This Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip is creamy, smooth, and loaded with flavor. Made with white American cheese, green chilies, and a blend of spices, it’s the perfect dip to serve with tortilla chips, tacos, or drizzled over your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 cans chopped green chilies (4 oz each, drained)
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 1/2 cup milk (or more as needed)
- 1 pound white American cheese, cubed
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Velvety: Just like your favorite restaurant queso.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes!
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add extras like diced jalapeños or tomatoes.
- Perfect for Parties: A crowd-pleasing dip for any occasion.
How to Make Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip
1. Melt the Butter
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Green Chilies
- Stir in the chopped green chilies, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Add the Cheese and Milk
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed white American cheese to the saucepan.
- Gradually stir in the milk, starting with 1/2 cup. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. Taste and Adjust
- Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning with more onion powder, garlic powder, or cumin, if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Pour the cheese dip into a serving bowl or a small slow cooker set to “warm” to keep it melty. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Dip: Pair with tortilla chips, veggies, or soft pretzels.
- For Tacos: Drizzle over tacos, burritos, or nachos for extra cheesy goodness.
- As a Sauce: Use it as a creamy topping for enchiladas or baked potatoes.
Tips for the Perfect Cheese Dip
- Use High-Quality Cheese: White American cheese melts smoothly and gives the authentic restaurant-style flavor.
- Keep it Warm: Serve in a slow cooker or warming dish to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Thicken or Thin: Adjust with more milk for a thinner dip or let it simmer for a thicker texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip is the ultimate appetizer or topping for your favorite Tex-Mex meals. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or dinner.
Let me know how yours turns out—and feel free to share your creative add-ins or favorite pairings! 🧀🌶️✨