Chile Con Queso

This cheese dip takes just 20 minutes to make.

By
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel has over 10 years of experience developing recipes and writing about food. She is the author of 4 cookbooks, including the bestselling "The Instant Pot Electric Cookbook."
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Updated January 29, 2025
Laurel Randolph
Corn chip with chile con queso cascading off it into a bowl with more chile con queso (at a table setting)

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

If you’re a cheese lover, nothing beats chile con queso. Gooey, melty cheese is combined with tomatoes and chile peppers for a savory dip, ideal for dunking in lots of crispy tortilla chips. It’s frequently offered as an appetizer at Tex-Mex restaurants, but it’s easy to make at home whenever the mood strikes.

For my take on queso dip, I ditch the highly processed Velveeta and use a combination of Monterey Jack for flavor and American cheese (which has more dairy fat than Velveeta) for gooeyness. Chili powder and green chiles add a smoky, piquant flavor. The onion powder and garlic powder add depth without the need to cook fresh vegetables. This dip clocks in at just 20 minutes from start to finish.

Velvety smooth and silky, you’ll be reaching for chip after chip to scoop up this chile con queso. Serve it at your next gathering or taco night—it’s sure to be a big hit.

Easy Recipe Variations

Here are three easy variations to try:

  • You can add more cheese to thicken the dip or more evaporated milk to thin it out and reach your desired consistency.
  • Try it with pepper Jack instead of Monterey Jack for a bit more heat.
  • Add cooked and crumbled chorizo or seasoned ground beef for a heartier dip.
Corn chip with chile con queso cascading off it into a bowl with more chile con queso (at a table setting)

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

How To Serve Chile Con Queso

Queso is commonly served warm and melty with chips for dipping, and makes a delicious appetizer for any occasion. You can also use the cheese dip for a topping on nachos or even tacos. 

For a low-lift but impressive appetizer spread, make a queso bar. Include all of your favorite toppings, such as fresh or pickled sliced chiles, chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, cooked and seasoned beef or chorizo, and seasoned black beans.  

More Cheesy Goodness

Chile Con Queso

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 8 servings

This recipe was developed by Craig Ruff.

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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk, shaken well

  • 4 ounces (6 slices) sliced white American cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained

  • 1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped mild green chiles, drained

  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

  • Tortilla chips, for serving

Method

  1. Combine the Monterey Jack and spices:

    Add the Monterey Jack, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a medium saucepan and stir until evenly coated.

  2. Add milk and melt:

    Pour in the evaporated milk. Set the heat to medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the cheese is completely melted and no lumps remain, 5 to 7 minutes.

  3. Add the remaining ingredients:

    Whisk in the white American cheese and continue cooking, whisking constantly, until melted and no lumps remain, about 3 minutes. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and green chiles, and remove from the heat. 

    Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

    Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until fully melted.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
233 Calories
16g Fat
11g Carbs
13g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 233
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 9g 47%
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Sodium 547mg 24%
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 13g
Vitamin C 46mg 230%
Calcium 548mg 42%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 364mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.