Indulge in the ultimate crowd-pleaser with this irresistible Crockpot Queso featuring the creamy goodness of Velveeta, the zesty kick of diced tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Perfect for any gathering, this slow-cooked queso is a hassle-free delight that will have your guests coming back for more. Set it, forget it, and let your Crockpot do the work, allowing you to enjoy every moment with your family while this dip simmers to perfection.
This easy crockpot queso dip is not only irresistibly creamy but also has a flavor profile that will leave your guests reaching for more. A double batch may be necessary depending on the size of your group!
This is the best queso recipe whether you’re hosting a game night, a casual gathering or a festive celebration. This appetizer is sure to impress and sets the stage for an unforgettable event. For more queso recipes you might enjoy Queso Blanco or our Velveeta Cheese Sauce.
For a spread of tasty appetizers, we recommend accompanying the slow cooker queso with Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers, Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot, and Air Fryer Potato Skins.
These recipes along with this crock pot queso promise to be crowd-pleasers, inviting you and your guests to savor every bite!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 32 ounces Velveeta sliced
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons hot Mexican chili powder
How To Make Queso
Start by adding the Velveeta, diced tomatoes, milk, cumin, garlic powder and chili powder to the crockpot. All of the ingredients will simmer so the flavors can meld together.
Stir then cover with the lid. You do not need to remove the lid to stir throughout the cooking process. Instead, keep the lid secure to allow the dip to melt quicker.
Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. Stir well then garnish with your favorite queso toppings. Keep reading to find a variety of topping options that guests will love. Serve crockpot queso with tortillas, veggies or crackers.
Queso Topping Ideas
This crockpot queso dip can be enhanced with any topping to add flavor and texture.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own delicious queso combination! You can also opt to serve as a toppings bar to allow each guest to customize their queso dip.
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Fresh Pico de gallo
- Crumbled chorizo
- Chopped onions
- Bell peppers and onions
- Jalapeno slices
- Black olives
- Shredded cheese or Queso fresco
- Tabasco or hot sauce
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
Ways To Serve Velveeta Cheese Dip
Serving queso with a side of tortilla chips, veggies or gluten-free crackers will always be an easy-to-eat appetizer. Thinking outside of the box, here are a few other ways to consider serving this Velvetta queso recipe:
- Nachos: Create a loaded nacho platter with a generous layer of queso over chips, topped with the toppings of your choice. French fries or tater tots can be used in place of tortilla chips if preferred. Makes for a great appetizer display for events or a fun weeknight dinner for the family.
- Stuffed peppers: Drizzle this queso dip over stuffed peppers or Stuffed Pepper Casserole. The queso can also be mixed into the ground meat filling.
- Tacos: Spoon warm queso into soft or hard tortillas then layer with meat and taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and onions.
- Burgers: Drizzle a spoonful over a burger patty before topping with the bun.
- Roasted potato wedges: Roast potato wedges until crispy and serve them alongside the dip for a comforting pairing.
- Pretzels: Use this crockpot queso dip recipe as a dipping sauce for pretzels.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Slice the Velveeta: Cutting the cheese into slices will help the dip to melt quicker, speeding up the time required to cook. It can be easier to cut into smaller cubes if you chill it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This prevents it from becoming too sticky and messy to cut.
- Avoid shredded cheeses: Pre-shredded cheese can be coated with anti-caking agents that may impact the texture of the cheese dip. It is best to use Velvetta or another quality cheese such as a block of cheddar, Monterey Jack or queso fresco.
- Experiment with spices: Each time you make this dip, play around with spices such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne or pepper to find your favorite spice combination. You can also adjust the amount of spice to suite your taste.
- Add meat: Browned ground beef, crumbled sausage or chorizo and shredded chicken make great additions. You can easily turn this recipe into a hamburger cheese dip by browning the meat before stirring into the slow cooker.
- Serve warm: This queso is best served fresh and hot. If it starts to cool and thicken, you can turn the slow cooker to warm and slowly add a little extra liquid if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slow cooker queso takes approximately 2 hours when cooked on high and 4 hours when cooked on low. It is the perfect option to throw together as you complete other items on your to-do list before guests arrive. If you have young chefs running around, this crockpot queso is a fantastic recipe for them to make.
Yes! Cooked ground beef or turkey can be added along with pre-cooked sausage, chorizo or shredded chicken. Leftover Rotisserie chicken is also a great option to shred or chop and add to the dip. When incorporating meat, always brown before adding to the slow cooker for the best texture.
Create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water then add to the slurry and stir. Allow it to simmer and thicken over time. Two other options include adding softened cream cheese or allowing it to continue to cook uncovered until the desired thickness is reached.
Gradually add a small amount of milk or water to the queso until the desired consistency is achieved. This can also be helpful when reheating queso.
Queso can become gritty if pre-shredded cheese is substituted or if the melted cheese is overheated. Once melted, use the warm setting or simmer over low heat to prevent it from becoming gritty. Adding cold ingredients can also cause the cheese to become gritty. If you need to thin the dip, slightly warm the milk or liquid before pouring into the slow cooker.
Cheese dip and queso are very similar with the main difference being the seasonings that are added for flavor. Cheese dip is a broader term that simply refers to any dip made from melted cheese. Queso commonly refers to a specific type of cheese dip that involves ingredients such as tomatoes and Mexican style spices. Queso Blanco refers to a white cheese dip while Queso Fundido is melted cheese with additional ingredients.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing the prepared dip is simple and convenient. If you have leftovers, allow the dip to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer any remaining dip to an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to prevent air exposure. Refrigerate the container promptly, placing it in the coldest part of your refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the dip for future enjoyment for up to 3 months. First, allow the dip to cool completely in the refrigerator. Once cooled, transfer the dip to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing to minimize freezer burn. Remember to label the container or bag with the date of preparation.
To thaw frozen dip, move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you may need to give the dip a gentle stir to recombine any separated ingredients. When reheating, use a stovetop or microwave on low to medium heat to prevent overcooking or curdling.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Carefully use a can opener to open the can of diced tomatoes. You will pour the entire can into the slow cooker. For this recipe, you do not want to drain any juice from the can as it helps the cheese dip to achieve the perfect consistency.
- For a spicier queso dip, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 Tablespoon of hot sauce into the dip before you secure the lid.
- While the dip is cooking, search the kitchen for a spoon or small ladle and a spoon rest. Set by the slow cooker. When time to serve, guests can use the utensil then place on the spoon rest to prevent making a large mess on the counter.
More Easy Dip Recipes
- Gluten Free Crab Dip
- Taco Dip with Ground Beef
- Dairy Free Chicken Buffalo Dip
- Cranberry Jalapeno Bacon Dip
- Vidalia Onion Dip
- Spinach Dip with Greek Yogurt
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Crockpot Queso
Equipment
Ingredients
- 32 ounces Velveeta sliced
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon hot Mexican chili powder
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients. Add the velveeta, diced tomatoes, milk, cumin, garlic powder and chili powder to the crockpot. Stir then cover.
- Cook. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. Stir well then garnish with your favorite queso toppings. Serve with tortillas, veggies, or crackers.
Video
Notes
Queso Toppings
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
- Fresh Pico de gallo
- Crumbled chorizo
- Chopped onions
- Bell peppers and onions
- Jalapeno slices
- Black olives
- Shredded cheese or Queso fresco
- Tabasco or hot sauce
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
Nutrition
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