Sep 07 2026
Restaurants›Uncle Julio's Bridgewater›Queso Dip Recipe

Queso Dip Recipe

Inspired by Uncle Julio's Bridgewater
Time25m
Serves6

Make Queso Dip Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Queso Base

Spice & Aromatics

Heat & Acidity

Finish & Garnish

Method

Queso Base

  1. 1

    Make a roux and warm dairy

    In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 1½ minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and smells slightly toasty (this cooks the raw flour).

  2. 2

    Add milk and cream

    Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens and just begins to simmer, about 4–6 minutes.

  3. 3

    Incorporate cream cheese

    Lower the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese in chunks. Whisk until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy, about 2–3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Melt cheeses

    Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack in two additions, whisking after each addition until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Keep the heat low to avoid grainy separation. Remove from heat if necessary to control temperature.

  5. 5

    Season

    Stir in the salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Spice & Aromatics

  1. 6

    Sauté aromatics

    While the roux is cooking or in a small skillet, heat 1 teaspoon neutral oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.

  2. 7

    Combine with queso

    Stir the sautéed onion and spice mixture into the melted cheese sauce, mixing until evenly distributed.

Heat & Acidity

  1. 8

    Add chiles and heat

    Add the diced green chiles and chopped pickled jalapeños to the queso. Return the pot to very low heat and stir to warm the chiles through, about 1–2 minutes.

  2. 9

    Brighten

    Stir in the lime juice and hot sauce, then taste and adjust spiciness or acidity as desired (add more hot sauce or a squeeze of lime).

Finish & Garnish

  1. 10

    Serve

    Transfer the queso dip to a warm serving bowl or small chafing dish to keep it creamy. If the dip thickens as it sits, stir in 1–2 tablespoons warm milk to reach desired consistency.

  2. 11

    Garnish

    Top with the chopped cilantro, diced tomato, and sliced scallions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or vegetable dippers.

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