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    Meals » Recipes » Appetizers

    Easy Homemade Queso Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Sep 21, 2022 by Dee

    Easy Homemade Queso recipe without Velveeta is made with real cheese in a skillet on the stove top. It's a delicious appetizer for game day along with tortilla chips for dipping! via @meamel

    Easy Homemade Queso recipe without Velveeta is made with real cheese in a skillet on the stove top. It's the best queso dip and an easy appetizer for game day along with tortilla chips for dipping!

    Jump to Recipe -
    queso recipe without velveeta in a skillet
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Queso without Velveeta
    • Cook Time
    • FAQ
    • Variations
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Not only is this recipe for homemade queso super easy, but it's also made with real cheese and other real ingredients. As a bonus, this is a naturally low carb keto queso recipe as it is made without flour.

    This delicious cheese dip is pretty much a blend of pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese and heavy cream. I only added a few other natural ingredients.

    So, no Velveeta or processed cheese here, folks. But, no judging, either. And even if you do like Velveeta cheese, I think you'll love this queso dip made with real cheese even better -- we do!

    This cheesy easy homemade queso dip is absolutely perfect for game day. After all, you can't enjoy a football game without some amazing game day food, right?! And this homemade cheese dip definitely deserves a place at your appetizer table.

    Of course, we all know that queso dip isn't just for game day. I like to serve it at parties, Cinco de Mayo, taco night, holidays and whenever the munchies strike. But when we watch football, I usually serve easy appetizers for dinner, and that's when we eat queso the most.

    cream cheese, butter, onion, jalapeno pepper, pepper jack cheese, cream and cheddar

    Ingredients

    You only need a few simple ingredients for creamy queso. You can find them in your grocery store or online.

    • Cream cheese -- full fat cream cheese, softened at room temperature
    • Cheese -- shredded pepper jack cheese and cheddar cheese. I don't recommend pre-shredded cheese as it may cause the dip to separate.
    • Butter
    • Onion -- white or yellow onion, finely chopped
    • Garlic -- finely chopped
    • Jalapeño pepper -- finely chopped and seeded
    • Heavy cream
    • Seasonings -- sea salt, smoked paprika, ground cumin -- adds a delicious smoky flavor

    How to Make Queso without Velveeta

    First, prep all of your ingredients and have them ready to go. This dip comes together quickly.

    Then, melt butter, and sauté the onion, jalapeño pepper and garlic in butter over medium heat until soft. If you find you need more butter, you can add that as needed.

    Then, stir in the smoked paprika, sea salt and cumin and cook until blended and fragarant.

    saute onion, jalapeno pepper and spices in skillet

    Next, whisk in the heavy cream. Let the cream cook until it starts to bubble.

    Then, turn the heat off or remove from the stove while you add the cream cheese. You don't want the cream cheese to curdle.

    whisk heavy cream and spices in skillet

    Whisk the cream cheese until well blended. Then, stir in about 1 cup of shredded cheese at a time, whisking well after each cup.

    You can return the cheese sauce to the stove on low heat if you need to heat it up a bit. When the cheese is completely smooth and melted, you are ready to serve.

    Pro tip -- I recommend placing the queso in a small round crockpot to keep it smooth and warm. Keep it on the warm setting.

    whisk pepper jack cheese and cheddar cheese in queso in skillet

    Cook Time

    This cheesy dip takes about 15 minutes to cook. That's it!

    easy homemade queso dip with chips

    If you're really impatient, you can dig right in directly out of the skillet. Or, you can pour the sauce into a small crock pot or slow cooker, and keep it warm. So this is definitely a great recipe for tailgating!

    When serving this homemade cheese dip, you can also add extra tomatoes, more chopped jalapeño peppers, a serrano pepper, red onion, green onions, cilantro or really just about anything.

    FAQ

    How do you keep queso warm for a party?

    The best way to keep queso warm and smooth for dipping is to place it in a small crock pot on warm. Or, you can use a dip warmer. Be sure to stir every now and then.

    How long does queso last in the refrigerator?

    Homemade queso will keep for 4 days when kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

    What is the best way to reheat queso?

    Reheat queso on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out if needed. You can also microwave it on low power or defrost for a few seconds, but it does tend to separate.

    easy homemade queso dip recipe

    Variations

    This easy queso recipe is very easy to customize.

