Description
This chipotle queso recipe is creamy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor. Made with melty cheeses, spicy chipotle peppers, and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for dipping, pouring, or scooping at parties, taco nights, or cozy dinners. This easy homemade version gives you restaurant-style taste in just a few steps.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cheese Base
- 2 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
Flavor Boosters
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
Thickener
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped jalapeños or poblanos (fresh or roasted)
- Ground beef or chorizo (browned and drained)
To Serve
- Tortilla chips
- Pretzels
- Veggies like carrots or celery
Instructions
Instructions
-
Prep Your Ingredients
Shred all cheese fresh for better melting. Chop the chipotle peppers finely and measure your liquids so everything’s ready to go. -
Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute until smooth and bubbly. -
Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream while whisking. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken slightly. -
Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat and begin adding the cheese one handful at a time, stirring until each batch melts completely. -
Add Flavor
Stir in chipotle peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes. -
Customize and Serve
Mix in any add-ins like tomatoes or jalapeños. Serve warm with chips, veggies, or over nachos.
Notes
- Smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor without a smoker.
- For a thicker dip, let it simmer longer without a lid.
- Use a cast iron skillet to keep queso warm longer.
- If the queso becomes too thick when reheating, stir in a bit more milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- You can add taco-seasoned ground beef or black beans for a heartier dip.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / Tex-Mex
Keywords: chipotle queso recipe, cheese dip, smoky queso, spicy queso, creamy cheese dip, homemade queso, tex-mex dip, party dip, queso sauce