Creamy Spicy Queso Dip (Printer View)

Creamy, spicy cheese dip with cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, and tomatoes. Perfect for game day gatherings.

# Components:

→ 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

# Method:

01 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add red onion and jalapeño, stirring occasionally until softened, approximately 2 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Pour in milk and add cream cheese, whisking continuously until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
04 - Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses while stirring constantly until fully melted and reaches velvety texture.
05 - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed throughout.
06 - Add diced tomato and heat for 1 minute to warm through completely.
07 - Transfer to serving bowl or slow cooker set to warm setting. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under twenty minutes, so you can go from zero to party-ready while everyone's still arriving.
  • The blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a flavor depth that feels intentional and impressive, even though you're just melting cheese.
  • One bowl stays warm in a slow cooker the whole game, which means endless refills without kitchen stress.
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you think—medium heat prevents the cheese from breaking and separating, which is a painful mistake I learned early.
  • Constant stirring while adding cheese keeps everything emulsified and smooth; if you rush it or stop stirring, you'll end up with grainy, separated dip that no amount of fixing can save.
  • A slow cooker on the warm setting is genuinely worth using for parties because the dip will stay creamy all night instead of thickening into a brick.
03 -
  • Shred your cheese fresh from the block if you can—pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make the final dip slightly grainy no matter what you do.
  • If you're making this ahead, prepare all your ingredients but wait to cook until just before guests arrive; the dip tastes noticeably better freshly made and served warm.
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