Creamy Spicy Queso Dip (Printable)

Creamy, spicy queso with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, and smoky spices—ready in 20 minutes.

# 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 and 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready before your guests even sit down, yet tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • The cheese melts into pure silk instead of clumpy strings, because the cream cheese and milk work like a team.
  • One saucepan means minimal cleanup when you'd rather be enjoying the game than scrubbing.
  • You can taste every ingredient—the cumin, the jalapeño warmth, the slight smoke—instead of generic cheese paste.
02 -
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable—high heat breaks the cheese into separated, oily puddles instead of the velvety mixture you're chasing.
  • Adding cheese gradually while stirring prevents clumping, but this isn't glamorous work; accept that your arm will tire and keep going anyway.
  • A slow cooker on warm setting is the difference between dip that stays perfect for an hour and dip that becomes a dense, separated mess.
03 -
  • Taste constantly throughout cooking because you can always add more seasoning but you can't remove it—this is where patience actually makes the final dip perfect.
  • If the dip ever breaks or looks separated, whisk in a splash more milk and reduce the heat, stirring gently until it comes back together like magic.
  • Make this dip right before serving if you want the freshest taste, but it genuinely keeps warm in a slow cooker for two hours without degrading, which is perfect for parties.
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