15-Minute Velveeta Queso
Published 1/24/2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
There’s nothing tastier than a Velveeta cheese dip with a little kick of heat, and this 15-minute Velveeta queso dip is just that! The chipotle peppers and green chilies transform an ordinary Velveeta queso dip into an extraordinary queso dip recipe that comes together in 15 minutes flat.
This 15-minute Velveeta queso makes for an easy appetizer for game day during football season or a crowd pleaser for any special occasion.
If you love melty cheese, sautéed veggies, and spicy peppers like we do, buckle up — you’re in for a real treat!
What’s In This 15-Minute Velveeta Queso
This Velveeta queso is not your ordinary easy dip recipe. It includes extra ingredients and added steps to take the flavor to a whole new level while still keeping it simple.
You’ll need bell peppers and white onion to create a flavorful base for the queso. These vegetables are sautéed until they’re soft and then combined with chipotles in adobo sauce and canned diced green chilies to add the perfect level of heat.
You’ll also need heavy cream and Velveeta cheese to create that smooth and creamy texture that’s expected from a good queso. But we also add another layer of cheesy goodness by mixing in shredded pepper jack cheese. Mmm.
Variations and Substitutions
Spicy peppers: Swap out the chipotles or green chiles for jalapeño peppers. Or, if you like things really spicy, add it in addition to the other ingredients to crank up the heat even more!
How spicy is this dip? It’s ultimately up to personal preference, but this dip has a medium level of heat. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers or green chilies to your liking. You can also serve it with cool and refreshing toppings like sour cream or diced avocado to balance out the heat.
Heavy cream: Evaporated milk can be used in place of heavy cream. We don’t recommend regular milk as it doesn’t blend well.
Add protein: Want to make this queso a heartier meal option? Add in cooked spicy sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken. It’s a great way to make this dip into a filling and satisfying dish.
Shredded cheese: You’re welcome to use your favorite blend of cheeses in place of the pepper jack.
Get herby: Give this spicy cheese dip even more flare and garnish it with herbs like fresh cilantro or parsley.
Top Tips
- Evaporated milk can be used in place of heavy cream, but we would not recommend regular milk, it does not blend well.
- Spice to your liking: Increase or decrease the chipotles in adobo to adjust the spice level of this queso dip.
FAQs
Velveeta is known to harden quickly once it begins to cool down. To keep it warm and creamy, add evaporated milk to the cheese mixture. This will help slow down the hardening process.
Another option is to use a slow cooker to keep the queso warm while serving. Just make sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
If you’re aiming for a thinner consistency, try adding small amounts of milk or cream to the melted Velveeta while stirring constantly. This will help thin out the dip and make for a smoother texture.
You can also cut the Velveeta into smaller chunks before melting it, as this helps it melt more easily.
Storage + Freezer Directions
Store any leftover spicy dip in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat: We recommend reheating this Velveeta queso just like you cooked it — on the stovetop.
- Transfer it back into a medium saucepan.
- Turn the heat to medium/low and stir as the cheese melts.
- Add a little bit of heavy cream to thin things out.
To freeze, place your tasty dip in a freezer-safe, airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Velveeta Queso Dip
Honestly though, what doesn’t go well with a hot, cheesy dip? For the most delicious dipping experience, serve your Velveeta queso with our Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries, Parmesan Smashed Carrots, or Football-Shaped Cheesy Breadsticks.
You could also drizzle this queso over greens like we did with our Cheesy Broccoli and add it to nachos like these Easy Beef Nachos or Easy Totchos.
15-Minute Velveeta Queso Dip
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ red bell pepper, minced
- ½ white onion, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 chipotles in adobo, minced
- 4 oz. canned diced green chiles
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese, chunked
- 4 oz. shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the red pepper and white onion. Cook until the onion is translucent and the red pepper is soft.
- Next, add in the salt, chipotle peppers, and green chiles. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the heavy cream and Velveeta cheese. Stir often until the Velveeta has melted.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pepper jack cheese. When the pepper jack is completely melted remove from the heat.
- Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
Tips & Notes
- Evaporated milk can be used in place of heavy cream. We would not recommend regular milk, it does not blend well.
- Increase or decrease the chipotles in adobo to adjust the spice level.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #cheeseknees, we’d love to see what you’re up to!
