Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip Recipe

Craving that irresistibly creamy and spicy Queso Dip from Chili's? You can recreate the magic at home with this Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip recipe. This recipe combines the smooth, melty delight of processed cheese with the bold flavors of no-bean chili and a perfect blend of spices. It’s an ideal appetizer for parties, game days, or any casual gathering. Serve it with a side of crunchy tortilla chips and salsa for dipping, and watch it disappear!

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces processed cheese (such as Velveeta®), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 (15-ounce) can no-bean chili (such as Hormel®)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup finely chopped white onion
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 (9-ounce) package yellow or white corn tortilla chips
• Salsa, for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Melt the Cheese In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the cubed processed cheese and whole milk. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. The low heat helps prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures a smooth texture.

Step 2: Add Chili and Spices Stir in the no-bean chili, fresh lime juice, chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is heated through.

Step 3: Incorporate Onion and Cilantro Just before removing the saucepan from the heat, stir in the finely chopped white onion and fresh cilantro. The residual heat will soften the onion slightly while keeping its crunch, and the cilantro will infuse the dip with its fresh flavor.

Step 4: Serve Warm Transfer the Queso Dip to a serving bowl. Serve warm alongside a bowl of crunchy tortilla chips and salsa for dipping. The dip is best enjoyed immediately while it’s still warm and creamy.

Tips:

• Consistency Adjustments: If the dip is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Serving Suggestion: For a festive presentation, garnish the dip with additional chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.
• Keeping it Warm: To keep the dip warm throughout your gathering, consider serving it in a slow cooker set to the "Warm" setting.

Serving Suggestions:

Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips but also goes great with sliced veggies, pretzels, or as a topping for nachos.

Prep Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Conclusion

This Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant appetizer right into your kitchen. It’s easy to make, deliciously creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this queso dip is sure to satisfy your cheesy cravings. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures that make this dip a crowd-pleaser.