This easy Mozzarella Queso dip is loaded with two kinds of cheese, tomatoes, chiles, cilantro, and lots of spices. It is full of flavor, super creamy, and extra cheesy of course. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to make on the stovetop.
I highly recommend serving this mozzarella queso recipe with tortilla chips (of course) and a refreshing cocktail, like my Rum Moscow Mule or Tequila Mule.
You can also go with something a little more traditional like a cold beer or my Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita or Skinny Spicy Margarita.
This easy queso blanco recipe is also a delicious taco topping. I love to load it on my Instant Pot Ground Turkey Tacos or dip Carne Asada Quesadillas in it. You can never have too much cheese!
My favorite dip to serve with this queso is my Easy Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Recipe or my Mango Habanero Salsa Recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe & What You’ll Learn
- This mozzarella queso is made without processed cheeses, like velveeta. This gives it a better flavor.
- This mozzarella queso dip recipe is loaded with tomatoes, green chiles, cilantro, and spices for a little kick.
- This easy mozzarella queso only takes 15 minutes to make.
- This queso blanco dip is smooth and creamy.
- Queso dip is definitely kid friendly and a great party snack.
- Serve mozzarella queso as an appetizer with chips, salsa, and guacamole or as a topping for a taco bar. This homemade queso is perfect for game day or any party!
- Learn how to make queso dip on the stove.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Evaporated Milk: I have only tested this recipe with evaporated milk, but I have made other queso many times with other kinds of milk. I find evaporated milk works best.
- American/Cheddar: American cheese makes the queso smoother and a little creamier. Cheddar cheese gives a sharper and more prominent flavor. I prefer the cheddar, but the texture bothers some. You can also use 4 ounces of each. High quality American cheese, like Boar’s Head or Organic Valley is the best cheese for queso.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
Helpful Equipment & Tools
- Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Wire Whisk Set
- OXO Good Grips Box Grater
- Calphalon Simply Pots and Pans Set, 10 Piece Cookware Set, Nonstick
How to Make Mozzarella Queso
Quick Overview
- Whisk together evaporated milk and cornstarch.
- Melt cheese.
- Add veggies and spices.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, whisk together the evaporated milk and cornstarch. Once it comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low.
Step 2: Add about a large handful of cheese to the milk, stirring continuously.
Step 3: Keep stirring and add another large handful.
Step 4: Add all of the remaining cheese, stirring continuously.
The queso should be thick.
Step 5: Stir until all of the cheese is melted. The queso will be thick.
Step 6: Add the diced tomatoes, green chiles, cilantro, and spices.
Step 7: Stir until well combined. Add half and half as needed to thin queso out.
Add half and half if the queso is too thick.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: The queso reheats well so it can be made in advance. Store and heat according to the instructions below. If you want to make it fresh, just prep the ingredients. Shred cheese and chop the cilantro.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover mozzarella queso in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each. Reheat on the stove over medium low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add milk or water if needed to thin out the queso.
Expert Tips
- Use evaporated milk. Evaporated milk works better than milk or cream. It really helps the cheese to melt seamlessly into the mozzarella queso dip and not separate.
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-grated cheese is coated in potato starch to prevent it from sticking together. This also prevents it from melting into the mozzarella cheese dip. Buy blocks of cheese and shred it at home or if you are using American cheese, have it sliced at the deli. Avoid the individually wrapped slices in the refrigerator section.
- Use room temperature cheese. If you have time, let the cheese sit out for about 30 minutes on the counter after shredding. This will increase the temperature of the cheese and help it melt better into the milk.
- Keep the heat on low. Only heat over medium when whisking together the milk and cornstarch. The heat should be on low when adding the cheese. You want the cheese to gradually melt into the milk. The cheese is much less likely to seize if the milk is not boiling.
- Stir constantly. While you are adding the cheese, don’t stop stirring!
- Keep warm in a slow cooker. Transfer mozzarella queso to a small slow cooker on warm for about 2 hours.
- Serve in an enameled cast iron skillet. These little skillets are so cute for serving mozzarella cheese dip with chips on the side. These skillets are oven safe so they are great for broiling the queso or warming it.
Recipe Notes
- The spice level is mild. If you use mild green chiles, the queso will have a very mild amount of spice. See variations below for how to make a spicy mozzarella queso dip.
Variations
- Spicy white queso: Add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (or more to taste) of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also use hot green chiles instead of mild or medium.
- Ground beef or chorizo: When you add all of the vegetables, add cooked ground beef or chorizo.
FAQs
Queso is typically made with velveeta or American cheese as the base. Other cheeses, like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack can be added for flavor.
No. Queso blanco in America is used to refer to white cheese dip. It translated to white cheese in Spanish. Authentic queso is more like a queso flameado than a creamy dip. It is typically just cheese that is served melted.
The base of this cheese dip is typically white american cheese. It melts well and does not give the queso a grainy consistency.
Typically you begin by warming milk and then adding cheese into it until it melts. Vegetables, meat, and spices are also added for flavor. Cornstarch is added to thicken the dip and keep it together.
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The Best Mozzarella Queso
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk*
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 8 ounces (2 cups) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces (2 cups) American or cheddar cheese*
- 1 10 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces green chiles
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves & stems
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup half and half or more as needed
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, whisk together the evaporated milk and cornstarch. Once it comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low.
- Add about a large handful of cheese to the milk, stirring continuously.
- Keep stirring and add another large handful.
- Add all of the remaining cheese, stirring continuously.
- Stir until all of the cheese is melted. The queso will be thick.
- Add the diced tomatoes, green chiles, cilantro, and spices.
- Stir until well combined. Add half and half as needed to thin queso out.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My whole family lives this queso!! I’ve tried other recipes and none compare to this one!! It’s a keeper for sure!
Thank you so much Brooke!