Skip the Velveeta—this 2-ingredient white queso is creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make! All you need is pepper jack cheese and cream for a silky, melty dip that’s perfect for parties, game day, or whenever the queso craving strikes.
This post was originally published January 30, 2012. It has been updated with new photos and more content.
I love Super bowl parties. I mean, what other time is it okay to sit around the tv, holler and drink and eat junk food with your friends for hours? I heard on the radio that the number one food consumed during the big game is chicken wings, with pizza coming in second and my favorite, chips and dip, in third.
One of my favorite dips comes from a neighborhood Mexican restaurant that brings to every table chips, salsa and an irresistible bowl of white queso. Seriously, it’s just not enough for us to share, and we always request more!
Everyone wanted me to come up with a recipe for this white queso, and here is my version.
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Recipe highlights
- Ridiculously Simple: Just two ingredients—pepper jack cheese and heavy cream. No roux, no Velveeta, no nonsense. Melt, stir, dip, done.
- Smoothand Creamy: This queso stays lusciously smooth even after it cools. No clumps, no flour, just dreamy, dippable cheese.
- Totally Customizable: Keep it classic or mix things up with hot sauce, jalapeños, green chiles, or even some shredded pork.
- Real Ingredients Only: No processed cheese here! This recipe is made with real dairy and real flavor—nothing artificial.
- Ready in Minutes: Whether it’s game day, taco night, or a midnight snack attack, this queso comes together in about 5 minutes—faster than you can open a jar of the store-bought stuff.
Ingredients you need
- Pepper jack cheese: Not all pepper jacks are created equal. Some have a lot of chiles chopped into them and others have less.
- Heavy cream: This is the creamy base of the queso that keeps it from solidifying into a big blob.
- Optional extras: The base of the queso is just two ingredients. If you like it spicier, add some chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce. You can also garnish with some chopped cilantro, tomatoes or red onions.
Step-by-step directions
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- Combine. Combine heavy cream and shredded cheese in a small pot.
- Simmer. Simmer mixture over medium heat until the cheese has melted and smooth.
- Add optional extras. The queso is done at this point, but feel free to add any extras to boost the flavor.
Recipe tips and FAQs
Like the little black dress, you can dress this dip up or keep it low key. If your pepper jack is lacking in the pepper, add more. Here are some easy additions to customize and jazz up your queso:
- Jalapeños
- Serrano chiles
- Hot sauce
- Red onions
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Cooked chorizo
- Pulled pork
- Dash of spices like paprika, chile powder, cumin, coriander and garlic powder.
Just pass the tortilla chips and a cold margarita, and give me the bowl please!
Feel free to drizzle this fabulous white queso all over pulled pork nachos, loaded tater tots (tachos) or carne asada fries!
Storing Instructions
TO STORE: Store any leftover queso in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Gently reheat over the stove or in 30-second increments in the microwave.
Pepper Jack cheese is our favorite for this recipe—it melts beautifully and adds a subtle kick. You can also use Monterey Jack or white cheddar for a milder version.
This queso is made with real, whole ingredients—just cheese and heavy cream—so you get a richer, more natural flavor without preservatives.
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free cheese (most are), this recipe is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
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Two Ingredient White Queso
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 pound shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan over medium heat combine heavy cream and shredded cheese.
- Stir mixture until cheese has completed melted, about 7 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl, add desired garnishes and serve immediately with tortilla chips or vegetables.
Notes
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- Jalapeños
-
- Serrano chiles
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- Hot sauce
-
- Red onions
-
- Cilantro
-
- Green onions
-
- Cooked chorizo
-
- Pulled pork
-
- Dash of spices like paprika, chile powder, cumin, coriander and garlic powder
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
PS If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback.
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Written by Laura Bashar
Hi, I’m Laura, a certified professional cook and cookbook author living in San Diego. I have been sharing my family’s favorite recipes inspired from all over the world since 2008. Let’s cook up something fun!
This is easy but nice, isn't it? I love Mexican cheese and have a recipe on my site for Queso Asado (cheese fondue). Am faithfully following you on Google Connect now. Lin xx
hi Laura couldn't find your email address you are one of the winners of the plasma car, I need your info to post please email me torviewtoronto@gmail.com
Creamy cheesy dips are the best…looks delicious 🙂
this looks wonderful Laura