Description

Skillet queso is a warm, creamy, and cheesy dip made with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, and spices. Perfect for snacking, sharing at parties, or as a versatile topping or sauce, this recipe is simple, fast, and customizable to fit mild or spicy preferences, vegetarian diets, or other variations. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers rich flavor and smooth texture that pairs beautifully with chips, veggies, or tacos.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Vegetables & Spices

1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste

Liquids & Herbs

1/4 cup milk or heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the jalapeños and drain the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Grate the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and have the cream cheese softened and ready to melt. This prepping ensures even cooking and smooth melting.
Heat the Base: Place a medium skillet over medium heat. Melt the cream cheese with a splash of milk or heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a velvety smooth mixture free of lumps.
Add Cheese and Spices: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. Sprinkle in ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt, blending everything into a harmonious base.
Mix in Veggies: Fold in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chopped jalapeños. Allow the queso to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro. Transfer the queso to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet to keep it warm and inviting.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent cheese scorching.
Add cheese gradually and off heat if needed to avoid clumping or grainy texture.
Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spice level according to preference.
Serve queso warm as it thickens as it cools.
Experiment with different melty cheeses to enhance complexity and richness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg