Go Back
Creamy queso dip in a rustic bowl topped with diced tomatoes and cilantro, served with tortilla chips on the side.

Queso Dip Recipe

Ella
This silky queso dip delivers restaurant-style results at home, made with real cheddar and smooth, melty texture that stays soft even after cooling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Queso Dip
Cuisine Mexican, Tex Mex
Servings 6 servings
Calories 168 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the cheese base

  • 2.5 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 tbsp cornflour or cornstarch
  • 13 oz evaporated milk, not low fat

For the flavor mix

  • 0.5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 0.25 cup white onion, finely chopped
  • 0.75 cup tomato, finely diced include juices
  • 4 oz chopped green chiles, fire roasted
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp ground cumin

Fresh finish and texture control

  • 0.25 cup fresh coriander or cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2-3 tbsp regular milk to thin if needed
  • to taste salt only if needed

Instructions
 

  • Toss the shredded cheddar with cornflour in a bowl until all strands are lightly coated.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until onion turns translucent.
  • Add diced tomato and juices. Cook for 2 minutes to soften.
  • Pour in evaporated milk. Gradually add the coated cheese while stirring. Add green chiles and spices.
  • Continue stirring until cheese fully melts and forms a silky sauce. Keep heat low if lumps appear, stirring until smooth.
  • Taste and add salt if needed. Stir in chopped coriander for a fresh finish.
  • If the dip is too thick, stir in a splash of milk until desired texture. Remove from heat and serve warm or at room temp.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed. Keeps in fridge 5 days or freezer 3 months.

Notes

For best results, keep heat low to avoid cheese clumping. Use a mini slow cooker to keep warm at parties. Tortilla scoop chips work great for dipping.

Nutrition Facts per serving

Calories 168
 Fat 12g
 Saturated Fat 7g
 Carbs 7g
 Sugar 3g
 Protein 8g
 Fiber 0g
 Sodium 310mg
 Cholesterol 35mg
 (Values based on a typical serving and may vary slightly)
Keyword queso dip, queso party dip, real cheese queso, smooth queso