The Best Copycat Chili's Spinach Queso Recipe

Chili's Grill & Bar is known for its variety of appetizers, such as their flavorful Southwest Egg Rolls and their famous mozzarella sticks. This cheesy dip is just one of the many delicious starters on their menu. You can recreate this mouthwatering queso recipe at home with a handful of simple and affordable ingredients.

Chili's Spinach Queso Dip is a creamy blend of melted White American and Monterey Jack cheeses. It includes fresh spinach, onions, garlic, and green chilies for added flavor. This indulgent dip offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and spicy flavors, creating an irresistible and addicting appetizer that is certain to be a hit at any party or gathering.

Ingredients for this Chili’s Spinach Queso Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Olive Oil: is used to sauté the onions and keep them from sticking to the pan. 
• Garlic: adds a savory and slightly pungent flavor that pairs well with the other spices. 
• White Onion: has a mild and slightly sweet flavor that becomes sweeter when cooked.
• Chopped Spinach: has a fresh, earthy flavor. I prefer to use frozen spinach that has been thawed. If you prefer to use fresh, be sure to cook it before adding it into your queso. 
• White American Cheese: has a sharp, tangy flavor and melts well creating a creamy texture. 
• Jack Cheese: has a mild, buttery flavor and melts smoothly. 
• Half and Half: helps create the consistency of the dip by thinning out the cheese while keeping the smooth texture and rich flavor. 
• Green Chilies: add a tangy and mildly spicy flavor to your dip. 
• Cumin: adds a warm and earthy flavor that pairs well with the cheese and spinach. 
• Salt and Pepper: help enhance the other flavors in the dish. 
• Tortilla Chips: are served with your queso for dipping. 

How to make this Chili’s Spinach Queso Recipe?

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Set the oven to the broil setting.

Cook Aromatics:

1. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the white onion and cook until translucent. This will take a few minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. 

Add Ingredients:

1. Stir in thawed and drained spinach, cubed white American cheese, jack cheese, half-and-half, and chopped green chilies.
2. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring often, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. Add ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes so the top is golden brown. 
4. Serve in the skillet with pico, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese with a side of tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What is the difference between regular queso and spinach queso?

Regular queso is a classic blend of cheese and spices with a smooth consistency and texture. Spinach queso is a bit heartier due to the spinach and chilies and offers a more complex flavor. Adding spinach gives the queso an earthy flavor, while in regular queso, the tomatoes give a sweeter taste. 

How spicy is this Spinach Queso recipe?

This recipe has a mild to medium spice level, making it perfect for almost anyone! If you’re looking to spice it up, you can add in jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re wanting it to be a little less spicy, feel free to omit the green chilies. 

How can I use leftover Spinach Skillet Queso?

You can get really creative with how you use your leftover queso. 

• Spinach Queso Nachos: spread it over tortilla chips, add toppings like jalapeños, olives, and pico de gallo, and bake until bubbly. 
• Stuffed Peppers: mix your queso with cooked rice and either ground beef or turkey and then stuff into bell peppers and bake. 
• Queso Baked Potatoes: add your queso over baked potatoes and top with bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions. 
• Queso Dip Sandwich: use the queso as a spread for a sandwich or wrap, adding grilled chicken and veggies for a quick and easy lunch. 

How can I make this Chili's Spinach Queso recipe healthier?

You can easily make this recipe a little healthier by making a few simple swaps. Instead of using regular full-fat cheese, try using reduced-fat to cut down on the calories. Opt for low-fat milk, or skim milk instead of using half and half. 

You can increase the nutritional value by adding more vegetables such as bell peppers. You can also choose to serve your queso with veggie sticks, whole-grain crackers, or baked pita chips for a healthier tortilla chip alternative. 

How long does Spinach Queso last in the fridge?

You can store your spinach queso in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep your leftovers in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm. You may want to add a splash of milk to bring the desired consistency back. 

Can I freeze this Chili’s Spinach Queso Recipe?

You can, but the texture might change slightly while thawing due to the dairy content. To freeze, let your queso cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe Ziploc.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw your queso in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be sure to stir frequently to keep its creamy consistency. If you notice your texture becoming a bit grainy, add a splash of milk and stir vigorously, which can help restore its smoothness. 

The Best Copycat Chili's Spinach Queso Recipe