Creamy Salsa and Queso Dip
A quick and easy creamy salsa and queso dip that combines melted cheese with zesty salsa for a perfect party appetizer. This dip is a crowd-pleaser with a smooth, velvety texture and a flavorful zing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Mexican blend cheese (optional)
- 1 cup fresh salsa
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeded for less heat, optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese and Mexican blend cheese until creamy and combined. Use an electric mixer if available for a silky texture.
- Stir in salsa, diced jalapeño, chopped green onions, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1 minute, stir, then heat in 30-second increments until bubbly and hot throughout (about 2-3 minutes total). Alternatively, melt on low heat in a small saucepan, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Once melted and smooth, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top and serve immediately with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or warm pita bread.
Notes
If the dip is too thick after melting, stir in a tablespoon of milk or cream to loosen it without losing creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese from separating and becoming grainy. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. The dip thickens when cooled; reheat gently with a splash of milk. Can be prepared a day ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Calories: 150180
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: creamy salsa dip, queso dip, party dip, easy appetizer, melted cheese dip, Mexican dip, crowd-pleaser