Easy Restaurant-Style Stovetop Queso Dip
This smooth and creamy queso dip made on the stovetop is perfect for parties or a comforting snack. It features melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese with a hint of spice and savory seasonings for an authentic restaurant-style taste.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Cheese
- Base Liquids
- Cheese
- Vegetables
- Fat
- Thickener
- Seasonings
Let’s make it
Preparation
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Preparation
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the queso dip.
Cooking
Gradually whisk in the whole milk to the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, about 3-5 minutes.
Cooking
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated.
Cooking
Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses a handful at a time, stirring continuously to ensure the cheese melts smoothly without clumping.
Finishing
Season the queso dip with ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Serving
Keep the queso dip warm over low heat until ready to serve, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth texture. Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite dipping snacks.
Tips & notes
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting quality. If the dip gets too thick, stir in a little extra milk to loosen it. To spice it up more, add finely chopped green chilies or a dash of hot sauce during seasoning.
Saving it for later
Store leftover queso dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating.
Reheating
Reheat queso dip gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals stirring between each until warmed through.
