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Chile Con Queso Dip

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This chile con queso dip features melty gooey cheese and just the right amount of spice. It is made 100% from scratch, with no Velveeta.

a tortilla chip being dipped into chile con queso dip.

I could honestly live on dips alone! From Cheeseburger Dip, to hot crab rangoon dip, to Philly Cheesesteak dip it is the perfect snack and always cheers me up after a bad day. It is cheesy, spicy, and totally addictive. cheese, easy, 

Why This Queso Recipe Is the Best

  • No Velveeta: This recipe doesn't contain any processed cheese like Velveeta. I love Velveeta as much as the next gal, but the texture/flavor of this from-scratch version is so much better!

I Like To Serve It

Ingredient Notes

  • Serrano Peppers: Serranos are a type of hot chili pepper, originally from the mountains of Mexico. They are about five times hotter than jalapenos. It gives this dip a spicy kick. Use more or less depending on your tastes. 
  • Jalapeno Peppers: If you want to make your dip spicier leave some seeds and veins intact before dicing the pepper. If you want it to be milder, make sure to remove all of the seeds and veins. 
  • Use full-fat milk and sour cream for the best results.  
  • Garlic: Use fresh not jarred garlic for the best flavor.
  • Cheese: I like using cheddar and Monterey jack as they have good flavor and melt smoothly. Shred your own cheese if at all possible. Pre shredded tends to contain corn starch to prevent the shreds from sticking together which can lead to a grainy texture when melting.
a large blue bowl of chile con queso dip with tomatoes and topped with cilantro.

Can You Make It In the Crock-Pot?

Yes! this recipe can be made in the crockpot. It is great for parties because you can use the slow cooker to keep it warm for hours.  

To make it in a crockpot:  

  1. Follow steps 1-5 in the recipe as instructed.   
  2. Then, pour the mixture into the crockpot. Add cheese to the crockpot and stir. 
  3. Cook on high for 1-2 hours until cheese is melted and hot.  Add sour cream, salt, and pepper after turning off the heat.

Leftovers

  1. Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  2. To Reheat
    1. Stovetop: Heat on low and stir continuously until bubbly and warm.  
    2. Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes on 50% power stopping after each minute to stir.  
    3. Crock-Pot: Heat on low for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Krystle's Tips

  • To safely cut chili peppers, always wear gloves. Avoid touching anything while wearing the gloves, as oils can transfer off of them.  
  • Lower the heat before adding cheese to help it melt smoothly and not separate. 

More Easy Dips

Cheesy Bean Dip

Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Queso Blanco

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📖 Recipe

Chile Con Queso Dip

Melty gooey cheese dip that is perfect for Taco Tuesday! 100% from scratch, no Velveeta or other processed cheese.
5 from 17 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 343kcal

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Ingredients

  • ½ Sweet Onion Finely Diced
  • 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • 3 Serrano Peppers Finely Diced
  • 3 Jalapeno Peppers Finely Diced
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup Whole Milk
  • 6 Cups Shredded Cheese I used Monterrey Jack
  • ½ Cup Cilantro Chopped
  • 2 Plum Tomatoes Peeled and Diced
  • ½ Cup Sour Cream
  • Salt To Taste
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Instructions

  • In a large sauce pan melt butter over medium heat. Add in onion, and peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until softened.
  • Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for around 30 seconds.
  • Pour in milk and cook for 5 minutes whisking constantly until thickened.
  • Stir in tomatoes and cilantro.
  • Turn the heat down to low. Add cheese ¼ a cup at a time. Let cheese melt before stirring in more. Repeat until all cheese is used up.
  • Stir in sour cream and salt to taste.

Notes

Ingredient Notes
  • Serrano Peppers: Serranos are a type of hot chili pepper, originally from the mountains of Mexico. They are about five times hotter than jalapenos. It gives this dip a spicy kick. Use more or less depending on your tastes. 
  • Jalapeno Peppers: If you want to make your dip spicier leave some seeds and veins intact before dicing the pepper. If you want it to be milder, make sure to remove all of the seeds and veins. 
  • Use full-fat milk and sour cream for the best results.  
  • Garlic: Use fresh not jarred garlic for the best flavor. 
  • Cheese: I like using cheddar and Monterey jack as they have good flavor and melt smoothly. Shred your own cheese if at all possible. Pre shredded tends to contain corn starch to prevent the shreds from sticking together which can lead to a grainy texture when melting.
To make it in a crockpot:  
  1. Follow steps 1-5 in the recipe as instructed.   
  2. Then, pour the mixture into the crockpot. 
  3. Add cheese to the crockpot and stir. 
  4. Cook on high for 1-2 hours until cheese is melted and hot. 
  5. Add sour cream, salt, and pepper after turning off the heat.
  6. Keep the crockpot on the keep warm setting to serve.
Hot Pepper Safety Tips
  • To safely cut chili peppers, always wear gloves. Avoid touching anything while wearing the gloves, as oils can transfer off of them.  
  • Never touch your eyes or face.
  • If the chili oils come in contact with your eyes, flush them in running water for about 30 seconds. 
  • If you do end up cutting a chili pepper without gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water, or you risk transferring chili oils to anything you touch.
  • Always wash chili peppers before cutting them. They can carry bacteria.

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 580mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1012IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 483mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? I want to see!Mention @BakingBeautyBlog or tag #BakingBeauty!
an overhead shot of chile con queso dip surrounded by tortilla chips.
a large blue bowl of cheese dip with peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro.
5 from 17 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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19 Comments

  1. Marsha leforce says:

    5 stars
    This worked exactly as written, thanks!

  2. Your recipe sounds good. One thing, tomatoes can be added to chili con queso, but they are not a normal part of chili con. Queso. Also, try adding celery finally chopped or a can of green chilies.

  3. If you make it ahead of time, Can you freeze the queso?

    1. Krystle Smith says:

      Hi Samantha,

      Unfortunately, I wouldn't suggest freezing it. The texture just isn't the same when thawed.

  4. havent tried it yet but going to make a double batch for granddaughters bd party will let you know

  5. 5 stars
    This is really good!! My family loved it!

  6. Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says:

    5 stars
    I love, LOVE this Chile Con Queso! It looks incredibly delicious!

  7. katerina @ diethood.com says:

    5 stars
    Oh my, this looks amazing! I can't wait to give it a try!

  8. 5 stars
    This dip has been a huge hit at my house! Can't wait to make it again!

  9. 5 stars
    So much flavor I can SEEEE it!! ????

  10. 5 stars
    I just made this last week for part of our taco Tuesday, and it's so good. We ended up dipping our fajitas in it.

  11. Allyson Zea says:

    The dip is absolutely amazing!

  12. I need to make this for a party. How far ahead can I make it? Does it reheat well or not? Thanks! Can't wait to make it. I think it's going to be a huge improvement over the velveeta/rotel dip that I was raised on!

    1. Krystle Smith says:

      Hi Hilary,

      You can certainly make a day ahead and reheat. I like to place in the crock pot on keep warm for parties.

  13. WANT! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!

  14. Rach's Recipes says:

    5 stars
    I really love your recipe for my favorite dip in the world. I made it once following the original, and the second time I made it with velveeta cheese which is also to die for. Thanks so much for sharing!

    1. Thanks so much Rachel! <3

    2. Did you shred the Velveeta cheese? If not, how did you measure out 6 cups?

      1. Krystle Smith says:

        Yes that's right!

        I used to see Velveeta shreds at the store, but haven't seen them around lately.