Slow Cooker White Queso Dip (Queso Blanco) -

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This rich and creamy Slow Cooker White Queso Dip is beyond simple to make with 6 ingredients, and is the perfect appetizer for game day, entertaining, or any occasion. Serve alongside your favorite dippers, it will stay warm all party long.

Side view of crock pot queso in slow cooker with chips, pretzels and vegetables around it

My family goes crazy for queso, especially living in Texas. Seriously, we can’t get enough warm cheese dip, no matter where it’s served. I wanted to create an easy, outrageously creamy version that’s made right in a slow cooker so it’s stress-free. This White Queso Dip is ideal for game day, parties, or snacking, and it’s truly restaurant-quality, at home. My kids now request it regularly!

Not one, not two, but three melty cheeses are studded with green chilies and seasoned with warm spices in a slow cooker for the ultimate hands-off appetizer. And this White Queso Dip will stay warm for hours, so the only thing to focus on is what dippers to use.

If you like this “set it and forget it” slow cooker idea, try some of our other favorites. Like this ultra creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese and this easy, flavor-packed Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It, Forget It…and Keep It Warm: The slow cooker does all the work for you here. Simply add the ingredients and turn the crock pot on – it will keep the queso warm until you’re ready to serve, with no mess.
Minimal Prep: There’s almost no prep to this recipe. Just add all ingredients to the slow cooker…and stir! It really doesn’t get much easier.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Everyone loves this classic white cheese dip. Serve one big pot of this to family or friends and you’ll have happy eaters all around.
Customizable: The classic version of this queso is addictive as is, but feel free to add in extra jalapeños for a little kick, or ground sausage or chorizo for more flavor, texture and some spice.

Ingredients

American Cheese: The best melting cheese in my opinion, this gives the queso that signature, creamy consistency.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Great flavor and also super melty. You can thank this cheese for an epic cheese pull.
Cream Cheese: Tangy and rich.
Green Chilies: Cans of these are great to keep on hand in your pantry. These add that quintessential queso flavor and a subtle heat.
Cumin & Garlic Salt: Warm, aromatic spices.
Milk: Use whole milk for the best results.

How To Make Crock Pot White Queso

1. Prep The Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Layer The Cheese: Add the white American cheese, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese to the slow cooker. This combo gives you smooth melt (American), stretch and flavor (Monterey Jack), and extra creaminess (cream cheese).

uncooked grated cheese and cream cheese in base of crock pot

3. Season & Add Liquid: Sprinkle cumin and garlic salt evenly over the cheese. Pour in the milk, then add the diced green chilies with their juices.

uncooked grated cheese and cream cheese with spices in base of crock pot

grated cheese, cream cheese, spices and canned green chiles in base of crock pot

4. Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 1½–2 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes. Stirring often keeps the queso silky and prevents scorching.

5. Adjust Consistency: Once fully melted and smooth, stir well. If it’s too thick, add milk 1–2 tablespoons at a time. If it’s thinner than you like, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.

6. Serve Warm: Switch the slow cooker to WARM for serving and stir occasionally.

overhead view of cooked crock pot white queso in slow cooker on board with chips, pretzels and vegetables around it

Expert Tips

Choosing Your Cheese: Queso that’s super smooth and creamy is the goal, and that has everything to do with the cheese you use. Choose cheeses that melt well, like Monterey Jack, Mozzarella and American.
Keep it Smooth: Shred the cheese yourself is key for a smooth cheese dip. The pre-shredded stuff often has a coating that prevents it from melting as well and can cause a grainy texture. Be sure to cook the queso on the low heat setting too, stirring occasionally. Too high of heat can scorch the cheese sauce and make it break. Bonus Tip: Shred or dice cheese in uniform sizes for even melting.
Adjust The Consistency: If your queso feels too thick for your liking, thin it out by adding a tablespoon of milk at a time, stirring in between. If you’d like a thicker queso, let it cook, uncovered, to slightly reduce and thicken.
Spice it Up: This queso is delicious as is, but if you want to some heat, add in some diced jalapenos, a dash of cayenne, or crumbled spicy chorizo for a little kick and more flavor.

What To Serve with White Queso Dip

Almost anything goes when it comes to dippers. Tortilla chips, fresh tortillas, crunchy veggies, french fries or even just a spoon work. We also really like dunking these Soft Pretzel Bites into this cheese dip. But if you want to serve queso on the side or as a condiment, here are a few meal ideas:

Storage

If you’ve got leftovers, lucky you! Remove queso to an airtight container, cool completely, and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

This queso reheats beautifully, too. Gently warm it over medium heat on the stove, stirring constantly. Add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen it. Once it’s hot and bubbly (but don’t boil it), it’s ready to serve.

right hand holding a chip that has been dipped into crock pot queso with chips and pretzels in background

FAQs

What is the white cheese they use in Mexican restaurants?

There are several popular “white” cheeses at Mexican restaurants. Cotija, Queso Fresco and Oaxaca cheese are a few. Cotija is firm, crumbly, salty and used for sprinkling on top of dishes like chilaquiles. Queso Fresco is milder, tangy and also crumbly, often over top of enchiladas or soups. Oaxaca is melty and stringy, and ideal for quesadillas.

What is the best cheese to melt in a crockpot?

American cheese melts flawlessly in a slow cooker, so it’s often a great base for homemade queso. Monterey jack, pepper jack, Colby and part-skim mozzarella also all melt very well with a smooth, velvety texture.

What is the secret to a creamy queso dip?

Using hand-shredded rather than store-bought pre-shredded cheeses is key – starting with an American cheese as the base ensures a super creamy, smooth queso dip. Using another emulsifying or stabilizing cheese like cream cheese or evaporated milk for a smooth finish is also helpful. Cooking queso on “low” heat is essential. Too high of a heat can cause a grainy texture or the cheese dip to break.

Is white queso the same as queso blanco?

Yes, both terms often refer to the same creamy, white, cheese dip served in Tex-Mex restaurants. However, while “white queso” usually references a smooth, creamy, appetizer cheese dip, “queso blanco” can also refer to the fresh, non-melty, crumbly Mexican cheese that’s used in a variety of popular dishes.

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