Queso Blanco Dip with Jalapeños

Introduction

Few dips are as iconic in Tex-Mex cuisine as Queso Blanco Dip with Jalapeños. Creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy, this dip combines smooth white cheese with the tangy heat of fresh jalapeños for a bold, irresistible appetizer. Served hot and bubbly, queso blanco is perfect for tortilla chips, veggies, or even as a topping for nachos, tacos, and grilled dishes.

Queso blanco dip is more than just a snack—it’s a crowd-pleaser. Its rich, velvety texture and balanced spice make it a staple at parties, game days, and casual get-togethers. Making it at home allows you to adjust the heat, richness, and flavor exactly to your liking, creating a dip that’s far superior to store-bought versions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s creamy, spicy, and comforting all at once. The combination of white cheese and jalapeños creates a smooth, melty dip with a perfect kick of heat. I also appreciate how quick and easy it is to make—just a few ingredients, a bit of stirring, and you have a dip that feels indulgent yet approachable.

It’s also versatile. You can serve it as a party appetizer, as a nacho topping, or even drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a spicy, cheesy twist. The fresh jalapeños add brightness and heat, giving this queso blanco a flavor that’s dynamic and unforgettable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s smooth, creamy, and cheesy, a guaranteed crowd favorite.
• The jalapeños provide a perfect amount of heat without overpowering the cheese.
• It’s quick and easy to make at home.
• It’s highly versatile, perfect for chips, tacos, nachos, or dipping veggies.
• It’s a Tex-Mex classic that elevates any appetizer spread.

Homemade queso blanco with jalapeños is a flavor-packed upgrade over the store-bought version, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a staple at parties and game nights.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Calories: ~250 kcal per serving (with chips)
• Course: Appetizer / Snack
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (warm)
• 8 oz white American cheese, shredded
• 4 oz Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, diced (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Tortilla chips for serving

Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced red bell pepper

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Jalapeños
   • Remove seeds and finely chop jalapeños. Set aside.
2. Make the Roux
   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
   • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly bubbling.
3. Add Milk
   • Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Cheese
   • Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded white American and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
5. Season and Add Jalapeños
   • Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped jalapeños. Add salt to taste.
   • Optionally, fold in diced tomato for freshness.
6. Serve Hot
   • Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately with tortilla chips.
   • Garnish with cilantro or additional jalapeños if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in a bowl with tortilla chips on the side.
• Can also drizzle over nachos, tacos, or roasted vegetables for a cheesy topping.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or extra jalapeños for visual appeal.

Recipe Tips

• Cheese Choice: Use good quality white American and Monterrey Jack for smooth melting.
• Keep it Smooth: Stir constantly over low heat to prevent separation.
• Control Heat: Remove seeds from jalapeños to reduce spiciness.
• Add Extras: For a smoky flavor, try roasted jalapeños.

Variations

• Spicy Queso: Add chopped serrano peppers or a pinch of cayenne.
• Creamy Queso with Sour Cream: Stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Vegetable Queso: Fold in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn for a chunky dip.
• Bacon Queso: Top with crispy bacon bits before serving.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and unsweetened plant milk for a dairy-free version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cheese may separate and change texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board (for jalapeños and optional vegetables)
• Spoon or ladle (for serving)

Conclusion

Queso Blanco Dip with Jalapeños is a creamy, spicy, and indulgent dip that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or casual snacking. Smooth, cheesy, and full of flavor, this dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or can be used as a topping for nachos, tacos, and more. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this Tex-Mex favorite is sure to become a regular in your appetizer rotation.