes, and optional nutmeg. Garnished with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and extra jalapeños, it’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer that pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz. evaporated milk (1 can)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¾ lb. white American cheese, chopped
- 4 oz. freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped canned jalapeños (or chopped green chiles)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp chili powder (or cumin)
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped fresh tomatoes
- Chopped fresh jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat the Milk and Combine with Cornstarch. Warm evaporated milk over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Stir in cornstarch and whisk thoroughly to dissolve, creating a smooth base without lumps.
- Simmer and Reduce Heat. Bring the milk mixture to just before boiling—when bubbles appear around the sides of the pan—then immediately reduce the heat to low to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate White American Cheese. Add the white American cheese in batches to the warm milk, increasing heat to medium-low. Whisk constantly as the cheese melts completely, ensuring a smooth and creamy mixture before adding more cheese. Keep stirring continuously to avoid sticking or lumps.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese. Once the white cheese is fully melted, add shredded mozzarella in batches, whisking constantly to blend into a creamy dip. For a thicker consistency, incorporate additional mozzarella as desired.
- Flavor the Queso. Stir in chopped jalapeños, chili powder, nutmeg (if using), red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper, evenly dispersing the spices and heat throughout the dip.
- Optional Broil for Browning. For a lightly browned and bubbly top, transfer the queso to a skillet and place under the oven broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish the Dip. Remove from heat and top with freshly chopped cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños for added color, freshness, and heat.
- Serve and Enjoy. Serve the white queso dip warm with tortilla chips and enjoy a creamy, spicy appetizer that’s sure to please a crowd.
Notes
- Use low or no-sodium evaporated milk for a lower-sodium version.
- For extra heat, add more jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- If the dip thickens too much upon cooling, gently reheat while stirring, adding a splash of milk to loosen as needed.
- The optional broiling step adds a delicious browned crust but can be skipped if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially salt and spice levels.
- White American cheese melts smoothly and provides a creamy texture; avoid substituting with harder cheeses to maintain the right consistency.
