Best Queso Blanco Recipe

Queso Blanco is the most addicting appetizer around. Simple & quick, this white cheese dip is just like the one at your favorite Mexican restaurant that you can’t stop eating!

Best White Cheese Dip Recipe

Are you addicted to the Mexican white cheese dip they serve in the restaurant? You know, the one that they bring to the table with a bowl of hot, crispy, salty tortilla chips?

The one you proceed to eat until you are so full you can’t eat the meal that you ordered? Now you can make it at home, wear your stretchy pants, and eat as much as you want.

Hold on to your favorite tortilla chips, because this is the BEST CHEESE DIP recipe! Super easy to make and you can eat as much as you want at home without having to wait for the server to bring you more.

It’s the perfect addition to Taco Tuesdays, Cinco de Mayo, Super bowl or game day tailgate, or your next party

Try it right after you try these reader favorite dips: Jalapeno Cheese Dip, Bob Armstrong Dip, Black Bean Dip, and Refried Bean Dip.

What is Queso Blanco?

In technical terms, it’s Spanish for “white cheese.” But in this instance it refers to the smooth white cheese dip that you gobble down with chips.

Not to be confused with the actual queso blanco or queso fresco which are fresh cheeses closer in texture to feta and used for sprinkling on dishes.

White cheese dip from the Mexican taquerias is made from American Cheese.

*AUDIBLE GASP*

What’s the Best Type of Cheese

Make sure you get the white American cheese or white cheddar cheese from the deli counter.

Ask for a chunk of it and cube it yourself. It is a semi-hard real cheese and not a processed cheese.

Do not use the hard block or bag or pre-shredded cheeses you find in the dairy section.

It has other ingredients to keep it shelf stable which makes melting difficult.

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Ingredients Needed

American Cheese – Don’t use the pre-wrapped slices in plastic sleeve. Go to the deli and get them to slice or cube some from a large block. It should be a semi-hard cheese.

Chopped Green Chiles – Substitute pickled jalapeño peppers if desired.

Evaporated Milk – Be sure to use evaporated (not the fat free). Regular milk has too much water to make it creamy.

With just a few ingredients, this cheesy dip is super easy and doesn’t take long to start enjoying it.

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How to make White Queso Recipe

First: Add milk to the saucepan and put over medium heat. Cut the cheese into 1/2 inch cubes and place in saucepan.

Second: Cook while stirring until fully melted. Add the green chilies and stir.

Third: Stir in the cumin and serve with crispy chips!

The thing I love most about this recipe is that it doesn’t require a roux. I am terrible at getting the flour and butter to cook to the correct doneness. And, no flour means that it’s gluten free!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How long does it last?

If you don’t eat it all in one sitting, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also make it up to 5 days in a advance and reheat when ready.

This homemade queso blanco dip does not freeze well.

Best Way to Reheat 

Reheat it in the microwave in 15 second intervals, stirring often or warm in a saucepan over low heat until melted and enjoy it a second time.

Stir in a splash of milk if it seems thick. Once made, you can keep it warm in a crock pot or slow cooker for up to 4 hours.

How to Enjoy Queso Blanco

• Homemade tortilla chips
• Nachos
• Tacos
• Pretzel bites
• Burritos
• Enchiladas
• Quesadillas
• Arepas
• On your crudite board too!

Can I add in other things?

Try stirring in some Chorizo, Ground Beef, Sausage, Beer, Rotel, Diced Tomatoes, or caramelized onions. These will make your melted cheese dip even better!

Mexican Cheese Dip Toppings

Top yours with sliced jalapeno peppers, cilantro, pico de gallo, salsa verde, regular salsa, pickled red onions, green onions, or toasted pepitas.

Once the white queso dip is melted, top it with your favorite toppings (I love diced Roma tomatoes) to add even more flavor.

Or pour into an oven-safe dish and broil a few minutes to turn the cheese golden brown on top.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Be sure to use the white American cheese from the deli section. Ask for a large chunk and then cube it yourself.
• Do not use the hard block or shredded bag cheese you find in the diary section.
• Evaporated milk is the best milk to use but if you don’t have it, use whole milk, or half and half.
• In addition to the cumin, stir in some onion powder, garlic powder.
• A splash of heavy cream in it when you reheat it can make it even creamier.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This delicious white cheese dip has the best flavor, is an easy appetizer, and is my favorite way to devour a bag of tortilla chips. So skip the Mexican restaurants and stay at home and enjoy it!

{Originally published 5/14/2020 – photos and recipe updated 06/26/2023 to improve reader experience}

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