White Queso Dip

White Queso Dip is a creamy & spicy cheese dip similar to what they serve at Mexican restaurants. This is the best, and smoothest queso, because it uses real shredded cheese and heavy cream. No Velveeta cheese! Serve as a chip dip for an appetizer, use in tacos, or use as a dip for taquitos. 

For more queso inspired recipes be sure and make my Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos and this Ground Beef Queso Chili. 

White Queso Dip Recipe (Mexican Cheese Dip)

This white queso dip is the perfect cheesy and spicy appetizer for a party or gathering. It also makes for a great topping, dipping sauce, or side dish to any Mexican inspired dinner. 

A little spicy, but can easily be made very mild, and perfect served with some tortilla chips and garnished with chopped cilantro. 

There are several tips for success and variation ideas below. Read below for all my variation ideas & tips!

Ingredients Needed

• Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese : Shred the cheese from a block for the creamiest & smoothest results. Pre-shredded cheeses have preservatives that make it harder for them to melt smoothly. 
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese : Again, shred it yourself. 
• Mild or Original Rotel : These are canned diced tomatoes and they are spicy, even the mild version. For a more mild queso try using mild salsa, pico de Gallo, or use 1/2 cup from a can of petite diced tomatoes w/ green chilies. You will not use the entire can, only 1/2 cup. Save the leftovers for an omelet or add it into some Homemade Blender Salsa. 
• All-Purpose Flour : This is what helps thicken the queso. You won’t be able to taste it once it is cooked properly. 
• Heavy Cream : No substitutes! The heavy cream provides the fat and thickness that the queso needs. 

How To Make White Queso Dip With No Velveeta Cheese

Learn how to make this cheesy spicy dip with the simple steps below. Be sure and read to the bottom where there is a printable recipe card and a pin it button so you can save the recipe for later.

• Queso : Add the shredded pepper jack cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, rotel, and all-purpose flour into a medium-sized saucepan. Stir it together to combine. 
• Heavy Cream : Stir in the heavy cream, little by little, until mixed well. 
• Heat : Place the saucepan over medium-low heat on the stove top. Do not increase the heat above medium-low throughout the entire cook time. Stir frequently for 10-12 minutes or until everything is melted and combined. It should thicken and begin to slowly bubble along the edges. 
• Cook : Once bubbling, allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, until it is well thickened and smooth. 
• Serve : Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping. 

White Queso Dip FAQ’s

• How To Store Leftover Queso

  • Queso dip is best served warmed and immediately when done cooking it. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container, in the fridge, for 3-4 days. It’s best to reheat leftovers on the stove top, over low heat, instead of the microwave to help prevent it from splitting or curdling. 
  • If you need to reheat in the microwave be sure to heat it in short increments (about 20-25 seconds) and stir well between each heating until smooth and warm throughout. 

• My Queso Dip Is Really Thick! How Do I Thin It Out?

  • If the queso dip is too thick it can easily be fixed! Do not add cold cream straight to the saucepan. It will curdle the dip because you’re adding a cold element to the warmed element. Instead, heat up some heavy cream in the microwave until warmed and steaming and then add the warmed heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time while stirring constantly, to the queso dip until it’s at the consistency you prefer. Don’t add it all at once or else you could end up with queso that is too thin.

• The Queso Dip Is Too Thin! How Do I Thicken It?

  • Thicken the queso dip by heating it longer (do not turn the heat up) or try adding additional shredded cheese (1/4 cup at a time) and stir until it’s melted and smooth. 

• Variation & Substitution Ideas

  • There are several ways to change up this recipe if wanted. Here are some approved ideas. 
    • Rotel : Use any version of Rotel that you prefer. Mild, original, or spicy. Even the mild Rotel can be quite spicy, especially for younger palettes, so if wanted try using pico de Gallo, mild salsa, or use 1/2 cup from a can of petite diced tomatoes w/ green chilies instead. 
    • Cheese : You need 2 cups of shredded cheese total for this recipe. Use all Pepper jack for a spicier version or try using another white cheese like muenster cheese or even Colby Jack will work. Just make sure that you shred it yourself from a block of cheese. For a mild version, use all Monterey Jack cheese. 
    • Heavy Cream : Although I do not recommend substituting the heavy cream, you can use half & half if wanted. I would not use anything lower in fat than that. We need the fat and thickness to help thicken the queso dip. A dairy-free heavy cream substitute can also be used if needed. 
    • Add Dried Seasonings : Although I personally have never done this, it is something that would work great if wanted. Add some chili powder, cayenne red pepper, or even some garlic powder or cumin for extra flavor. 
    • Add Chopped Jalapeños or Diced Green Chiles : For lots of spice try adding a well drained can of chopped jalapeños and/or a can of diced green chilies. 

• Serving Suggestions

  • So many delicious ways to serve white queso dip!
    • Taquitos : Use the queso as a dipping sauce for taquitos. We love these Honey Lime Chicken Taquitos or these Quick & Easy Chicken Flautas. 
    • Nacho Topping
    • Party Dip or Appetizer : Place the white queso dip into a serving bowl and serve it alongside some tortilla chips. This is probably the most classic way of serving queso. 
    • Taco Topping
    • Use Inside Quesadillas
    • Chimichangas or Burritos – Use as a dipping sauce or smother the burrito or chimichanga in queso!

Recipe Tips

Here are a few of my helpful tips so that you can have success recreating this recipe in your own kitchen ♥

• Freshly Grated Cheese : My #1 tip! Do not use the shredded cheese that comes in the bag. I know it’s tempting because it’s so much easier, but trust me, this queso dip will not turn out nearly as creamy and smooth if you use pre shredded cheese instead of freshly grated cheese. Buy a block of pepper jack & Monterey Jack cheese and use a cheese grater to shred it yourself. An 8 ounce block is plenty for 1 cup of shredded cheese. 
• Make It Spicy! : There are several ways to make this white queso dip even spicier! Use a can of hot Rotel diced tomatoes. Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can even add in a small can of diced jalapeños (drained well). Or try using all Pepper Jack cheese instead. 
• Milder Version : Even the mild version of Rotel can be pretty spicy, especially for younger taste buds. For a milder version of this queso dip try using fresh pico de Gallo (found by the cold salad dressings in the produce section) or use 1/2 cup from a can of petite diced tomatoes with green chiles. You can even try using mild salsa if wanted as well. You can also use all Monterey Jack instead. 
• Stove Top Heat Level : Do not increase the heat, of the stove top burner, higher than medium-low. If it’s too hot, the cheese and dairy will scald which results in a burnt and bitter taste in the queso. It can also cause the dairy to curdle and separate. Slow & steady is the name of the game with this recipe!

More Dip Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Guacamole – Homemade guacamole mixed with sour cream for a creamy twist to the classic. 
• Queso Dip – A cheddar cheese version of the classic dip. 
• Homemade Pico de Gallo – This chopped dip is a classic!
• Jalapeno Ranch Dip – A little spicy and super creamy & smooth. 
• Salsa Verde Guacamole – Another twist to classic guacamole. This one has salsa verde mixed right in it. 
• Vegetable Ranch Dip – The perfect cracker spread or dip. 
• Coconut Cream Fruit Dip – So sweet, smooth, and creamy! Loaded with coconut flavor and best served with assorted fresh fruits. 
• Greek Dip – A layered greek dip with feta, cucumbers, and olives just to name a few. We love this served with pita chips. 
• Avocado Dip – Avocado lovers unite!