Queso Blanco Recipe – Super Easy in the Slow Cooker
There’s just something about a warm bowl of cheesy dip that brings people together. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or a casual family gathering, a creamy dip bubbling away in the slow cooker is a convenient and welcome addition. This slow cooker queso blanco is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again, as it’s both simple and delivers big flavor.
Made with just five simple ingredients: deli-sliced white American cheese, a touch of cream, garlic powder, and a kick of fresh jalapeño and serrano peppers, this queso blanco melts into a perfectly smooth, restaurant-style dip. The slow cooker does all the work—no standing over the stove, no constant stirring—just effortless, cheesy goodness. It’s a copycat Moe’s queso recipe that tastes just as indulgent as the version you love from the restaurant.
The best part? This queso blanco is endlessly versatile. Keep it warm in the slow cooker and serve it with tortilla chips for snacking, or drizzle it over nachos, tacos, and baked potatoes for a melty upgrade. However you serve it, this slow cooker queso blanco will be the first thing to disappear from the table.
Table of Contents
Tips for Success
- Use deli-sliced cheese: Ask for white American cheese from the deli counter (not individually wrapped singles). It melts more smoothly and gives that restaurant-style finish.
- Add liquid slowly: Start with the lower amount of milk or cream, then stir in more a tablespoon at a time if the queso looks too thick once melted.
- Stir occasionally: Every 30 minutes is enough to keep the cheese melting evenly and prevent hot spots.
- Avoid overheating: Once the cheese is melted, switch to the lowest setting to prevent further heating. High heat can cause the dip to become grainy.
- Prep ahead: You can dice peppers and shred cheese (if using a block) a day in advance to save time.
- Keep it smooth: If the dip thickens while sitting out, stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen it back up.
Queso Blanco Variations
- Green Chile Queso: Swap the jalapeños and serranos for a small can of diced green chiles for a milder, tangy flavor.
- Spicy Queso Blanco: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or extra serranos for a real kick.
- Loaded Queso: Stir in cooked chorizo, ground beef, or sausage once the cheese has melted for a heartier dip.
- Veggie Twist: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Herby Freshness: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, green onions, or even pickled jalapeños on top for color and zest.
- Tex-Mex Style: Stir in a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles) for a chunkier dip with a classic Southwestern vibe.
- Lighter Option: Use half milk and half chicken broth for a thinner, slightly less rich dip.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Chips & Dip: Keep it simple with warm tortilla chips for scooping.
- Loaded Nachos: Drizzle over tortilla chips, add seasoned beef or chicken, black beans, jalapeños, and sour cream for a crowd-pleasing platter.
- Tacos & Burritos: Use as a cheesy drizzle over tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for extra richness.
- Baked Potatoes: Spoon queso blanco over fluffy baked potatoes, then top with bacon bits and scallions.
- French Fries or Tater Tots: Turn everyday fries into loaded Tex-Mex fries with queso, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
- Soft Pretzels: Swap mustard for a crock of queso blanco at your next party.
- Vegetable Dippers: Serve with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or broccoli for a lighter option.
- Burrito Bowls: Pour queso over rice, beans, and protein for a festive bowl.
How Do I Keep This Queso Blanco Warm for a Party?
Once the cheese is fully melted and the dip is creamy, switch the slow cooker to the “Warm” setting and stir occasionally to keep it smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can use deli block white American cheese, but make sure to cube or shred it for even melting. Avoid individually wrapped processed slices — they won’t melt as smoothly.
The initial bite has some spice, but you get used to it. The base is quite mild, but you can add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat. Reduce the amount of peppers to reduce the spiciness.
Absolutely. This recipe scales easily — ensure your slow cooker has sufficient room and allow extra time for the cheese to melt.
You can use whole milk, but the dip will be slightly thinner in consistency. For a creamier texture, stick with half and half or heavy cream.
Queso Blanco
Ingredients
- 1 lb sliced white American cheese torn into pieces (about 16 slices from the deli) DO NOT USE PREWRAPPED CHEESE!
- ½-¾ cup heavy cream or milk gradually add to reach desired consistency
- 2 Tablespoons of jalapeno peppers finely diced
- 1 Tablespoon of serrano peppers finely diced
- ¼ tsp garlic powder or onion powder
Instructions
- Prep the slow cooker by lightly spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- Add torn American cheese slices, milk, jalapeno peppers and serrano peppers and any optional seasonings.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1–2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- If needed: Stir in more milk 1 tablespoon at a time if it’s too thick.
- Switch to WARM setting for serving and stir occasionally.
Nutrition
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