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Easy Homemade Queso Dip Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This easy homemade queso recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful cheese dip perfect for parties, game day, or any casual gathering. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and cream cheese, along with sautéed onions, jalapeños, and spices, this queso melts smoothly and offers a perfect balance of spicy and savory notes. Quick to prepare on the stovetop, it can also be kept warm in a slow cooker for convenient serving.

Ingredients

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup white onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics: In a large cast iron skillet or heavy pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onions, minced jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté the mixture until the onions become slightly soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, releasing their fragrant flavors.
  2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the sea salt, dried cumin, and smoked paprika, mixing well to coat the sautéed ingredients evenly and toast the spices gently for enhanced flavor.
  3. Incorporate Heavy Cream: Whisk in the heavy cream slowly, increasing the heat to medium-high and heating the mixture until it starts to bubble gently. This creates the creamy base for the queso.
  4. Add Cream Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the room temperature cream cheese cubes, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and blends into a smooth sauce.
  5. Combine Shredded Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, whisking constantly to melt the cheese slowly, ensuring a silky texture without clumps.
  6. Warm the Queso: Return the skillet to medium heat and cook the queso, stirring frequently, until it is warmed through and fully combined, taking care not to let it boil or burn.
  7. Serve or Keep Warm: Serve the queso immediately as a dip, or pour it into a slow cooker on the warm setting to keep it at the perfect consistency until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best melting texture.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity or leave seeds in for more heat.
  • If the queso thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Cast iron skillet is preferred for even heat distribution; a heavy-bottomed pan works as well.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/easy-homemade-queso-dip-recipe/