The Best Moe's Queso Recipe

Whether you're with friends or family, this cheesy and savory dip is perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or just because. It goes well with a variety of snacks, such as chips and veggies, and has a creamy texture and bold flavor that everyone will enjoy. 

Moe's Famous Queso is a mouth-watering blend of melted cheeses, spices, and flavors that create the perfect queso dip. It can be used for dipping, drizzling, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful. It is a must-try for queso lovers and anyone who enjoys a delicious cheesy dip! 

Ingredients for this Moe’s Southwest Grill Queso recipe

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

• White American Cheese: has a smooth texture and a mild flavor, which helps create a creamy base for your dip. 
• Monterey Jack: has a mild, buttery flavor and brings a richness that pairs well with the other ingredients. 
• White Cheddar Cheese: has a bit of a sharp, tangy flavor, which adds to the depth of this recipe. It also gets very creamy. 
• Half and Half: is used to create the desired consistency of your queso. It adds a creaminess to the recipe without overpowering the flavor. 
• Green Chiles: bring a bit of a mild spice to this recipe. You’re welcome to use fresh or canned diced chiles. 
• Pickles Jalapeños: brings a kick of heat and a pepper flavor to this dish. If you’re not the biggest fan of spicy, you can leave this ingredient out. 
• Ground Cumin: adds warmth and earthiness to your queso.
• Salt: helps with enhancing the flavors and balancing the taste. 

How to make this Moe's 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. Fill a saucepan with about 2-3 inches of water and place over medium heat. Once the water is steamy place a mixing bowl over the saucepan. You want the bowl and the water to not touch. If they do, remove a little bit of the water.
2. Add the cubed white cheese and the half and half and stir until completely melted and the cheese is incorporated into the half and half. 
3. Add in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and the white cheddar. and stir again until everything is combined and smooth. 
4. Stir in the green chiles, chopped pickled jalapenos, jalapeno brine, salt, and cumin, and stir again to combine. 
5. Serve the queso warm with tortilla chips or your favorite dipping items.

Moe’s Queso Variations

Veggie Queso: add in all of your favorite veggies. I like to add in black beans, diced tomatoes and a bit of cilantro. 

Chorizo Queso: mix in chorizo for a delicious heartier option, you can also add in ground beef. This is a great idea if you’re wanting to enjoy this Moe’s dip as a meal! 

Spicy Queso: add in some chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or some of your favorite hot sauce. 

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can I make Moe's Queso ahead of time?

Yes, this queso dip is great to make ahead for any kind of party or get-together. You can prepare this recipe in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, place it on the stovetop with a bit of milk to bring back the creamy texture. You can also add it to a crockpot to keep it warm.

Can I make Moe's Queso spicier?

To spice up this recipe, add in some diced jalapeños! You can also add in a dash of cayenne pepper or some of your favorite hot sauce to the recipe. I recommend tasting as you go so that you get it to the perfect heat.

Can I use Moe's Queso as a dipping sauce for other snacks besides chips?

Yes! Moe’s Queso can be used on and in many different dishes! It’s great to use for tortilla chips and pretzels or to drizzle over nachos. You can also add it on top of a baked potato, dip chicken tenders in, tacos or burritos.

How do I prevent the cheese from becoming stringy when making Moe's Queso?

To prevent stringy queso, make sure your temperature is correct and that you’re using the right kind of cheese. The best cheeses to use are American and white cheddar, as they normally melt the best. You can also use monterey jack, pepper jack, or a mild queso fresco. Melt your cheeses over low to medium heat while stirring continuously. Slowly add the other ingredients, as overheating the cheese may make it have a stringy texture. 

How do I store my leftover queso?

It's super easy! All you have to do is place your cheese sauce in an airtight container, wait until it cools, and then put it in the fridge. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days. 

How do I reheat leftover queso?

To reheat and keep the creamy texture, I recommend placing it on the stove and using low to medium-low heat. Be sure to stir it frequently. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or half and half to bring back the consistency. I don’t recommend using the microwave, as it may make your cheese separate and become grainy. 

Can I freeze Moe's Queso?

While you can freeze your Moe’s Queso, I don’t recommend it. When it thaws, the texture and consistency will both be off. The cheese may operate, and it will become much less creamy. If you do have leftovers, I recommend storing them in your fridge. 

The Best Moe's Queso Recipe