Description
A creamy, smoky, and spicy queso dip made with a roux-based sauce, sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and optional ground beef. Perfect for parties, game days, or weeknight snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1/2 lb ground beef (optional, browned and drained)
- 1 small can (4 oz) green chiles (diced)
- 1–2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meat (optional): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain all excess grease and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden and nutty, stirring constantly.
- Add the liquid: Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Whisk until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Add softened cream cheese to the saucepan and whisk until completely melted and smooth.
- Add seasonings and mix-ins: Stir in green chiles, minced chipotle peppers, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If using ground beef, stir it in now. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese, a handful at a time, stirring gently until fully melted before adding more. Do not boil.
- Final adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning. If too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, simmer for another minute. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents that cause graininess. Keep heat low when melting cheese to prevent separation. Can be served in a slow cooker on ‘warm’ setting for parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: queso dip, cowboy queso, party appetizer, cheese dip, game day food, tex-mex, creamy cheese dip, chipotle queso