Creamy Spicy Queso Dip (Printable)

Creamy, spicy cheese dip with jalapeños and tomatoes. Perfect for game day gatherings in just 20 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 small jalapeño, finely diced with seeds removed
07 - 1 small tomato, seeded and diced
08 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 tablespoon sliced green onions

# How-To:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add red onion and jalapeño; cook, stirring, until softened, approximately 2 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Stir in milk and cream cheese; whisk until cream cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.
04 - Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and velvety in texture.
05 - Mix in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
06 - Stir in diced tomato and cook for 1 minute to warm through.
07 - Transfer to a serving bowl or warm slow cooker. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than halftime commercials, making last-minute entertaining actually doable.
  • The combination of two cheeses creates a richness that somehow feels both indulgent and balanced.
  • It's spicy enough to have personality but won't clear the room of heat-sensitive guests.
02 -
  • Temperature control is everything; if the heat gets too high, the cheese will separate and look broken instead of creamy—medium heat is genuinely the right move.
  • Seeding the tomato matters more than you think because excess moisture will water down the dip and make it less vibrant.
  • The slow cooker on the warm setting isn't just for keeping it hot; it prevents the dip from thickening into a dense block as it sits.
03 -
  • Keep your saucepan medium-heat only—high heat causes cheese to break and separate, ruining everything you've built.
  • If the dip does start to look grainy or broken, whisk in a tablespoon of milk and lower the heat; patience and gentle heat usually saves it.
  • Finely chopped ingredients matter more than you think; chunky tomato or onion pieces sink and create uneven bites instead of a smooth, cohesive dip.
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