Queso Blanco (White Queso Dip)

QUESO BLANCO MADE IN LESS THAN 15 MINUTES WITHOUT ANY PROCESSED CHEESE!

Queso Blanco made in less than This Homemade Queso Blanco Dip is going to knock your socks off!  It’s luxuriously creamy and flavorful and SO easy to make you will never need to order Queso Blanco at a restaurant again!  It’s loaded with all your favorite ingredients including three REAL cheeses, sour cream, green chiles, jalapenos and spices without ANY Velveeta or American cheese!  This Queso Blanco recipe is completely customizable with heat, add-in and toppings (options included) and guaranteed to become a most requested crowd pleasing appetizer perfect for any occasion, especially Game Day OR slather it on burritos, nachos, eggs, tater tots, broccoli etc. for dinner!

 

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QUESO BLANCO RECIPE

Who else is slightly obsessed with cheesy dips?  From my Queso Fundido, Chili Cheese Dip, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Jalapeno Popper Dip and on and on, I could stuff my face with their creamy, cheesy goodness and be perfectly content to call it dinner.

There’s one dip, however, that has alluded my expertise: Queso Blanco Dip.  I LOVE Queso Blanco so I’ve wanted to share an easy, homemade recipe without any processed cheeses, but I could never get the silky texture quite right.  Until now. The special ingredients – evaporated milk, cornstarch and sour cream make this White Queso Dip perfection.

This Queso Blanco recipe is irresistibly silky, doesn’t curdle, doesn’t get grainy, or harden, congeal or split as it cools AND it’s mega flavorful.  You will start with one chip and end with zero self-control. 

So, if you need an easy appetizer or a crazy delicious cheese sauce to make anything and everything better – this Queso Blanco recipe is it!  It will become your go-to recipe because it takes MINUTES to make with pantry friendly ingredients, goes with practically everything (or can be served as a dip with everything) and is undeniably delicious! 

What is Queso Blanco?

Queso Blanco means “white cheese” in Spanish and can refer to many different kinds of white cheeses OR for our purposes, a creamy, spicy (customizable as always), melted cheese dip.

Queso Blanco Dip is often made with American cheese or Velveeta, but we’re upping the game and making our Queso Blanco with real, unprocessed cheeses so it doesn’t split when it reheats.  

Queso Blanco is also extremely flavorful due to green chiles and canned jalapenos, creating a tantalizing tangy, spicy, smooth and cheesy touchdown.

What Can I Serve with Queso Blanco?

Queso Blanco is not just for dipping salty crispy tortilla chips in.  It is fabulous:

• Smothering beef burritos, chicken burritos or breakfast burritos
• As a dip for taquitos, sourdough, crackers, pita chips, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli or cauliflower
• Enveloping nachos
• Drizzled on tacos
• Poured over burgers
• Drizzled over veggies: roasted potatoes, roasted broccoli, roasted asparagus, roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc.
• Mixed into Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash. You can even add ground beef, shredded chicken, etc.
• Serve as a dip or poured onto tater tots or French Fries
• Poured over baked potatoes, twice baked potatoes or hassselback potatoes
• Smothering barbecue beef brisket or pulled pork sandwiches
• Mixed into or served with scrambled eggs, omelets, savory crepes
• What did I miss?  I’m sure there’s some exciting applications escaping me!

Ingredients for WHITE QUESO Dip

• Evaporated milk: is canned, stabilized homogenized cow’s milk from which 60 percent of the water has been removed.  This mean it is thicker than just milk and more stable than heavy cream and less likely to curdle or separate.  You can use heavy cream in a bind, but take care NOT to let it boil.
• Cheeses:  Monterrey Jack cheese and mozzarella cheese are the “quesos blancos” or white cheeses while sharp cheddar cheese adds a dimension of flavor.  Please use SHARP as opposed to MILD cheddar cheese.  Mozzarella adds that incredibly ooey gooey factor, but you may substitute it with additional Monterrey Jack cheese.
• Cornstarch:  thickens the Queso Blanco without having to make a roux.
• Sour Cream:  add gorgeous silkiness and body to the White Queso Dip that can’t be beat. Please use full fat please!  You can use less sour cream but I would not omit it.  I have not tried it with Greek yogurt but I’m guessing it won’t melt quite as well. 
• Green Chiles:  add a bright, vibrant tanginess to cut through the cheesiness.  Take care you use MILD chopped green chiles for flavor and not heat.  If you use hot green chiles, your dip will be HOT!
• Jalapenos:  use canned jalapenos instead of fresh because they are soft, boast a spectacular tang and universal spice level.  You will also need the can because we are also going to use 1 tablespoon jalapeno juice from the can.
• Seasonings:  chili powder, chicken bouillon, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper round out the flavor profile.  Use more or less of each to taste.

