Creamy Queso Blanco with Jalapeños and Green Chiles Recipe

Introduction

Queso Blanco is a creamy, flavorful cheese dip that’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in. This easy recipe combines melted white American and Monterey Jack cheeses with a hint of jalapeño heat, making it a delicious addition to chips or veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1–2 jalapeños, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 8 ounces white American cheese
• 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons juice from a jar of pickled jalapeños
• Cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and jalapeños, sautéing until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the diced green chiles, white American cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, milk, and pickled jalapeño juice to the pan.
3. Step 3: Whisk the mixture continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and keep whisking until the queso thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dip, remove all the seeds from the jalapeños before cooking.
• Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
• Use a blend of cheeses like queso quesadilla or mozzarella for a different texture.
• If the dip is too thick, stir in a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Storage

Store leftover queso blanco in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short bursts to avoid separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make queso blanco ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it chilled. Reheat slowly before serving to ensure it stays smooth and creamy.

What can I serve with queso blanco?

Queso blanco pairs well with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, soft pretzels, or as a topping for tacos and nachos.

Creamy Queso Blanco with Jalapeños and Green Chiles Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews

Queso Blanco is a creamy, smooth white cheese dip with a mild kick from jalapeños and green chiles, perfect for serving warm as a delicious appetizer or snack. This easy stovetop recipe combines American cheese and Monterey Jack cheese melted with spices and flavors to create an irresistible dip that pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 3 cups 1x
• Category: Dip
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1–2 jalapeños, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 (4-oz) can diced green chiles

Cheeses and Liquids

• 8 oz white American cheese
• 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons juice from a jar of pickled jalapeños

Garnish

• Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the chopped onions and jalapeños, and sauté them until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Chiles and Cheeses: Stir in the diced green chiles, white American cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, milk, and jalapeño juice. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Melt the Cheese: Whisk the mixture continuously as it heats until all the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Remove the pan from heat but keep whisking frequently to help the queso thicken to a perfect dipping consistency.
5. Serve: Pour the warm queso into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped cilantro. Enjoy immediately with chips or vegetables.

Notes

• For a milder dip, remove seeds from jalapeños before chopping.
• If you prefer a thinner queso, add a little more milk until reaching the desired consistency.
• Use fresh cilantro for garnish to add a fresh, herbal note.
• Feel free to substitute the green chiles for roasted poblano peppers for a slightly different flavor.
• Serve queso warm; it thickens as it cools, so reheat gently if needed.

Keywords: Queso Blanco, white cheese dip, jalapeno queso, easy dip recipe, creamy cheese sauce, Mexican appetizer