If you love a cheesy dip that everyone gathers around, chili con queso is the one to make. This Tex-Mex favorite is smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor from fresh tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro. The cheese melts together with the vegetables to create a dip that’s warm, savory, and a little spicy if you want it to be. It’s simple to prepare, easy to keep warm in a slow cooker, and always a hit for game day or casual get-togethers.
Why this recipe works
- Creamy and smooth texture: Velveeta and cream cheese melt together into a dip that is velvety and rich, making it perfect for scooping with chips.
- Fresh ingredients for flavor: Tomatoes, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro add brightness and freshness that balance the richness of the cheese.
- Adjustable spice level: You can easily control the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños, making the dip mild or spicy to suit your guests.
- Versatile cooking methods: Whether you use the microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker, the recipe works reliably and can be kept warm for hours.
- Crowd favorite: This dip is a party classic because it’s easy to share and pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, keeping people coming back for more.
Serving suggestions
- Classic chip and dip: Serve warm with a big bowl of tortilla chips so everyone can dig in right away.
- Party table centerpiece: Keep it in a slow cooker during gatherings so it stays hot and creamy for hours.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle extra cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeño slices on top just before serving for color and extra freshness.
- Pair with Tex-Mex sides: Offer alongside salsa, guacamole, and sour cream to give your guests a variety of flavors.
- Use as a topping: Spoon over nachos, baked potatoes, or even tacos to add a cheesy, flavorful layer to other dishes.
Chili con queso recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chili con queso is a creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex dip packed with flavor. Serve this easy appetizer with tortilla chips for the ultimate snack.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1lb Velveeta Mexican Cheese
- 12 ounces cream cheese
- 3 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 bunch green onions (chopped)
- 3–6 jalapeno peppers (seeded and chopped)
- 2–3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 bunch cilantro (chopped)
- black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe dish melt Velveeta and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in tomatoes, green onions, jalapeno peppers, garlic, cilantro, and black pepper.
- You can also use a slow cooker or melt the cheeses on the stove top.
- Serve warm and eat with tortilla chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 757
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1863.8 mg
- Fat: 63.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Protein: 29.7 g
- Cholesterol: 199.3 mg