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Chipotle Queso

By Grandma Millie

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A hand dipping a tortilla chip into creamy chipotle queso in a dark cast-iron skillet, with jalapeño and red pepper specks visible.

Chipotle queso is a creamy, smoky cheese dip made with melted cheese, chipotle peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a hint of lime. Rich, flavorful, and slightly spicy, this dip is perfect with tortilla chips, nachos, or drizzled over tacos and burritos. Quick to make and always a crowd favorite, chipotle queso is the ultimate party appetizer for game nights, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 300

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Chipotle Queso

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Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for richness)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 1 cup whole milk (for creaminess)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed for smooth texture)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for sharp flavor)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for meltiness)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle in adobo (for smoky kick)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for depth)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (for flavor)
  • to taste salt and pepper (for seasoning)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (for brightness)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for freshness)

Equipment

  • 1 Medium saucepan — For melting butter and cooking the queso.
  • 1 whisk — For mixing ingredients smoothly.

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Melt the Butter – In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

  2. 2

    Step 2: Whisk in Flour – Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter. Whisk it in and cook for 1–2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This will help thicken your queso!

  3. 3

    Step 3: Pour in the Milk – Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. You’re doing great!

  4. 4

    Step 4: Add Cream Cheese – Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese. Keep stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated. This is where the magic happens!

  5. 5

    Step 5: Mix in the Cheeses – Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything is smooth and cheesy.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Spice it Up – Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped chipotle peppers, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level to your liking!

  7. 7

    Step 7: Add Freshness – Stir in the juice of 1 lime and a handful of chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh kick to your queso!

  8. 8

    Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! – Serve your chipotle queso immediately with tortilla chips or as a delicious topping. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories300
Fat20g
Protein10g
Carbs15g

Why You’ll Love This chipotle queso

  • It’s creamy and dreamy, perfect for dipping or drizzling.
  • Spicy chipotle flavor adds a kick that’s irresistible.
  • Quick and easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.

Ingredients

Get ready to create a delectable chipotle queso that everyone will love!

A variety of ingredients for chipotle queso displayed on a rustic wooden kitchen table, including butter, flour, milk, cream cheese, cheeses, chipotle, spices, lime juice, and cilantro.
  • 2 tablespoons butter – for richness
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – for thickening
  • 1 cup whole milk – for creaminess
  • 4 ounces cream cheese – cubed for smooth texture
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for sharp flavor
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – for meltiness
  • 2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle in adobo – for smoky kick
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for depth
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – for flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice – for brightness
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro – for freshness

How to Make Chipotle Queso

Get ready to indulge in a creamy, spicy delight! This chipotle queso is perfect for dipping or drizzling. With a preparation time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, you’ll have this cheesy goodness ready in no time. Let’s get started!

A collage of images showing the preparation steps for chipotle queso, including melted butter, whisking in flour, pouring milk, and the final creamy dip.

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 2: Whisk in Flour

Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter. Whisk it in and cook for 1–2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This will help thicken your queso!

Step 3: Pour in the Milk

Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. You’re doing great!

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese. Keep stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Mix in the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything is smooth and cheesy.

Step 6: Spice it Up

Mix in 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level to your liking!

Step 7: Add Freshness

Stir in the juice of 1 lime and a handful of chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh kick to your queso!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your chipotle queso immediately with tortilla chips or as a delicious topping. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryAppetizer
CuisineMexican
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves4
Best ServedWith tortilla chips or as a topping

Pro Tips for Making chipotle queso

  • Opt for fresh, high-quality cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle peppers.
  • Incorporate a splash of vegetable broth for added depth of flavor.
  • Serve with warm tortilla chips for the best experience.
  • Experiment with toppings like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flair.

How to Serve this chipotle queso

  • Serve warm with crispy tortilla chips for the ultimate dip experience.
  • Drizzle over nachos for a cheesy, spicy twist.
  • Use as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a flavorful kick.
  • Pair with fresh veggies like bell peppers and carrots for a healthy crunch.
  • Mix into scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos for a delicious morning boost.
  • Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a creamy sauce option.
  • Incorporate into quesadillas for an extra cheesy filling.
  • Use as a base for a spicy mac and cheese dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and enjoying your chipotle queso later is easy!

Storing Leftovers

  • Let the queso cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • Cool the queso completely before freezing.
  • Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
  • Add a splash of milk for creaminess if needed.
  • Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the recipe for chipotle queso, it’s time to gather your friends and dive into this cheesy delight! Remember, making this dish is as simple as it is rewarding. So, grab some tortilla chips, and enjoy every gooey, spicy bite. Happy cooking, and may your queso adventures be delicious!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

Is Chipotle’s queso any good?
Chipotle’s queso has garnered mixed reviews, but many fans appreciate its creamy texture and bold flavor. It’s made with real cheese and spices, giving it a unique taste that pairs well with their chips and burritos. If you enjoy cheesy dips, you might find it quite satisfying!
Do you get charged for queso at Chipotle?
Yes, there is an additional charge for queso at Chipotle. It’s considered an extra topping, so be prepared to add a little extra to your bill if you want to indulge in this delicious dip with your meal!
Are Chipotle chips and queso healthy?
While Chipotle chips and queso can be a tasty treat, they are not the healthiest option due to their calorie and fat content. Moderation is key! Pairing them with a balanced meal can help you enjoy them without overindulging. Consider sharing with a friend!
Is Chipotle queso dairy?
Yes, Chipotle queso contains dairy as it is made with cheese and cream. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you might want to try making your own queso using plant-based ingredients!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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