This Easy Queso Recipe comes together fast and tastes way better than anything store-bought! Made with melty American cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a few pantry spices, it’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping tortilla chips into or drizzling over nachos.

Queso topped with cilantro in a saucepan.

Before you get started / Kelley’s tips

  • Use American cheese. It melts super smoothly, giving you that classic creamy queso texture.
  • Don’t skip the sauté. Cooking the onions, garlic, and spices in a skillet first gives them a better flavor and texture, rather than just tossing everything together.
  • Thin it out if needed. If the queso gets too thick, just stir in a splash of milk until it’s at the right consistency.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil – Used for sauteing the onion and garlic, and blooming the spices.
  • Onion – Adds a subtle sweet and savory flavor.
  • Garlic – Adds warmth and richness.
  • American cheese – Melts like a dream to give the queso that signature creamy texture!
  • Diced tomatoes with green chiles – Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that helps to balance the richness of the cheese.
  • Seasonings – A blend of chili powder, cumin, and oregano give the queso a kick and extra flavor!
  • Whole milk – Gives the queso the perfect dip or drizzle-worthy consistency. Add more or less depending on if your using this as a dip or a drizzling over nachos or chimichangas.

How to Make Easy Queso

  1. Saute the Onion: Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add in onion and saute for 3-4 minutes or until they are softened and start to develop some color.
  2. Cook the Garlic: Add in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Sprinkle in Seasonings: Allow the spices to bloom for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add in tomatoes with green chilies and cheese.
Sauted onion and seasonings in a frying pan.
Diced tomatoes added to the frying pan.
  1. Add the Milk: Stir until melted then add in the milk. If you want the queso thinner add in additional milk.
  2. Serve with chips and veggies and enjoy!
A spoon holding queso over the saucepan.

Serving Suggestions

This easy queso is a creamy, crowd-pleasing dip that’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual weeknights! Serve it with Homemade Tortilla Chips for a classic combo that never disappoints, or pair it with fresh veggies like bell pepper strips, cucumbers, or baby carrots for a healthier option. Want to level things up? Drizzle the queso over Air Fryer Chimichangas, Chicken Enchiladas, or Chicken Burrito Bowls for a cheesy, flavorful meal!

For a fun twist, use it as a dip for Homemade Pretzel Bites or pour it over Homemade French Fries for cheesy treats everyone will love!

Queso topped with cilantro in a white bowl next to chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While American cheese melts the best and reminds me the most of restaurant style queso you can also use Velveeta or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Just know that non-processed cheeses may result in a slightly grainier texture.

Is this queso spicy?

It has a mild kick from the green chilies, but it’s not overly spicy. If you want more heat, add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne.

How do I keep the queso warm for a party?

I recommend using a small slow cooker or fondue pot to keep the queso nice and melty for dipping. You could also make your own double boiler by placing a saucepan with hot water below the bowl of queso.

A hand dipping a chip into the bowl of queso.

More Appetizer Recipes

Save this Recipe

Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

    Recipe

    Easy Queso Recipe

    This Easy Homemade Queso comes together fast and it tastes way better than anything store-bought. Made with melty American cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a few pantry spices, it's creamy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping chips into or drizzling over nachos.
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Serves 8 servings
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/2 cup onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 cups American cheese
    • 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
    • 1/4 tsp chili powder
    • 1/4 tsp cumin
    • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
    • 1/4 cup whole milk

    Instructions

    • Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add in onion and saute for 3-4 minutes or until they are softened and start to develop some color.
      Add in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
    • Sprinkle in seasonings. Allow the spices to bloom for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
      Add in tomatoes with green chilies and cheese.
    • Stir until melted then add in the milk. If you want the queso thinner add in additional milk.
    • Serve with chips and veggies and enjoy!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 7gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 593mgPotassium: 145mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 405IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 392mgIron: 1mg

    Did You Make This?

    I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.

    Leave a Review Follow Chef Savvy