This isn’t your concession-stand nacho cheese! Slow Cooker Spicy Queso is rich, hearty, and made with fresh, real ingredients. Whether served as a snack or a topping for Tex-Mex meals, this easy queso dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Slow cooker queso in a black bowl with chips

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What’s To Love About This Recipe

Slow cooker queso is rich, creamy, and perfectly spicy. It’s the ideal appetizer for parties, game day, or taco night.
Not only does this recipe use fresh veggies, but it is also made from simple, whole ingredients without any blocks of processed cheese!
With your trusty slow cooker, this is a hands-off cooking method that makes it easy to serve and keep warm for hours. It stays smoothly melted and ready to scoop!
Love a loaded queso dip? This recipe is customizable with mix-ins like meat, beans, or different cheeses.
This easy, crowd-pleasing dip is perfect for chips, veggies, topping nachos, or adding to your favorite Tex-Mex meals!

Ingredients Needed

Jalapeño pepper – Jalapeño pepper adds the best spicy element to sharp, smoky cheese dip. When it’s finely chopped in the food processor, it mixes in evenly for balanced bites.
Poblano pepper – Use half of a poblano pepper to balance the jalapeño. Poblano has a deep, earthier flavor and adds complexity to the spicy queso.
Shallot – Shallot is slightly sweet and makes a perfect trio with the peppers.
Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic is a worthwhile addition to the deep flavors of the cheeses in this dip. The slow cooker makes it rich and aromatic!
Sharp cheddar – Sharp cheddar brings a bold and tangy flavor that makes this dip irresistible.
Gouda – Gouda is smooth and creamy and creates the perfect blend with sharp cheddar.
Cream cheese – Cream cheese makes the dip stay extra smooth and easily dippable.
Cornstarch – Mixed with water, cornstarch creates a thickener that keeps all the ingredients consistent and the right texture for dipping.
Half and half – Bring it all together with some half and half for smooth queso perfection!

cream cheese, shallot, pepper, cheese, cream for queso

Ingredient Note: Many queso-enthusiasts insist that the most authentic queso contains white American cheese for its flavor and texture. While that is a good option if you prefer traditional restaurant-style queso, it is not essential to this recipe. The spicy flavors and fresh peppers work great with a blend of gouda and sharp cheddar for more depth and heat.

How To Make Slow Cooker Queso

Remove ribs and seeds from the peppers.
Peel the shallot and garlic.
Add peppers, shallot, and garlic to a mini chopper or finely chop using a knife.

chopped peppers, onion and garlic for queso

Shred cheddar and gouda cheese, and add to the slow cooker along with cream cheese.

The ingredients for the cheesy cheddar dip are in a slow cooker

Mix cornstarch with one tablespoon of water and add to the slow cooker.
Add half and half.

A whisk and a bowl of cream on a marble counter

Cover and cook on high for about 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes or so until fully melted and warm.
Serve with chips or as desired.

A wooden spoon in a bowl of creamy sauce

Pro Tips

For a creamier texture, stir in another splash of half and half at the end.
Always shred your own cheese for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking additives that can affect smooth melting and make the dip grainy. For ease, try my favorite gadget to easily shred a block of cheese – a salad shooter!
Prevent the queso from burning by using the “keep warm” setting after it has fully melted, and stir occasionally.
Queso can be kept warm in the slow cooker for 2–3 hours, while also stirring every 30 minutes.
Use a slow cooker liner or nonstick spray for easier cleanup.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For a less-spicy queso, skip the jalapeños or use mild green chiles instead.
For more spice, add hot sauce, additional diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Try different cheeses such as mozzarella, Colby Jack, or fontina for a milder flavor.
Add some protein to the queso dip! Try adding cooked ground beef, chorizo, or crumbled sausage. You can also stir in black beans or pinto beans for a heartier dip.
Other yummy add-ins are roasted corn, salsa, caramelized onions, or diced tomatoes.
For even more smoky flavor, add smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or fire-roasted chiles.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Queso

For every bowl of queso, you’ll need a study dipper! Use tortilla chips, pretzel bites, pita chips, sliced bell peppers, or celery sticks to enjoy the cheesy goodness.

Serve spicy queso alongside other appetizers like Slow Cooker Chicken Wings, Pulled Pork Sliders, taquitos, or ladled over loaded nachos.

Spicy queso makes a tasty addition to lots of meals as a topping or mix-in! Drizzle over Slow Cooker Mexican Chili Tostada Stacks, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, or loaded fries. Stir a few spoonfuls into rice or pasta for a Tex-Mex twist, or spoon over Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes, or scrambled eggs.

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Stir before reheating.

Freezer

Freezing queso is not recommended. Cheese sauces usually become grainy and separate when thawed.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat queso dip over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often, and add a splash of milk to loosen. In the microwave, reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, and adding a bit of cream or milk if needed.