Warm, melty, gooey queso dip is a crowd-pleaser that is super easy to make in the oven. The rich and creamy texture of softened cream cheese serves as the perfect base, while the combination of shredded fontina, white cheddar, and pepper jack cheese makes a delicious, gooey, oozy cheesy dip.
Diced green chiles lend a subtle kick, giving the dip a delightful zing without overwhelming the taste buds. For those who like extra heat, add sliced jalapeños as a garnish to take it to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This simple recipe is perfect for serving homemade queso at your next party or gathering. Whether you pair it with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or soft pretzels, this cheesy delight will keep your guests coming back for more!
Gather your ingredients, pop the dish in the oven, and prepare for a cheesy dip everyone will love!
What You’ll Need
- Softened cream cheese
- Shredded fontina cheese
- Shredded white cheddar cheese
- Shredded pepper jack cheese
- Diced green chiles
- Sliced jalapenos for garnish (optional)
How to Make Oven-Baked Queso
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or prepare a cast iron pan.
Step 2: Mix ingredients
Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the other ingredients, including the fontina, white cheddar, pepper jack, and green chilies, and mix on low speed until well combined.
Step 3: Bake and serve
Pour the cheese mixture into the baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. You can broil for about 3-5 minutes for extra browning. If you do this step, watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Serve
Serve immediately. It goes well with your favorite chips, crackers, or crostini.
Can I Use Any Cheese in My Queso?
You can substitute several cheeses in this recipe. The important thing is to use a good melting cheese. However, any cheese will still be pretty delicious in this recipe.
If you’re in a bind, mozzarella, Velveeta, and American cheese will work. Sticking with white cheese will give your dish a beautiful color near the end.
We recommend using pre-shredded cheese for the best results. Then the melted cheese will blend much better.
What Else Can You Add?
Vegetables:
- Tomatoes (Rotel or diced)
- Green onions
- Cilantro
Spices:
- Cumin
- Taco Seasoning
- Smoked Paprika
Meat:
- Bacon (crumbled)
- Sausage (cooked)
- Chicken (shredded)
- Beef (ground)
What Temperature at
Cook the queso in the oven at 375°F. A higher temperature will cook faster but may burn the cheese, while a lower temperature will take much longer.
Bake queso for about 20 minutes at 375°F. For best results, bake in a preheated oven.
You’ll know when the cheese is ready because it will be bubbling. The top of the dip should be a beautiful golden-brown color.
How To Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can heat the leftovers over medium heat on the stove. Otherwise, you can use the microwave or return it to the oven.
What To Serve With Queso
You can dip tortillas, pitas, or even potato chips in this queso. You can also use your favorite crackers, crostini, or veggies as dippers.
While you can drizzle queso over nearly any recipe and enjoy the results, here are a few dishes to serve it with. We included some other appetizers as well as a few main dishes!
More Appetizers
- Oven-Baked Turkey Sliders
- Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Traeger Meatball Sub
- Traeger Pulled Pork Sliders
- Master Egg Salad
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Oven Baked Queso
Ingredients
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles
- Sliced jalapenos for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add the fontina, white cheddar, pepper jack, and diced green chiles to the cream cheese. Mix on low speed until well combined.
- Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. For extra browning, broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately with your favorite chips, crackers, or crostini.
Notes
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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