White Queso Dip Recipe
One thing I’ve learned through this quarantine is that we like to eat out. Like, a lot. Last week, I was replacing my Panera Bread lunches with fresh focaccia deli sandwiches. This week, I’m thinking (ok, you got me – dreaming) about food that’s hard to carry out – Mexican! This white queso dip recipe is as close to eating at a Mexican restaurant as we are going to get right now!
We can make Mexican-American food at home, but it’s never the same as what you get in the restaurant, is it? Even compared to places that aren’t 100% authentic! So, after trying many white queso dip recipes, I finally concocted one that’s just how we like it! The perfect consistency, and has just the right amount of heat!
Cheese Authenticity Disclaimer…
This recipe makes no claim to be authentic. I doubt that American cheese is used in the REAL thing, but it’s easy to find, melts well, and it tastes great! American cheese is commonly found in slices, but I’ve found that buying a half pound brick from the deli is cheaper and gives me a better cheese! They can cut it in a thick slab to make it easy to shred, which also allows it to melt better!
Adjusting the Heat Level…
To put it mildly (😜), my family has a varied range of heat tolerance. I’ll pretty much take on anything while my husband sweats if I add too much black pepper. It seems our three kid’s preferences changes on a daily basis (in true kid fashion) so I had to create something to please everyone!
This white queso dip recipe has just enough kick to cut the richness without being all fire. But, if you prefer your cheese dip mild, use less cumin, chopped chilies or change out the pepper jack for more American. If you like more edge, do the opposite, just try to keep the cheese total around 10 ounces!
More Than an Appetizer…
This dip is a familiar restaurant appetizer usually served with warm, yellow corn tortilla chips. At home, there’s no need to stick to the norm! Build a colorful platter with vegetables like celery, peppers, or broccoli! Prepared taquitos, tater tots, and french fries can also be a fun and surprising addition to the dipper options! The possibilities are endless!
My all time favorite use for this white queso dip is dinner! When I was stationed in North Carolina, my friend Terri and I went out to dinner every Friday night. Her husband was deployed and mine was stationed in California, so we filled our Friday’s with Mexican food and speed rummy. We had an awesome small town restaurant that got to know us so well they memorized our orders! “ACP” was our favorite for two years running – spiced chicken with rice, topped with this cheese dip!
My version of ACP is on regular rotation in our house, now. Sometimes we change out the thinly sliced chicken for shrimp, but it’s always tossed in generous amounts of paprika and a little chili powder, seared in a hot cast iron skillet, served over rice, and drizzled (ok, smothered) with white cheese dip. Yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds!
Make it a Party…
You probably know my motto regarding themes – every party should have one! This Mexican white queso dip is perfect centerpiece for celebrations! Taco bars are one of my favorite “party bar” options! It’s familiar, inexpensive, can be prepped ahead, and doesn’t require much hands on attention! Having this dip as a taco sauce or for chips on the side is bound to make your taco bar a hit!
If tacos aren’t your thing, you could use this white queso dip for other themed bars. Fajitas, nachos, baked potatoes, pizza, burgers are just some of the options! What is your favorite way to enjoy this Mexican white cheese dip? Do you keep it classic with chips, or are you more adventurous? Please comment with your ideas below! Did you try this recipe? Share it socially and tag us with #thesumofallsweets!
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Mexican White Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 c heavy cream
- 1 t cumin
- 2 T chopped chilies
- 8 oz american cheese shredded
- 2 oz pepper jack cheese shredded/chopped
Instructions
- In small sauce pan, heat cream, cumin, and chopped chilies over low heat.
- Once cream is steaming, slowly stir in shredded american cheese.
- Once that is completely melted, add pepper jack cheese.
- Taste for heat level, adding more pepperjack or chilies for more heat, or more american cheese for less.
- Serve in warmed ceramic crock or small warming appliance.
This looks amazing! I will totally be making this queso now!
That’s great, Alyssa! I hope you love it!
This was so very easy and good!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lorrie! And thank you so much for sharing!!
Oh gosh! I did not know that I needed this in my life! It looks fantastically yummy! Thank you for a great post.
You’re welcome Carolyn! I hope you give it a try soon! Thanks of stopping by!
I did NOT know that I needed this in my life! it looks absolutely divine. I just simply have to try it! Looks amazing. Thank you for the inspiration. (I hope this comment reaches you?)
I couldn’t agree more, everyone needs this in their life! 😉
This recipe is exactly what I’ve been looking for to get my queso fix! It was super easy to make and the entire family LOVED It! It will definitely be a staple recipe in our house now! Thanks so much for posting this recipe!
Terri – I’m SO glad you enjoyed it! It’s always a bonus when the whole family agrees on something! Thanks for stopping by!
Can’t wait to try this!!!
We hope you love it as much as we do! Thanks for stopping in!
I can’t wait to try this. I’m such a sucker for queso. Thanks for the tip about getting the cheese from the deli!
You’re so welcome, Heather! Enjoy!