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It’s not a celebration until the queso dip comes out. From parties to game days to family nights, queso brings people together.

National Queso Day is September 20 — but around here, it’s queso season all year long. Below, you’ll learn how to make classic queso, queso blanco, and queso fresco, plus how to prepare them all conveniently in a slow cooker for an effortless crowd-pleasing dip.

The Best cheese for queso dips

What are the best types of queso for queso dip? That depends on your preference! White American cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, and Velveeta are commonly used. Even cream cheese can be added to make your queso dip richer and creamier.

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5 deliciously easy queso recipes to make at home

From tailgates to game nights to family movie marathons, queso dip always steals the show. These easy queso dip recipes can all be made in the slow cooker for even easier prep.

Easy Queso dip

Silvia Queso Fundido Dip

Sargento Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican Natural Cheese and Jimmy Dean Heat ‘N Serve Turkey Sausage patties combine to make a hearty and tasty queso dip.

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Chorizo-packed Queso fundido dip

Queso fundido

Impress your family with this restaurant-quality queso featuring chorizo and Borden® Cheese Oaxaca Shreds.

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Chile con queso with white castle burgers

Bowl of queso dip next to a bowl of guacamole, a box of white castle jalapeno cheese sliders all surrounded by tortilla chips

Your kids will love this queso dip featuring their favorite White Castle® Jalapeño Cheese Sliders.

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Easy Queso Fresco with Spinach

Natalie Spinach Queso Dip

Two crowd favorites come together in this spinach queso dip. The La Vaquita Queso Fresco crumbles add an extra authentic flavor.

Craving spinach artichoke dip now? Here’s how to make spinach dip.

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Queso Blanco DIP with white cheddar

Borden White cheddar queso dip

Borden® Finely Shredded Sharp White Cheddar Shreds make a creamy, mild base that’s perfect for add-ins or as a topper for your tacos, nachos, and more.

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How to Make Slow Cooker Queso from scratch

Making queso dip is simple — and using a slow cooker makes it even easier. Just add your ingredients, turn it on, and stir occasionally for a hands-off, guaranteed smooth and creamy dip.

Queso Ingredients

  • Cheese: Can’t have queso without cheese! Popular choices including American cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack.
  • Dairy: Evaporated milk or whole milk gives your queso its creamy, smooth sauce.
  • Aromatics: Pump up the flavor with onions and garlic.
  • Spices: Add some zest to your queso with cayenne, cumin, and smoked paprika.
  • Peppers: Turn up the heat with canned or fresh green chilies, like jalapeños or poblanos.

Optional add-ins and queso toppings:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Tomatoes, cilantro, or lime juice add a burst of freshness.
  • Other Dairy: Cream cheese can be used for a richer, smoother texture.
  • Hot Sauce: Some like it hot! Adjust the spice level with hot sauces.

Slow cooker Queso Directions

Here’s how to make your own slow cooker queso from scratch:

  1. Prep ingredients: Shred cheese and chop onion, tomato, peppers, or any mix-ins.
  2. Load the slow cooker: Add cheese, dairy, spices, and aromatics.
  3. Cook on LOW: Stir every 20–30 minutes until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Reduce heat to warm: Keep warm for serving without overcooking.
  5. Finish with toppings: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, tomato, or extra spices.
  6. Serve: Pair with tortilla chips, bread, veggies, or use as a topping for nachos and tacos.

Tip:
If your queso is too thin, add more cheese or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch per 1 cup cold milk).

If your queso is too thick, add milk, evaporated milk, or salsa to thin it out — or simply let it heat a bit longer until it loosens naturally.

How to Store & Reheat homemade Queso

Your queso can stay in a slow cooker for up to 3 hours. Then, transfer it to an air-tight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, add the queso back into your slow cooker and warm it on low heat. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave. Add a splash of milk to make your reheated queso even creamier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is queso dip?

Queso dip blends melty cheese, spices, and salsa for an irresistible dip or topping for your favorite Mexican meals.

How do you thin out queso dip?

If your queso dip seems too thick, try letting it cook a little longer. You can also thin it out by adding more milk or salsa.

How do you thicken queso dip?

You can thicken queso dip by adding more cheese or making a cornstarch and milk slurry.

Can you make queso with shredded cheese?

Yes! Shredded cheese melts well and makes prepping your queso dip a breeze.

Can you freeze queso dip?

Yes, queso dip can be frozen, but the texture might change a bit in the freezer. It can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 4 days.