Queso Blanco Cheese Dip

4.94 from 16 votes

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If you love Chipotle queso, you’re going to adore my recipe for homemade queso blanco dip! Featuring 3 types of cheese, plus a healthy helping of cream and green chiles, it’s spicy and creamy all at once!

closeup: tortilla chip dripping with chipotle queso


I’ve never met a dip I didn’t like — and my family is right there with me! Bonus points if there’s some type of cheese involved. Some of our favorites include Cajun hot crab dipRoTel party dip, and jalapeño popper dip.

The original cheese dip? Queso, of course! If you’re new here, I love Mexican cheese, so it’s only natural that I crave dips made with it. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for homemade queso blanco that you can try at home. It’s ready to serve and enjoy in just 5 minutes. It doesn’t get much better than that in terms of prepping for a party!

I use a combination of 3 types of cheeses, heavy cream, green chiles, and some spices and seasonings. Simply heat it up on the stove and you’ll have a delicious queso blanco dip ready for your next party. Or, make a big batch to enjoy yourself at home. No judgment here — a big bowl of melted cheese ready for dipping is always a good idea.

Better than Chipotle queso

My white queso is creamy and slightly spicy. I use 3 different types of white cheese, green chiles and heavy cream. It’s a snap to make… ready in just 5 minutes!

If you’re having a crowd over for game day or a holiday party, queso blanco dip is the perfect party snack!

dipping tortilla chip into queso dip

INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Oaxaca Cheese – My local supermarket carries Oaxaca, but if you can’t find any locally, you can substitute it with Asadero or Monterey Jack. 
  • American Cheese Use white American cheese, not orange, for this queso blanco recipe.
  • Heavy Cream – For that ooey gooey creamy texture. You could also use half and half or evaporated milk, but the consistency will be a bit thinner.
  • Queso Fresco I like to crumble a bit of queso fresco on top as a garnish.
  • Green Chiles – Use canned green chiles to add some heat to your queso cheese dip.
  • Ground Cumin – To add a bit of earthy flavor to the mix.
  • Mexican Oregano – I like Mexican oregano because it boasts a slightly more citrus flavor than Italian oregano. That said in a crunch you can use the latter.
  • Plum Tomatoes & Jalapeños – Use as a garnish along with the queso fresco!
mexican white cheese dip on spoon dripping into saucepan

Video: Making Chipotle queso

Want to see this cheesy goodness in action?

Watch the video in the recipe card at the bottom of this post to learn how to make queso blanco like a pro!

HOW TO MAKE QUESO BLANCO DIP

  1. Heat the Heavy Cream. Add the heavy cream to a saucepan and heat over medium until it starts to simmer.
  2. Add the Cheese. Stir in the Oaxaca and American cheese and stir until completely melted, but not boiling. As a note, cheese separates at about 160 degrees F, which is why it will curdle if the sauce starts to boil. If it does separate, simply remove it from the heat source and add a bit of cream until you get the consistency you’re after.
  3. Add the Other Ingredients. Incorporate the green chiles, cumin, and oregano. Stir to combine.
  4. Garnish & Serve. Pour your dip into a serving dish and garnish with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and crumbled queso fresco. Serve warm with a side of tortilla chips!
chipotle queso dripping from tortilla chiip into bowl of chile con queso

Queso blanco recipe variations

With a few simple additions, you can have a completely different, but equally delicious, white cheese dip! Here are some ideas:

  • queso fundido is a crave-worthy chorizo white cheese dip.
  • fiery hot queso diablo – Want to clear your sinuses fast? Add a few ghost peppers or Carolina reaper chiles!
  • beef queso dip has yellow cheese rather than white. With ground beef, it’s a delicious cheeseburger dip.
  • smoked – add your favorite smoked white cheese!
  • roasted salsa verde stirred into white queso is amazing!

By the way, it’s delicious for dipping, but there are other ways to use queso blanco dip. Serve it over roasted vegetables, a steak, grilled pork chops, or salmon!

FAQ

Is queso real Mexican food?


No, queso blanco is actually a Tex Mex dip, but using Mexican cheese like Oaxaca or Asadero gives it more authentic Mexican flavor.

How do you keep hot cheese dip warm?


To keep your dip warm and creamy, transfer it to a slow cooker set to the “warm” or “low” setting. It will stay dippable that way for at least two hours. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What is Queso Blanco Dip Made Of?

Every queso blanco recipe may differ slightly, but most are made with a few different types of white cheese, chiles, and spices. I like to use Oaxaca cheese, American cheese, queso fresco, and green chiles in mine!

What’s the Difference Between Queso and Queso Blanco?

Queso means cheese in Spanish, and you may have noticed that many restaurants use the word to describe cheese dip. Some queso is white and others are orange. Queso blanco is a cheese dip made with white cheese only. It makes sense — blanco means white in Spanish!

Is Queso Just Melted Cheese?

This dip is so much more than just melted cheese! If you try to simply melt cheese on its own, it will eventually start to harden. Thanks to the addition of heavy cream in my queso blanco recipe, you don’t have to worry about it solidifying!

What Cheese do Mexican Restaurants Use For Queso?

