Ultimate Slow Cooker Queso Dip Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible
Prepare for a flavor explosion with this delectable Slow Cooker Queso Dip! Featuring a hearty combination of chorizo (or ground beef), cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and salsa, this dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its thick, cheesy texture makes it perfect for dipping and dunking your favorite snacks. Alternatively, generously spoon it over a platter of tortilla chips for the ultimate nachos experience.
Get ready to take your snack time to the next level with the most amazing chorizo queso dip you’ve ever tasted! And if you’re not a fan of the slight spiciness of chorizo, don’t worry – you can easily substitute an equal amount of ground beef.
This Mexican cheese dip is thick, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful. It’s the kind of dip that clings perfectly to your chips and is so delicious, you’ll be tempted to eat it straight from the spoon. The best part? It requires only a handful of simple ingredients!
Imagine a delightful blend of spicy chorizo (or savory ground beef), sharp cheddar cheese, creamy cream cheese, and your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa. And the best part? Absolutely no processed cheese is involved!
Simply combine all the ingredients in your trusty slow cooker, and after a few hours of slow simmering, you’ll have a rich, cheesy queso dip that’s ideal for game day gatherings, your next exciting party, or as a delicious appetizer to complement your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s made with only four simple ingredients, making it quick and easy to prepare.
- It’s rich, velvety smooth, and bursting with incredible flavor.
- Made *without* Velveeta cheese – only real, high-quality ingredients are used here!
- It’s hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect snack or appetizer.
- Perfect for stress-free entertaining – it stays warm in your slow cooker for hours, so you can focus on enjoying your guests.
Slow Cooker Queso Dip Video Tutorial
Simple Ingredients
This irresistible Mexican cheese dip is made with real cheese and can be customized to your preferred spice level. Once you try this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought jarred variety again!
- Chorizo or ground beef: For a milder flavor profile, opt for ground beef. If you enjoy a kick of spice, choose chorizo for its bold and savory taste.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Similar to our taco pasta recipe, we’re using real cheese for the best flavor and texture. No processed cheese here!
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that delivers the dip’s luxuriously creamy texture and velvety richness.
- Chunky salsa: Select your preferred salsa heat level, from mild to hot, to tailor the spice to your taste. We highly recommend Pace Chunky Salsa for its consistent quality and robust flavor!
See the recipe card below for detailed information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Use your favorite ground meat! Substitute the chorizo with spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner and healthier option.
- Experiment with different cheeses. Mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses would all work incredibly well in this dip.
- Replace the chunky salsa with salsa verde for a tangy and refreshing twist on the classic flavor. For a homemade touch, try adding fresh pico de gallo, like the one in our carnitas recipe.
- Elevate the heat and add a delightful crunchy texture by serving the queso with sliced jalapeños. Pro tip: Remove the seeds from the jalapeños for milder heat or leave the seeds intact for an extra fiery kick.
- Add some black beans or corn: Adding these ingredients will give it more texture and nutrients.
- Top with Cilantro: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving for a touch of freshness and vibrant color.
How to Make Queso Dip in a Slow Cooker
Making restaurant-quality queso dip at home in your slow cooker is surprisingly easy and involves just three simple steps:
- Brown the ground meat. Patience is essential. Allow the chorizo or ground beef to brown thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat to develop rich and savory flavors.
- Transfer the meat to your slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned meat from the skillet to the slow cooker. This helps drain any excess grease, ensuring your queso dip doesn’t become overly oily.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1 ½ hours. Give the dip a good stir, then switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. This will maintain the cheesy dip at the perfect serving temperature without causing it to overcook and potentially burn.
Make-Ahead Tip: The queso dip can be kept warm in the slow cooker on the WARM setting for up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. If it becomes too thick, you can easily thin it out by stirring in a little milk as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade queso dip will rival even your favorite local Mexican restaurant! While we love serving it with warm tortilla chips, there are many other exciting options to enjoy this cheesy delight. Here are a few of our favorite serving ideas:
- Fresh veggies: Offer a selection of crunchy and colorful raw vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, celery sticks, and cucumber slices for a healthy and refreshing dipping experience.
- Pretzels: Soft pretzels or pretzel bites make a fantastic pairing, offering a satisfying salty contrast to the rich and creamy dip.
- Pita chips: These provide a crunchy and sturdy alternative to tortilla chips, perfect for scooping up generous amounts of queso.
- Nachos: Take your snack game to the next level by creating loaded nachos with the queso dip as the flavorful base. Add your favorite toppings like seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole for an ultimate treat.
- Quesadillas: Spread a generous layer of the warm and cheesy queso dip onto a tortilla, then add your favorite fillings like shredded chicken, grilled vegetables, or black beans, and fold it over. Cook in a skillet or on a griddle until golden brown and the cheese is melted for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Fries: Transform your French fries or sweet potato fries into a seriously delicious snack by dipping them in the warm, cheesy queso.
Common Questions
Absolutely! You can easily make queso dip on the stovetop by melting and combining the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Be sure to stir it continuously to prevent scorching.
If you are serving the queso dip over an extended period, keep your slow cooker set to the WARM setting. You can also transfer the queso to a fondue pot or a chafing dish to maintain a consistent and ideal temperature.
Certainly! Simply omit the chorizo or ground beef and consider adding extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to give more flavour and texture in your vegetarian version of queso dip.
More Snack Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for even more tasty ways to satisfy your snack cravings? Be sure to check out our full collection of Quick and Easy Dip Recipes. Get even more inspiration with these other reader-favorite snack recipes:
- Easy Muffin Pan Pizza Cups
- Homemade Barbecue Potato Chips
- Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Easy Soft Pretzel Bagels
- Hot and Creamy Artichoke Dip
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Slow Cooker Queso Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh chorizo sausage or ground beef
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups chunky salsa
- Sliced jalapeños, for serving (optional)
- Tortilla chips or veggies, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the chorizo or ground beef in a large sauté pan set over medium heat, using a spatula to break it apart into crumbles. Transfer the ground meat to the slow cooker.
- Add the cubed cheddar cheese, cream cheese and salsa to the slow cooker, stirring to combine. Cover and cook it on LOW for 1 ½ hours. Stir the dip then change the slow cooker to the WARM setting.
- When ready to serve, enjoy the queso dip directly from the slow cooker or spoon it into serving bowls and top with sliced jalapeños (optional). Serve with tortilla chips or veggies for dipping.
Kelly’s Notes
- The queso dip can remain in the slow cooker on the WARM setting for up to 3 hours and stirred intermittently. If it thickens too much, you can thin it by stirring in milk as needed.
- You can make queso dip on the stovetop by melting and combining the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent scorching.
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