This Easy Green Chile Queso dip is a Tex-Mex classic that's perfect for any occasion. It's rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of creamy White American cheese, spicy green chiles, and a splash of half and half.
Are you on the hunt for a dip that's both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than this Easy Green Chile Queso that rivals your favorite white cheese dip at Mexican restaurants. Growing up, I only ever made cheese dip with Velveeta and Rotel, so when I first ordered that white queso that I saw other people ordering, I was blown away by its creaminess. All of the sudden, Velveeta and Rotel didn’t cut it anymore.
This Green Chile Queso is my super easy version of that creamy restaurant dip. Whether you're planning a game-day party, a family gathering, or a simple weeknight dinner, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let's make it!
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Ingredients
- White American cheese -- you want to get this from the deli counter either in slices or in just one big chunk that you can cut into cubes. Land o' Lakes or Boar's Head melts the best, but if you can't find it, an off-brand will work in a pinch. I do NOT recommend Velvet's Queso Blanco -- it has a bit of a chemical taste to me.
- 4-oz can of green chiles -- these aren't spicy. They more just provide a little bit of zip and flavor for the dip.
- Half and Half -- you can add more or less depending on what consistency you like. You can substitute heavy cream or even whole milk if you have it on hand.
- Garlic salt -- who doesn't love garlic salt?
What cheese do mexican restaurants use for queso?
Most Mexican restaurants use a product called Extra Melt White American Cheese to make their queso. You can buy it on Amazon but only in 30-pound shipments (it comes as six 5-pound packages). I don't know about you, but I don't have room for that much cheese. The reviews do say that it freezes well, though, so if you're committed to making queso EXACTLY like Mexican restaurants do, and you have a deep freeze, you may want to invest in this Extra Melt cheese. It averages out to about $6-7 a pound.
If not, read on to make the closest recipe you can find otherwise.
How to Make This Dip
- Cut the cheese into chunks if you bought it in one piece and place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add green chiles, Half and Half, and garlic salt.
- Heat for 3:00 minutes at 60% power. Stir well and cook in 1.5 minute intervals at 60% power, stirring after each interval. Add Half and Half as needed to make it the consistency you want.
- Give one final stir and serve with chips!
Tips for Making Green Chile Queso
- To make on the stovetop: just add all the ingredients to a small pan on low heat and stir until melted.
- To keep this cheese dip warm for a party, use a Crock-Pot Little Dipper. Just make sure to stir every once in a while.
- This recipe doubles easily and can be used both as a dip and as a cheese sauce for topping Mexican dishes.
Easy Green Chile Queso is creamy with a little heat, great for a crowd, and easy to make -- a 5-star recipe in my book!
Pin this White Queso for later!

Easy Green Chile Queso (White Mexican Cheese Dip)
Creamy with a touch of heat, this White Queso Recipe will be the hit of your next Mexican buffet!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. White American Cheese (from the deli)
- 1 4-oz. can green chiles
- ⅓ cup Half and Half (add more as needed)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
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Cut cheese into chunks if in one block. Combine in a microwave-safe bowl with green chiles, Half and Half, and garlic salt.
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Cook the dip in the microwave for 3 minutes at 60% power. Stir and continue cooking in 1.5-minute intervals at 60% power until completely melted. Add more Half and Half until your desired consistency.
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Give one final stir and serve with tortilla chips!
Erica M
Boars Head white American works beautifully too! I just use milk so I'm going to have to try your half & half!! 😋
sandi
Great to know! Thank you, Erica. Recently I've been adding chorizo to mine, and it's really good.