Are you hoping to recreate your favorite restaurant’s queso blanco recipe at home? You’re in luck because my version uses the same cheese that lots of Mexican places around the US use! Most are made with queso fresco and cotija cheese. I opt for American cheese instead of cotija, but you can also feel free to add it if you’d like.

bowl of white queso blanco topped with diced tomato and chiles
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closeup: tortilla chip dripping with chipotle queso

Queso Blanco Cheese Dip

4.94 from 16 votes
My queso blanco cheese dip is a welcome addition to any appetizer spread. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s creamy and cheesy!
Servings: 8
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 8 oz Oaxaca, Asadero or Monterey Jack cheese cut into 1-inch cubes (See Note 1 for substitutions)
  • 8 oz white American cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup heavy cream (See Note 2 for substitutions)
  • 4 oz canned green chiles chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/8 tsp Mexican oregano or original oregano, crushed

Garnish

Instructions 

  • Add heavy cream to a saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a simmer.
  • Add cheeses to pan and stir until completely melted (See Note 3).
  • Add green chiles, cumin and oregano. Stir thoroughly to combine. If too thick, thin with some more cream or milk to desired consistency.
  • Pour into serving dish and garnish with diced tomatoes, jalapenos and crumbled queso fresco, if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Video

Notes

  1. If unable to find, you can substitute Oaxaca cheese with Asadero, Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese. Both Oaxaca and Asadero are good quality Mexican cheeses that melt well.
  2. Half & half and evaporated milk are good substitutes for heavy cream, if needed. However, the consistency of the final queso blanco  dip will be a bit thinner.
  3. Cheese separates at about 160°F which is why it curdles or separates if the sauce is pushing close to boiling. If it separates, off the heat source add some more cream (fat assists) and whisk until smooth and emulsified.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 421IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 351mg | Iron: 1mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex Mex
Have You Made This Recipe? Let Me Know on InstagramTag @keviniscooking or tag me #keviniscooking!
titled image: bowl of queso blanco

Kevin

Whether in the kitchen or on the grill, you’ll find me cooking American favorites with a love for BBQ, Mexican and Tex Mex. I’m passionate about making tasty food because life’s too short to be bland!

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57 Comments

    1. So sorry for the late reply as I have been away on a much needed vacation outside the USA. Needless to say, about your comment…I would, definitely.

  1. How much Monterey Jack? I only see 2 cheeses in the recipe.
    Plan on making this for family this weekend. Thanks

    1. So sorry for the late reply as I have been away on a much needed vacation outside the USA. Needless to say, about your inquiry…I use two cheeses in the dip itself, Oaxaca Cheese and White American cheese. The 3rd cheese referenced would be Queso Fresco – I like to crumble a bit of queso fresco on top as a garnish.

    2. Like some others, mine did not turn out as expected. The oaxaca cheese melts but is very stringy (like mozzerella). The white american with it makes it smoother, but it was SO thick and still much more stringy than I’d expect for queso dip. I used El Viajero brand. I’ve also used the “Mexican Melting Chesse” by El Viajero with success. But it’s just American cheese in a Mexican package. Ha! I was hoping for something like our local restaurant makes — super creamy, flavorful, and definitely not only American cheese.

      1. The Oaxaca cheese is definitely used and melts fine for me and others as they have commented, strange. You could also shred the cheese and add more cream or milk to thin it if you prefer Keri. If the Oaxaca cheese is an issue try Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack or the Asadero all work well here.

  2. 5 stars
    This was ooey gooey cheezy heaven! My batch came out smooth so not sure what the other comment was about “big blob of sticky melted cheese”. I’ll be making this again said my family! Haha!

  3. 5 stars
    Not sure what these other people did wrong, but I followed as directed and it turned out great. Epic nachos were had by all!

    1. They sure are and it also depends on how much each person dips, right?! Total this dip is 28 ounces give or take.

  4. 5 stars
    I used the Oaxaca cheese as recommended and it was an epic fail! It did not mix well with the cheddar cheese and heavy whipping cream and I ended up with a big blob of sticky melted cheese sitting in a pool of white liquid. For some reason it did not mix well at all. I salvaged the blob of cheese so I could use on some nachos. I am not so sure about using Oaxaca cheese. I have used Monterey Jack in the past and it mixes well so I will stick with that!

    1. Strange that happened to you Frank, I have never had that experience using Oaxacan cheese, even as seen in the video. Super creamy when used as directed in the recipe card. Stick with the Monterey Jack if that’s what works for you. I also need note you wrote “It did not mix well with the cheddar cheese and…” Cheddar cheese is not use din this recipe. Did White American get used instead perhaps?

      1. It is noted to “simmer” this when the cheese is added to the cream. Cheese separates at about 160°F which is why it curdles or separates if the sauce is pushing close to boiling. If it separates, off the heat source add some more cream (fat assists) and whisk until smooth and emulsified. Hope this helps!

    2. I had the same problem using the Oaxaca cheese. It was a big blob that did not mix well. It was a big disappointment.

      1. Not sure what you could have done, but I have never had that issue. As you can see from the video and the other comments this is the experience or result. Maybe high heat was the issue. Did you read Note 3. Cheese separates at about 160°F which is why it curdles or separates if the sauce is pushing close to boiling. If it separates, off the heat source add some more cream (fat assists) and whisk until smooth and emulsified. Sorry that happened for you nonetheless.

    3. I see that you say you used ‘Cheddar’ – the recipe calls for American…. could that be the source of the problem, not the Oaxaca?

    4. 4 stars
      Mine did the same thing as Kevin’s. White blob sitting in white liquid. It just would not melt down past a certain point. Brand was La Morenita Queso Oaxaca. I heated the cream just like the video indicated and then added the cheeses. I even tried transferring to a small crock pot. Blob City. I’m sure it’s delicious when it works out.

      1. I either cube, shred or pull apart into strings and it, and the white American cheese, melts every time. Strange… Are you sure you didn’t use Panela cheese? Panela is a soft, white Mexican cheese made from skim milk, which makes it firm and flexible, but it will not melt when heated.

  5. 5 stars
    I used to be addicted to Qdoba and Chipotle queso, and after making this recipe, there’s no turning back. It’s less expensive to make at home! PERFECT recipe!