This Slow Cooker Queso Dip is the ultimate cheesy appetizer! It’s super creamy (never clumpy!), and made with easy to find ingredients. Enjoy!
Queso Dip – The ULTIMATE Appetizer
If you ask us, this slow cooker queso dip truly is the ULTIMATE appetizer! Not only does this dip pair well with so many things (hi, mango guacamole and rotisserie chicken enchiladas from our sister site, Fit Foodie Finds!), but it’s also made completely in the slow cooker, making it such an EASY recipe to serve for any occasion!
Whether you’re whipping this up for the next game day, or just serving as a fun appetizer or side for the fam, this slow cooker queso dip will not disappoint!
How to Make Slow Cooker Queso Dip
This slow cooker queso dip could not be easier! We’ll walk you through the 4 easy steps to cheesy dip perfection here (and the full recipe can be found below!):
Step 1: Prep Slow Cooker
First, spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking as the queso ingredients melt!
Step 2: Put Everything in Slow Cooker
Then, whisk the cornstarch into the milk in a separate bowl until it dissolves. Pour into the slow cooker and then add the rest of the ingredients — doesn’t matter the order!
Mix everything together, giving it a good stir, and then cover the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook on Low, Stirring Frequently
Cook on LOW for 1.5 to 2 hours stirring every 15-30 minutes to be sure the edges don’t burn. We recommend NOT cooking this on high as it can easily burn — and no one wants burnt cheese!
Step 4: Turn to Warm, and enjoy!
When all the cheese is melted and smooth, stir again and turn the slow cooker to WARM.
Serve with tortilla chips, vegetables, pretzels or your other favorite dipping vessel!
Slow Cooker Queso Dip Tips & Tricks
Don’t cook on high
We tested this queso dip with the slow cooker on high, and the higher cook temperature caused the cheese to burn around the edges and on the bottom. For this reason, we ONLY RECOMMEND COOKING THIS QUESO ON LOW.
Make sure you stir!
We all love a good set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe, but this queso dip requires a bit of stirring throughout. We recommend setting a timer and giving it a good stir at least every 30 minutes to ensure even melting and prevent burning.
American cheese is key
We tested this recipe without American cheese, which is a processed variety of cheese, and it was not nearly as smooth and creamy. For that reason, we recommend NOT skipping the American cheese.
Typically American cheese will come already sliced (think Kraft Singles!), but we’ve found most major grocers will carry American slices that aren’t individually wrapped. We recommend this route to limit waste!
Spice to your liking!
Like a little more kick to your queso? YOU DO YOU! Feel free to use a hot salsa or add additional spices that pack a punch like cayenne, red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
This queso is relatively mild when a mild salsa variety is used 😀
Double it!
This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re serving a larger group. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all that cheese!
Reversely, you can cut this recipe in half to serve a smaller group as well. Just make sure you’re stirring frequently as the cooking / melting time will likely be less than a full batch!
What to Serve with Queso Dip
Go on and get creative with what you dip into this slow cooker queso deliciousness! A traditional tortilla chip will do the trick, or jazz it up with sliced cucumber or broccoli florets. The options are endless. We love:
- Tortilla chips — obviously 😀
- Pretzels
- Sliced red, green or yellow peppers
- Sliced carrots
- Sliced cucumber
- Broccoli or cauliflower florets
- Drizzle over tacos, fajitas or quesadillas!
What do you like to dip into your queso? Let us know in the comments!
How to Store Slow Cooker Queso
Store this slow cooker queso dip in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When Reheating Queso: we recommend reheating just like it’s cooked — LOW AND SLOW! Reheat in the slow cooker on low, stirring frequently. This will help prevent any separating or uneven reheating.
Freezing Queso: because cheese has a difficult time with drastic temperature changes, we do NOT recommend freezing this queso dip!
Slow Cooker Queso
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 16 oz. American cheese cut into pieces*
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 16 oz. salsa any kind
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- First, spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Then, whisk cornstarch into the milk until it dissolves. Pour into the slow cooker and then add the rest of the ingredients.
- Mix everything together and then cover the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours stirring every 15-30 minutes to be sure the edges don’t burn. We recommend NOT cooking this on high as it can easily burn.
- When all the cheese is melted and smooth, stir and turn the slow cooker to warm.
- Serve with tortilla chips, vegetables, or pretzels.
I followed this recipe exactly as written and it came out gritty and way too thick. I tried thinning it out with more milk at the end but it made no difference. I guess there is just no substitute for the creamy velveeta dip!
Turned out great! Did a half recipie and added chorizo! Will be a Sunday staple in our house!