Picture a warm, melty swirl of cheddar and pepper jack cheese, gently bubbling away in your slow cooker. This Cheesy Fiesta Slow Cooker Queso Dip is what snack-time dreams are made of. It’s easy to set up, simple to serve, and sure to make any gathering more festive. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or hosting a casual family get-together, this dip promises to please.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of processed cheese, cubed (like Velveeta)
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- ½ cup milk (more if needed)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños (optional garnish)
Instructions
To begin, layer your slow cooker with cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil to prevent any sticking. Next, add the cubed processed cheese, shredded pepper jack, and diced tomatoes with chilies. Pour in your milk, which helps keep the dip creamy. Then, stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cover it. Let the ingredients melt together for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to help combine everything evenly. If your dip seems too thick, add a splash or two of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Once the cheese has fully melted, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting so your guests can enjoy the dip at its best texture.
Before serving, top it all off with a handful of chopped cilantro or slices of fresh jalapeño if you like a little extra kick. Offer plenty of crunchy tortilla chips or veggie sticks alongside for dipping.
This recipe shines at potlucks, game-day gatherings, and cozy family hangouts. It’s a surefire hit for cheese lovers and can be tailored to your preference by experimenting with spice levels or even swapping in a reduced-fat cheese blend.
The gentle, low-and-slow cooking process keeps your queso luscious and smooth, and the best part is that it stays hot throughout your event—meaning you can enjoy conversation instead of fussing over the stove. Serve it up with confidence, knowing you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s endlessly versatile and easy to make.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.