Description
This Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip is a smooth, creamy queso perfect for serving warm with tortilla chips. Made with white American cheese, whole milk, and diced green chiles, it mimics the authentic cheesy dips you’d find at your favorite Mexican restaurant. The addition of garlic, onion powders, and optional pickled jalapeños bring depth and a slight kick to the flavor, making it an ideal savory appetizer for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Dip Ingredients
- 1 pound white American cheese (cubed or shredded)
- ½ cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (drained)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1–2 tablespoons diced pickled jalapeños (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently. This ensures the cheese mixture heats slowly and helps prevent burning.
- Heat the milk: Add the ½ cup whole milk to the melted butter and warm gently without boiling, creating the perfect temperature for melting cheese smoothly.
- Melt the cheese: Gradually stir in the white American cheese cubes or shredded cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the diced green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, and the optional pickled jalapeños to infuse the dip with authentic heat and depth of flavor.
- Adjust consistency: If the dip feels too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring well until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.
- Heat through and serve: Continue stirring until everything is well combined and heated through evenly. Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- White American cheese offers the smoothest melt and best texture for this dip.
- If unavailable, a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella can be used, though the texture may differ.
- Keep the dip warm for parties by placing it in a slow cooker set on low.
- Stir occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency and prevent scorching.
- Add jalapeños incrementally to suit your preferred spice level.
