If you’re a cheese lover, nothing beats chile con queso. Gooey, melty cheese is combined with tomatoes and chile peppers for a savory dip, ideal for dunking in lots of crispy tortilla chips. It’s frequently offered as an appetizer at Tex-Mex restaurants, but it’s easy to make at home whenever the mood strikes.
For my take on queso dip, I ditch the processed cheese like Velveeta and use a combination of Monterey Jack for flavor and American cheese for gooeyness. Chili powder and green chiles add a smoky, piquant flavor. The onion powder and garlic powder add depth without the need to cook fresh vegetables. This dip clocks in at just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Velvety smooth and silky, you’ll be reaching for chip after chip to scoop up this chile con queso. Serve it at your next gathering or taco night—it’s sure to be a big hit.
Easy Recipe Variations
Here are three easy variations to try:
- You can add more cheese to thicken the dip or more evaporated milk to thin it out and reach your desired consistency.
- Try it with pepper Jack instead of Monterey Jack for a bit more heat.
- Add cooked and crumbled chorizo or seasoned ground beef for a heartier dip.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
How To Serve Chile Con Queso
Queso is commonly served warm and melty with chips for dipping, and makes a delicious appetizer for any occasion. You can also use the cheese dip for a topping on nachos or even tacos.
For a low-lift but impressive appetizer spread, make a queso bar. Include all of your favorite toppings, such as fresh or pickled sliced chiles, chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, cooked and seasoned beef or chorizo, and seasoned black beans.
