Name: 5-Ingredient Queso: The Ultimate Cheese Dip for Any Occasion
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-484076H12M22S
Total time: PT-484076H12M22S
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: Velveeta cheese – 16 oz (1 block); Ro*Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies – 10 oz can (drained); Milk – 1 cup (or use heavy cream for extra richness); Jalapeños – 2 (optional, for a little heat, more for extra spice); Ground cumin – 1/2 teaspoon

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Short Description
Looking for a quick and easy dip that’s perfect for game day, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something cheesy? This 5-Ingredient Queso is your answer! Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s made with just five simple ingredients that come together in minutes. Serve it up with tortilla chips, veggies, or drizzle it over your favorite Tex-Mex dishes. It’s cheesy bliss in a bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This queso is pure comfort food in its simplest form. What I love most about it is how fast and easy it is to make. In just a few minutes, you can have a bowl of smooth, melty queso ready to be devoured. The best part? You don’t need a ton of ingredients—just a few pantry staples, and you’re good to go. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or even as a topping for tacos or nachos, it’s always a crowd favorite. Plus, you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste!

Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients below, but here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need)

Velveeta cheese
Ro*Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies (or your favorite canned diced tomatoes)
Milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
Jalapeños (optional, for a little heat)
Ground cumin (for a subtle depth of flavor)

Directions

1. Melt the Cheese

Start by cutting the Velveeta cheese into small cubes. This helps it melt faster and more evenly. In a medium saucepan, combine the cubed cheese and milk (or heavy cream if you want a richer dip). Stir occasionally over medium heat until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.

2. Add the Ro*Tel

Once your cheese is melted, it’s time to stir in the can of RoTel tomatoes and green chilies (drained). The RoTel adds a perfect balance of tangy and spicy, and it helps to thicken the queso a bit. Keep stirring until the mixture is well combined and heated through.

3. Spice It Up (Optional)

For those who like a little heat, chop up a couple of fresh jalapeños and stir them into the queso. This is totally optional, but it adds a nice kick to the dip. If you prefer a milder version, you can skip this step or remove the seeds from the jalapeños before adding them.

4. Season with Cumin

Sprinkle in the ground cumin and stir it into the queso. This little touch of spice gives the dip a deeper flavor, making it more complex without overpowering the cheesy goodness. You can also add a pinch of chili powder or paprika if you want to experiment with different spices.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is fully mixed and heated through, your queso is ready to serve! Transfer it to a bowl and serve with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or anything else you want to dip. If you’re feeling fancy, top it with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For a smoother dip, make sure you stir the cheese constantly as it melts. This will prevent it from getting lumpy.
If the queso is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out to your preferred consistency. Just be sure to add it slowly and stir as you go.
If you want to make it ahead of time, you can store the queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if necessary to loosen it up.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can swap the Velveeta for a different melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, but Velveeta will give you that classic smooth, creamy texture that’s perfect for queso.
If you want to add meat to your queso, cooked ground beef or chorizo would be a delicious addition.
Use different canned tomatoes, like fire-roasted tomatoes or mild green chilies, depending on your flavor preferences.
If you prefer a vegan version, you can use a plant-based cheese substitute and non-dairy milk (such as oat or almond milk).

Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This 5-Ingredient Queso is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, but you can also serve it with cut-up veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber for a lighter option. It’s also great as a topping for nachos, tacos, or burritos. Pour it over scrambled eggs for a cheesy breakfast or drizzle it on top of a baked potato for a fun twist!

Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk to get it back to that creamy consistency.

4 FAQs

Can I make this queso ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Make the queso, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit more milk to thin it out if needed.
Can I use a different brand of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Velveeta is known for its smooth melting properties, but you can substitute it with cheddar or another melting cheese. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a little different.
How can I make this queso spicier?
If you want to turn up the heat, add extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier version of Ro*Tel with more chiles or even add some hot sauce to the mix.
Can I freeze leftover queso?
While you can freeze queso, the texture may change when reheated. The cheese might separate a bit, so I recommend only making as much as you need, or reheating leftovers gently on the stovetop.

Conclusion
This 5-Ingredient Queso is the ultimate cheese dip that will be the star of any party or casual get-together. With its creamy, cheesy base and just the right amount of spice, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re dipping chips, topping your tacos, or drizzling it over nachos, this queso is always a win. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll want to keep it on hand for every occasion!

5-Ingredient Queso: The Ultimate Cheese Dip for Any Occasion

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
Total Time: 10-15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dip
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for a quick and easy dip that’s perfect for game day, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something cheesy? This 5-Ingredient Queso is your answer! Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s made with just five simple ingredients that come together in minutes. Serve it up with tortilla chips, veggies, or drizzle it over your favorite Tex-Mex dishes. It’s cheesy bliss in a bowl!

Ingredients

Velveeta cheese – 16 oz (1 block)
Ro*Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies – 10 oz can (drained)
Milk – 1 cup (or use heavy cream for extra richness)
Jalapeños – 2 (optional, for a little heat, more for extra spice)
Ground cumin – 1/2 teaspoon

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Instructions

Melt the Cheese:
Start by cutting the Velveeta cheese into small cubes. In a medium saucepan, combine the cubed cheese and milk (or heavy cream). Stir occasionally over medium heat until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
Add the Ro*Tel:
Stir in the can of Ro*Tel tomatoes and green chilies (drained). Stir until combined and heated through.
Spice It Up (Optional):
For extra heat, chop fresh jalapeños and stir them into the queso.
Season with Cumin:
Add the ground cumin to the mix and stir well.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the queso warm with tortilla chips, veggies, or drizzle over tacos and nachos.

Notes

If the queso is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.