HOW TO MAKE QUESO BLANCO

• Heat evaporated milk.  Whisk evaporated milk and cornstarch together in a medium saucepan.  Once combined, bring to a simmer, whisking constantly.  Once it begins to simmer (bubbling on the sides but not boiling), reduce heat to low.

• Add sour cream.  Whisk in sour cream until completely smooth. 

• Melt cheese.  Stir in cheeses about ¼ cup at a time, whisking constantly until smooth/melted before adding more cheese.

• Add seasonings. Once cheese is entirely melted, stir in seasonings, green chiles, diced jalapenos and jalapeno juice.

TIPS FOR the best QUESO BLANCO RECIPE

As I stated earlier, I have made this homemade Queso Blanco numerous times to get the recipe just right.  Here are my need-to-know tips:

• Use evaporated milk.  It’s the solution to your Queso Blanco not curdling or separating or splitting when reheating.
• Whisk cornstarch until smooth. Whisk the cornstarch until smooth BEFORE heating the evaporated milk. If your cornstarch isn’t whisking completely smooth, then use your fingers to pinch the clumps until smooth.
• Don’t boil evaporated milk.  Evaporated milk itself has a high heat threshold, but the cheeses do not.  If your evaporated milk is too hot when you add your cheeses, they can separate or become grainy. Take care you reduce the heat as soon as your evaporated milk starts to simmer – NOT boil. 
• Use full fat sour cream.  Full fat sour cream melts to luxuriously silkiness whereas less fat or nonfat does not melt as well.
• Use cornstarch vs flour. Cornstarch thickens the dip while letting it retain its silky texture vs. flour which can become grainy.
• Use FRESHLY grated cheeses.   Use only freshly grated cheddar cheese as they not only taste far superior than pre-packaged shredded cheeses but melt far better. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with anti-clumping chemicals which also prevent them from melting as seamlessly.
• Whisk in cheeses gradually. Take care to whisk in cheeses a little at time – this help the cheeses melt smoothly and not dramatically lower the temperature. Also take care to whisk constantly so the cheeses don’t clump.
• Use canneds jalapenos.  Unlike fresh jalapenos that vary widely in spice content, canned jalapenos boast a more universal degree of heat so you know what you are getting.  Canned jalapenos are also pickled which adds a fabulous tang that compliments the richness of the Queso Blanco and they are easier – you don’t have to chop, deseed or sauté them – simply open the can, drain and add to your White Queso Dip!
• Thin to desired consistency.  If you would like a thinner dip, simply whisk in additional milk.  For a thicker dip, stir in additional Monterrey Jack cheese.

HOW SPICY IS THIS WHITE QUESO DIP RECIPE?

This warm and cheesy homemade Queso Blanco recipe boasts a kick from the jalapenos but I would judge it a mild kick.  The spice level is such that you can keep eating and eating and eating without being paralyzed by the heat but still tasting the heat.  I personally like the spice level as is and think it would be perfect for most of your guests.

• If you or your guests LOVE spicy foods, then add more than 3 tablespoons diced jalapenos.
• If you know you or your guests are very sensitive to heat then start without the jalapenos then add a little at a time to taste. 

Toppings for QUESO BLANCO Recipe

You can serve Queso Blanco plain or garnish it with as few or as many toppings as you would like.   Some popular toppings include:

• Fresh Jalapenos:  not for the faint of heart, especially if they still contain the seeds – use sparingly.
• Cilantro:  adds a fresh, zesty pop.
• Tomatoes or pico de gallo:  add fresh, juicy, vibrant texture and flavor
• Avocados:  for the creamy avocado lovers

What Can I Add to Queso Blanco?

This Queso Blanco is fabulous as written, or feel free beef it up (literally) with any of these add-in ideas:

• Meat:  spicy chorizo, ground beef or turkey, bacon or rotisserie chicken would all be delicious.  If you add ground beef or turkey you will want to season them with additional chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, powder and garlic powder or taco seasoning.
• Tomatoes: canned fire roasted tomatoes add a smoky tanginess or you can use regular diced canned tomatoes.
• Black beans:  stir in the black beans at the end of cooking and warm through on LOW.
• Bell peppers:  sauté red or green bell pepper before adding to the Queso Blanco.
• Salsa:  I love adding my favorite salsa or salsa verde for an explosion of flavor.
• Heat:  add additional canned jalapenos, chopped chipotle peppers, hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

DOES THIS QUESO BLANCO STAY SMOOTH AS IT COOLS?

