Need quick game day appetizer or a versatile cheese sauce? This easy queso dip recipe is so much better than store-bought, and almost as easy as buying from the store! It'll take just 10 minutes to make, and has simple and delicious ingredients like cheddar cheese, milk, butter, whole wheat flour, and a pinch of salt. That's it!
[This recipe was originally posted in December 2018. It has been updated with new cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ]
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How will this easy queso dip make your life easier?
If you're going to a football watch party, and you're asked to bring something. You can bring cheddar jalapeno dip, or Asian BBQ chicken wings. You equally want to bring something delicious and something that you pick up at the store…. you bring this easy queso dip. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and tastes 100x better than store bought queso.
Plus, if you have any leftovers, or double the recipe, you've got an awesome cheese sauce to turn around the lamest burrito bowl ever, make into the ultimate mac & cheese, or dip pretzels into.
What makes this queso so good?
- Butter
- Whole wheat flour
- Milk
- Salt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
How do I make this queso dip?
Place small pot over medium-low heat. Once it's hot, add 2T butter, 2 T whole wheat flour, and ½-1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional). Whisk together until it becomes a paste, about 1-2 minutes.
Expert Tip: Swap the whole wheat flour for white flour if that's all you have
Expert Tip #2: Make sure to stir continually (and don't leave it!) so paste doesn't get clumpy or burned.
Whisk in 1c milk. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1 minute, add ¼ teaspoon salt. Remove from heat once smooth.
Expert Tip: You'll be ready to remove the this mixture from the burner once it's all smooth, incorporated, and medium bubbles are forming (about ½ inch in diameter)
Add 2 c cheddar cheese and continue to whisk until cheese is well combined and smooth. Cheese will melt while whisking all ingredients together.
Pour queso into bowl, then top with salsa or sliced jalapenos if desired, and serve with chips and veggies.
Expert tips
- Swap the whole wheat flour for white flour if that's all you have
- Make sure to stir continually (and don't leave it!) so paste doesn't get clumpy or burned
- You'll be ready to remove the roux + milk mixture from the burner once it's all smooth, incorporated, and medium bubbles are forming (about ½ inch in diameter)
- Level up your queso dip with sliced jalapenos or salsa. Serve with chips &/or vegetables
FAQ
What is queso dip made of?
Queso dips are made of cheese (a white cheese like white American, monterey jack, pepper jack, or cheddar cheese), milk, and a roux (flour + butter).
What do I dip into this queso cheese?
Whatever you like with cheese! Personally, I love dipping tortilla chips and celery into queso. But it's great with potato chips, cauliflower, tortillas, and so many other foods. Always top with fresh salsa or jalapenos to add a punch of freshness and flavor.
Can you save queso?
Queso dip usually lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. I recommend doing the sniff test, even if it's more than 3-4 days and it still smells good, it'll be safe to eat. Foods will usually smell bad BEFORE they're unsafe to eat. I'd recommend using leftover queso to improve the lamest burrito bowl ever, or add it to the ultimate mac & cheese, or you can dip pretzels into it.
Ways to repurpose this queso dip
- Burrito bowl
- Make it into mac & cheese, like this one
- Dip a quesadilla into this queso
Check out these other easy game day recipes
Did you make this queso dip recipe? leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Easy Queso Dip
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Small Cooking Pot
- whisk
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- salsa optional
- sliced jalapenos optional
- ½-1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- Place small pot over medium-low heat. Once hot, add 2T butter, 2T whole wheat flour, and optional ½-1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Whisk together until it becomes a paste, about 1-2 minutes
- Whisk in 1 c milk. Whisk until smooth and thickened, about 1 minute, add salt. Remove from heat once incorporated.
- Add 2 c cheese, and continue to whisk until well combined, and smooth. About 2-3 minutes. Pour into bowl, top with salsa or sliced jalapenos, and serve with chips and veggies.
Video
Notes
- Swap the whole wheat flour for white flour if that's all you have
- Make sure to stir continually (and don't leave it!) so paste doesn't get clumpy or burned
- You'll be ready to remove the roux from the burner once it's all smooth, incorporated, and medium bubbles are forming (about ½ inch in diameter)
- Level up your queso dip with sliced jalapenos or salsa. Serve with chips &/or vegetables
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Caroline says
I've not made queso either, but it looks so easy and I can see it being all too addictive to dip when you are hungry or as you say pour over some veg for an easy snack or meal.
Rebecca says
ya it's surprisingly easy! try it out 🙂
Tayler Ross says
You had me at cheeeese!! I am saving this recipe for football this Sunday!
Rebecca says
right?! can't go wrong with cheese! and LMK how it turns out
Elaine Benoit says
I love queso dips! This looks perfect! It's delicious and easy and I can't wait to try it! Hmm. Perhaps as an appetizer at my NYE party!
Rebecca says
yaaaa! it's good any time!
Traci says
Oh yeah! Nothing like a warm queso dip to soothe the soul on a winter day. I love it that this is completely from scratch too! Great recipe!
Rebecca says
right?! its so warm & comforting AND soo easy from scratch!
Tawnie Kroll says
This is going to be a perfect appetizer for my holiday party coming up!
Rebecca says
yay! great to hear! LMK how it turns out