Description
This creamy and flavorful White Queso Dip is a perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Made with a blend of white American and Monterey Jack cheeses, simmered with sautéed onions, jalapeños, and aromatic spices, it offers a smooth and spicy cheese dip that’s ideal for dipping tortilla chips or fresh veggies. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious appetizer or snack to elevate any party or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups white American cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Serving
- Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced jalapeño; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and the jalapeño releases its flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to infuse the aromatics without burning.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and begin the thickening process.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream to prevent lumps. Continue cooking while whisking, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add shredded white American and Monterey Jack cheeses a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the dip from heat and optionally garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm alongside tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting.
- Make sure to whisk constantly when adding milk and cream to prevent lumps.
- White American cheese can be substituted with other mild white melting cheeses if unavailable.
- This dip is best served warm; reheat gently on the stovetop if needed.