This White Queso will stay creamy but thicken some as it cools because it is made with REAL cheese.  As it cools, stir the top occasionally to mix in the film that forms on top.  If you would like to thin the dip, simply heat it gently on the stove or microwave at any point to warm up/thin.  If you would like an even thinner dip, stir in additional evaporated milk or normal milk to reach desired consistency.

HOW DO I STORE WHITE QUESO?

If you are lucky enough to have any Queso Blanco Dip left over, then it stores beautifully.  Transfer to an airtight container, cover and refrigerate for 5-7 days. 

CAN YOU MAKE QUESO BLANCO AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, this homemade Queso Blanco is a wonderful make ahead dip or sauce! Simply prepare Queso Blanco according to directions then reheat per any of the methods below OR keep warm in the crockpot until ready to serve.

HOW DO I REHEAT QUESO BLANCO DIP?

To reheat your Queso Blanco Dip:

• Microwave: transfer dip to a microwave safe bowl and heat at 30 second intervals until heated through, stirring in between intervals.
• Stovetop: transfer Queso Blanco to a small sauce pan and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring often – do NOT let it boil. Add milk to thin to desired consistency.
• Crockpot: transfer dip to crock pot and cook on low for 30-60 minutes, depending on how much White Queso Dip is left, stirring a couple of times throughout the reheating process. If your dip feels too thick, add additional milk to thin to desired consistency.

LOOKING FOR MORE CHEESY APPETIZERS?

• Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread
• Garlic Herb Cheese Log
• Pizza Pinwheels
• Artichoke Dip Bites
• Queso Verde Corn Dip
• Best Bean Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Dip (Stuffed French Bread) 
• Cheesy Italian Meatball Sliders

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Pin it to your APPETIZER, or Dips Board to SAVE for later!

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©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

Tools Used in This Recipe

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Cheese Grater

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Sauce Pan 2.25 qt.

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Small Whisk

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Wood Chopping Block

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Queso Blanco (White Queso Dip)

Queso Blanco made in less than 15 minutes without any processed cheese! This Homemade Queso Blanco Dip is going to knock your socks off! It’s luxuriously creamy and flavorful and SO easy to make you will never need to order Queso Blanco at a restaurant again! It’s loaded with all your favorite ingredients including three REAL cheeses, sour cream, green chiles, jalapenos and spices without ANY Velveeta or American cheese! This Queso Blanco recipe is completely customizable with heat, add-in and toppings (options included) and guaranteed to become a most requested crowd pleasing appetizer perfect for any occasion, especially Game Day OR slather it on burritos, nachos, eggs, tater tots, broccoli etc. for dinner!

Servings: 12 servings

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 cup sour cream full fat please
• 2 oz. freshly, finely shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (1 cup loosely packed, ½ cup packed)
• 2 oz. freshly, finely shredded mozzarella cheese, (may sub Monterrey Jack cheese) (1 cup loosely packed, ½ cup packed)
• 2 oz. freshly, finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup loosely packed, ½ cup packed)
• 3 tablespoons canned mild chopped green chiles
• 1-3 tablespoons canned diced jalapeno peppers
• 1 tablespoon juice from the jalapenos can
• 1 tsp EACH chicken bouillon, chili powder
• ½ tsp EACH ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper

Instructions

• Whisk evaporated milk and cornstarch together in a medium saucepan until smooth. Once combined, bring to a simmer, whisking constantly. Once it begins to simmer (bubbling on the sides but not boiling), reduce heat to low.
• Whisk in sour cream until completely smooth.
• While the heat still on low, stir in cheeses about ¼ cup at a time, whisking constantly until smooth/melted before adding more cheese. Once cheese is entirely melted, stir in all remaining ingredients, adding more or less jalapenos to taste. (If the dip seems thick/stringy, it means the cheeses aren't completely melted yet.)
• Top with optional garnishes such as chopped tomatoes, cilantro, jalapenos if desired. Serve with tortilla chips or pour on nachos, fries, tater tots, burritos, etc.
• The Queso Blanco will stay creamy but thicken as it cools. Stir occasionally to mix in the skin that forms on top. You can heat dip in the microwave or gently on the stove at any point to warm up/thin. You can thin the dip further by stirring in milk to reach desired consistency.

Notes

Storage:

If you are lucky enough to have any Queso Blanco Dip left over, then it stores beautifully.  Transfer to an airtight container, cover and refrigerate for 5-7 days. 

