Mexican White Cheese Dip

With only five simple ingredients, this is the best Mexican White Cheese Dip you will ever eat! Load up your chips with this deliciously cheesy dip; this Mexican White Queso recipe is the only appetizer you need when you’re looking for easy recipes for your next game day!

Ready to serve a variety of appetizers for your next game day event, Cinco de Mayo celebration, or game night?
Put this easy appetizer recipe on your list.

What is White Queso made of?

If you know Spanish, you know “queso” means “cheese.” But Queso Dip isn’t just cheese, it is a Mexican-inspired dish made of creamy melted cheese with just a little bit of spice. To get a white cheese dip like the kind served in your favorite Mexican restaurant, use white American cheese. You should be able to find it in your local grocery store, but you may have to go to the deli counter to have some cut for you. 

Is Queso a Mexican dish?

This popular appetizer is a classic Tex-Mex dish, meaning it is inspired by Mexican food but is actually a uniquely American dish. In fact, many historians claim that the first Mexican White Cheese Dip was actually made and served in Arkansas!

There is an actual cheese called “Queso Blanco” but it is a crumbly white cheese used with refried beans and enchiladas due to its smooth melting ability and subtle flavor.

Is this cheesy dip spicy?

Our version of this classic dip contains jalapenos, which are a bit spicy, but not too overwhelming. The mildness of the cheese and milk helps balance out the spice.

Mexican White Cheese Dip Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this appetizer:

White American Cheese: As noted above, you may have to find this at your grocery’s deli counter. If you can’t find it, you can substitute Velveeta Blanco or Kraft White American Slices instead.

Milk and water: Use these to thin out the recipe to the perfect dip consistency. Using milk helps maintain the creaminess of the cheese as it thins and melts.

Jalapenos: You will need a jar of pickled jalapenos for this recipe. Make sure you keep the juice as you’ll need a tablespoon or two of it for the dip recipe.

How to make Mexican White Cheese Dip

To keep things simple, we’re using the microwave to make this easy melted cheese dip recipe. If you’d rather, you can melt your cheese in a saucepan on the stove top or in a double boiler before adding the rest of the ingredients. 

First, cut your cheese into cubes or slice it for faster melting. Then pour your milk into a microwave-safe bowl, followed by the cheese, water, jalapeños, and jalapeño juice. 

Heat the ingredients in the microwave in 2-minute intervals on medium heat and stir in between, making sure the cheese does not burn. Repeat this process two or three times to fully melt the cheese and combine the ingredients.

If you need to thin out the dip more, add a splash of milk and stir to combine. To up the spiciness, add more jalapenos. Serve this with your favorite tortilla chips!

Can this easy White Queso dip be made in a Crock Pot?

This is the perfect recipe to make in a slow cooker. Simply place cheese and other ingredients in the bowl of a slow cooker, then cover and cook on low until the cheese melts completely. 

Monitor the cheese and stir as it melts to combine the ingredients. If it looks too thick, add a little more milk to thin out the dip. You can also try this Crockpot Queso, which is similar but made with a different type of cheese.

Flavor Variations

• Spices – You can add in different spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper. 
• Green Chiles- some people prefer diced green chiles to jalapenos in this dish. You could stir in a can of Rotel to add some diced tomatoes too!
• Meat- make this a heartier dip with some browned ground beef or Chorizo.

Can you freeze the leftover Queso Dip?

You absolutely can freeze this Mexican white cheese dip recipe. If stored properly in an airtight container or freezer bag, it can keep for 4-6 months in the freezer. The consistency may not be exactly the same when you thaw it, but usually adding a little milk or cream as it melts can help bring back that creamy smoothness.

Make it now for the football game or one of your Taco Tuesdays, freeze the leftovers, and you’ll have it ready for Cinco de Mayo!

Other Appetizers You’ll Love

You can see all our delicious appetizers here, but why not try a few of my favorites now?

• These Pimento Cheese Fritters with Pepper Jelly are out-of-this-world delicious! I didn’t think pimentos were all that good until I tried this recipe!
• Make a classic Holiday Cheese Ball and serve it with some buttery crackers and veggies for your upcoming holiday party! There’s just something nostalgic about a cheese ball at a holiday party! It also makes a great edible gift! AND it isn’t just for holidays, you can serve it whenever you’d like.
• This Eggplant Bruschetta will really shine and add a touch of class at your next get-together, as will these Figs with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto! Talk about simple but fancy!
• Arancini (Risotto Balls) are the perfect little fried cheese bite!

Dips and Spreads

If you need something more than Mexcian Queso for your party, try one of these other dips and spreads:

• Black Bean, Corn, and Feta Dip
• Hot Swiss Dip 
• Our delicious Guacamole
• Yummy Greek Tzatziki sauce for pitas, veggies, or even your favorite sandwich.
• My favorite Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is the perfect healthy but flavorful dip for your vegetable platter.

This post was originally published on 10/30/2014. It has been updated in format and with photos on 1/19/23.