Queso Dip with Evaporated Milk

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Queso Dip is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, thanks to the combination of evaporated milk, cheddar cheese, and an array of flavorful seasonings like garlic, onion powder, and chili powder. The evaporated milk adds a smooth, velvety texture to the dip, while the freshly grated cheddar cheese gives it the perfect cheesy melt. It’s an easy and quick dip to whip up, and the customizable toppings like tomato, hot sauce, and cilantro make it even more delightful.

Ingredients

• 6 oz evaporated milk
• ½ tablespoon corn starch
• 8 oz freshly grated mild cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
• 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Toppings (optional): tomato, hot sauce, cilantro (or your favorite toppings)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and cornstarch until fully combined and smooth.
2. Pour the evaporated milk mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Once the milk begins to heat up, gradually add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the dip becomes smooth.
4. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. Continue to cook, stirring, until the dip thickens and becomes velvety.
5. Once the queso dip has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
6. Optional: Top with your choice of toppings, such as fresh tomato, hot sauce, and cilantro.
7. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, veggies, or anything else you’d like to dip!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 5-7 minutes
• Total time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Queso: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
• Meat Lover’s Queso: Add cooked ground beef , or shredded chicken for a heartier dip.
• Cheese Variety: Mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby for different flavor profiles.
• Veggie Queso: Add finely diced bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for a veggie-packed version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover queso dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of evaporated milk or regular milk to loosen the dip. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk gives the dip its creamy and thick consistency, but you can substitute regular milk. If using regular milk, you may need to add more cornstarch to achieve the same thickness.

Can I make this queso dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I make this dip spicier?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to give the dip a spicy kick. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

What’s the best way to store leftover queso dip?

Store the leftover queso dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember that it may thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a bit more liquid (milk or evaporated milk) when reheating.

Can I freeze queso dip?

It’s best to enjoy queso dip fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop and add a little milk to restore its creamy texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses. Just make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.

How can I make this queso dip creamier?

To make the dip even creamier, you can add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese into the mix after the cheese has melted.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While freshly grated cheese works best for a smooth melt, you can use pre-shredded cheese if that’s all you have on hand. Just be aware that it may not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.

Conclusion

This Queso Dip with Evaporated Milk is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a bit of spice. It’s quick to make, fully customizable, and sure to be the highlight of your next gathering. Serve it with your favorite dipping snacks and enjoy this irresistible, savory treat that everyone will love!