What to Serve with Queso Blanco: 

Queso Blanco is not just for dipping salty crispy tortilla chips in. 
It is fabulous:

• Smothering beef burritos, chicken
  burritos or breakfast
  burritos
• As a dipfor taquitos,
  sourdough, crackers, pita chips, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli or cauliflower
• Enveloping nachos
• Drizzled on tacos
• Poured over burgers
• Drizzled
  over veggies: roasted potatoes, roasted
  broccoli, roasted asparagus, roasted
  cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc.
• Mixed into Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash. You can even add ground beef, shredded chicken, etc.
• Serve as a
  dip or poured onto tater tots or French
  Fries
• Poured over baked potatoes, twice baked potatoes or hassselback potatoes
• Smothering barbecue
  beef brisket or pulled pork sandwiches
• Mixed into
  or served with scrambled eggs, omelets, savory
  crepes
• What did I miss?  I’m sure there’s some exciting applications escaping me!

Tips and
Tricks for Making Queso Blanco:

• Use evaporated milk.  It’s the solution to your
  Queso Blanco not curdling or separating or splitting when reheating.
• Whisk cornstarch until smooth.
  Whisk
  the cornstarch until smooth BEFORE heating the evaporated milk. If your
  cornstarch isn’t whisking completely smooth, then use your fingers to pinch the
  clumps until smooth.
• Don’t boil evaporated milk.  Evaporated milk
  itself has a high heat threshold, but the cheeses do not.  If your
  evaporated milk is too hot when you add your cheeses, they can separate or
  become grainy. Take care you reduce the heat as soon as your evaporated milk
  starts to simmer – NOT boil. 
• Use full fat sour cream.  Full fat sour cream
  melts to luxuriously silkiness whereas less fat or nonfat does not melt as
  well.
• Use cornstarch vs flour. Cornstarch thickens the
  dip while letting it retain its silky texture vs. flour which can become
  grainy.
• Use FRESHLY grated cheeses.   Use only freshly
  grated cheddar cheese as they not only taste far superior than pre-packaged
  shredded cheeses but melt far better. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with
  anti-clumping chemicals which also prevent them from melting as seamlessly.
• Whisk in cheeses gradually. Take care to whisk in
  cheeses a little at time – this help the cheeses melt smoothly and not
  dramatically lower the temperature. Also take care to whisk constantly so the
  cheeses don’t clump.
• Use canneds jalapenos.  Unlike fresh jalapenos
  that vary widely in spice content, canned jalapenos boast a more universal
  degree of heat so you know what you are getting.  Canned jalapenos are
  also pickled which adds a fabulous tang that compliments the richness of the
  Queso Blanco and they
  are easier – you don’t have to chop, deseed or sauté them – simply open the
  can, drain and add to your White Queso Dip!
• Thin to desired consistency.  If you would like a
  thinner dip, simply whisk in additional milk.  For a thicker dip, stir in
  additional Monterrey Jack cheese.

Ways to Customize Queso Blanco:

This Queso Blanco is fabulous as written, or feel free beef it up
(literally) with any of these add-in ideas:

• Meat:  spicy
  chorizo, ground beef or turkey, bacon
  or rotisserie chicken would all be delicious.  If you add ground beef
  or turkey you will want to season them with additional chili powder,
  ground cumin, onion powder, powder and garlic powder or taco seasoning.
• Tomatoes: canned fire
  roasted tomatoes add a smoky tanginess or you can use regular diced canned
  tomatoes.
• Black beans:  stir
  in the black beans at the end of cooking and warm through on LOW.
• Bell peppers:  sauté
  red or green bell pepper before adding to the Queso Blanco.
• Salsa:  I love
  adding my favorite salsa or salsa verde for
  an explosion of flavor.
• Heat:  add
  additional canned jalapenos, chopped chipotle peppers, hot sauce or cayenne
  pepper. 

How to
Reheat:

• Microwave: transfer
  dip to a microwave safe bowl and heat at 30 second intervals until heated
  through, stirring in between intervals.
• Stovetop: transfer
  Queso Blanco to a small sauce pan and heat over medium-low heat until
  warmed through, stirring often – do NOT let it boil. Add milk to thin to
  desired consistency.
• Crockpot: transfer
  dip to crock pot and cook on low for 30-60 minutes, depending on how much
  White Queso Dip is left, stirring a couple of times throughout the
  reheating process. If your dip feels too thick, add additional milk to
  thin to desired consistency.

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