    Add protein -- cooked seasoned ground beef or taco meat makes a hearty dip. Or stir in cooked chorizo, diced chicken or shredded or sausage.

    Try a blend of monterey jack cheese and colby cheese.

    Use roasted hatch chiles or green chiles or a can of Rotel for extra flavor. You can make white queso dip or queso in the Instant Pot!

    Or, you can just leave it alone and enjoy the cheesy goodness just like it is! There really are no rules here.

    This dip is smooth and just thick enough for dipping. If you want a thicker cheese sauce, I'd add a little more cheese.

    easy homemade queso dip stretchy cheese

    Recipe

    queso recipe without velveeta in a skillet

    Easy Homemade Queso Recipe

    Published by Dee
    Easy Homemade Queso recipe without Velveeta is made with real cheese in a skillet on the stove top. It's the best queso dip and an easy appetizer for game day along with tortilla chips for dipping!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 20
    Calories 151 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 1 cup white onion, chopped
    • 1 clove minced garlic
    • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon dried cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
    • 4 ounces cream cheese
    • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

    Instructions
     

    • In a large cast iron skillet or heavy pan, melt the butter over medium heat
    • Saute the onions, jalapeno peppers and garlic until slightly soft
    • Stir in the the salt, cumin and paprika
    • Whisk in the heavy cream, and heat until it starts to bubble
    • Remove from heat, and stir in the cream cheese until melted
    • Gradually add the shredded cheese, and whisk until cheese is melted
    • Return skillet to heat, and cook on medium until warm
    • Serve immediately, or pour into slow cooker and keep warm until ready to serve

    Notes

    You can use mild cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar cheese. Shred your own cheese for best texture as pre-shredded cheese tends to separate.
    Transfer queso to a small crock pot or slow cooker or dip warmer on warm setting to keep warm.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 151kcalProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 239mgPotassium: 36mgVitamin A: 570IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!

    I hope you enjoy this easy homemade queso dip as much we do! My family thinks it's the best queso recipe, and I hope you do too!

    If you do try this silky smooth dip, please leave a star rating and comment.

    For more easy recipes, football food and easy appetizers, be sure to sign up for the newsletter and follow on social media.

    Recipe first published in 2017 and updated in 2022.

    easy homemade queso dip in cast iron skillet
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Caitlin says

      April 17, 2020 at 7:13 pm

      I've been craving restaurant queso, and this hit the spot!! The cream cheese and smoked paprika are key. Seriously. So good!!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        April 17, 2020 at 9:18 pm

        So happy you liked the queso! Thanks, Caitlin.

    2. Miz Helen says

      September 02, 2017 at 1:12 pm

      This is a great Queso that we will enjoy. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great weekend and come back to see us real soon!
      Miz Helen5 stars

      Reply
    3. Cathy @ Lemon Tree Dwellig says

      August 30, 2017 at 12:43 pm

      The ULTIMATE in football snacking!!

      Reply
    4. Catalina @ Peas & Peonies says

      August 26, 2017 at 1:14 am

      This dip looks absolutely fantastic! I want it!

      Reply
    5. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 24, 2017 at 8:36 pm

      I want that entire skillet to myself!

      Reply
    6. Amanda says

      August 24, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      This will be perfect with our taco night!

      Reply
    7. Delaney | Melanie Makes says

      August 24, 2017 at 5:23 pm

      This queso looks absolutely amazing!

      Reply
      • Dee says

        August 25, 2017 at 5:08 pm

        Thanks, Delaney. Honestly, it tastes even better! 🙂

    8. Jen says

      August 24, 2017 at 3:36 pm

      Queso is a staple in our house for football Sundays. I really love your idea of adding in chorizo or chicken. Yum!

      Reply
      • Dee says

        August 25, 2017 at 5:06 pm

        You could easily make a meal out of this -- I know I could! 🙂

    9. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says

      August 24, 2017 at 1:42 pm

      Gosh this is seriously sensational!!

      Reply
      • Dee says

        August 25, 2017 at 5:06 pm

        Thanks, Jocelyn. We really loved it!

    10. FABBY says

      August 24, 2017 at 8:03 am

      This looks great! Thanks for4 sharing the recipe.
      I'm pinning it.
      Hugs,
      Fabby

      Reply
      • Dee says

        August 25, 2017 at 5:05 pm

        Hi Fabby! Thanks so much -- hope you get a chance to try it. 🙂

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

    More about me →

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