The Best Copycat Chilis Queso Dip (Slow Cooker) Recipe Ever

Melty cheese lovers always seek the ultimate creamy queso dip, and this slow cooker copycat chilis queso dip promises pure comfort.

Restaurant-style magic happens right in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Authentic flavors burst through every scoop of this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Rich, velvety cheese blends seamlessly with zesty spices that dance on your palate.

Forget complicated recipes and complicated techniques, this version simplifies everything.

The slow cooker does all the hard work while you relax and anticipate deliciousness.

You’ll impress everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible dip that tastes exactly like the restaurant classic.

Why Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip Is So Popular

• Craft Festive Treats: Create adorable Christmas pudding-shaped Rice Krispie treats that bring holiday cheer to your dessert table.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize these cute puddings with simple decorations using white chocolate drizzle and colorful sugarpaste holly leaves and berries.
• Kid-Friendly Baking: Involve children in making these fun, no-bake desserts that require minimal cooking skills and offer a delightful hands-on experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bite-sized treats offer a playful twist on traditional Christmas pudding that everyone will love.

Everything Needed for Slow Cooker Queso Dip

• Velveeta: A creamy processed cheese that provides a smooth and rich base for the queso dip.

• Chili: Adds hearty flavor and meaty texture to the dip.

• Milk: Helps to create a creamy and smooth consistency.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor to balance the richness of the cheese.

• Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a warm, complex flavor profile with a hint of heat.

Steps for Making Chili’s Queso at Home

Step 1: Prep The Slow Cooker

Place your slow cooker on the countertop and get ready to create a creamy, zesty queso that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

• Velveeta cheese block
• Canned chili
• Whole milk
• Fresh lime juice
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Ground cumin
• Cayenne pepper

Step 2: Toss In Flavor Makers

Dump all ingredients directly into the slow cooker.

No need to pre-mix anything – just let everything tumble in together. The magic happens when heat transforms these ingredients into a silky, spicy dip.

Step 3: Melt And Stir

Cover the slow cooker and set to high heat. Let everything bubble and melt for about 60 minutes.

Halfway through cooking, give the mixture a good stir to ensure everything blends perfectly and no cheese gets stuck to the sides.

Step 4: Achieve Creamy Perfection

Check that the queso is smooth and fully melted.

If it looks too thick, splash in a bit more milk and stir. The consistency should be luxuriously velvety and able to coat a chip completely.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the hot queso to a serving bowl. Surround with crispy tortilla chips, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or green onions on top.

Watch as everyone dives in for a scoop!

Notes for Gooey and Cheesy Queso Lovers

• Use fresh Velveeta for the smoothest, creamiest texture in your queso dip.
• Adjust cayenne pepper carefully to match your heat tolerance, adding gradually for perfect flavor.
• Stir the dip consistently during cooking to ensure even melting and prevent cheese from sticking to the bottom.
• Add milk slowly to control thickness, creating a dippable yet rich queso that coats chips perfectly.
• Consider adding a splash of salsa or diced green chilies for extra complexity and authentic Chili's restaurant-style taste.

Creative Queso Swaps for Snack Fans

• Veggie Lovers Queso: Replace chili with sautéed diced bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños for a vegetarian version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap Velveeta with cashew cheese sauce and use plant-based milk for a lactose-free option.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper, diced green chiles, and a splash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in cooked ground turkey or black beans to boost nutritional value and create a heartier dip.

Pairings to Try With Copycat Queso Dip

• Perfect Flavor Companions: Chili's Queso Dip Pairings
• Boost with Beer Buddies: Grab a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona Extra, which cuts through the rich cheese and complements the spicy chili notes perfectly.
• Crunch with Complementary Chips: Choose sturdy restaurant-style thick tortilla chips that can handle the dense, creamy queso without breaking, preferably with a hint of salt.
• Balanced Side Kick: Prepare a fresh pico de gallo or quick salsa verde on the side to add bright, tangy contrast against the heavy, smooth cheese dip.
• Cool Down with Creamy Dip: Whip up a quick sour cream or cilantro-lime crema to dollop on top, balancing the queso's heat and adding a refreshing layer of flavor.

Storing Queso Dip for Parties

• Store leftover queso in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Pour cooled queso into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date.
• Transfer queso to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add splash of milk if too thick.
• Warm queso in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Add milk or cream to restore creamy consistency if needed.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this Chili's Queso Dip?

The key ingredients are Velveeta cheese, canned chili, milk, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, which create the signature creamy and spicy flavor of the dip.

• Can I make this queso dip without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop by using a large pot and heating the ingredients over low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the dip is smooth.

• How spicy is this queso dip?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder you add. Start with a small amount and adjust to your personal heat preference, or use mild chili to control the overall spiciness.

Copycat Chilis Queso Dip (Slow Cooker) Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip melts smooth cheese and zesty peppers into a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfected in a slow cooker. Loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors, you’ll savor each spoonful of this irresistible party-ready dip.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) Velveeta cheese, chopped into chunks
• 2 (15-ounce) (425 grams) cans no-bean chili

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) chili powder
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) paprika
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) cayenne pepper
• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) lime juice

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) whole milk
• Tortilla chips (for serving)
• Optional garnishes: chopped onions
• Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro
• Optional garnishes: lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Cube the Velveeta cheese into uniform chunks to ensure even melting in the slow cooker.
2. Transfer the cubed Velveeta, prepared chili, milk, and spices into the slow cooker, creating a vibrant, flavor-packed base.
3. Drizzle lime juice over the mixture to add a bright, tangy undertone that will elevate the overall taste profile.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper evenly across the ingredients to distribute the complex spice blend.
5. Cover the slow cooker and set to high temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 60 minutes.
6. Midway through cooking, gently stir the developing queso to prevent any cheese from sticking and ensure consistent texture.
7. Check the consistency after an hour, ensuring the cheese has completely liquefied and formed a smooth, creamy dip.
8. If the texture seems too thick, incrementally add a splash of milk and stir to achieve the desired silky consistency.
9. Transfer the hot queso to a serving dish, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional chili for visual appeal.
10. Accompany the dip with crisp tortilla chips, allowing guests to dive into this decadent, spice-laden appetizer.

Notes

• Opt for freshly ground spices to enhance the depth of flavor and aroma in the queso dip.
• Try different types of chili, like fire-roasted or turkey chili, to create unique taste variations.
• Prevent scorching by stirring the mixture frequently and maintaining low, consistent heat during cooking.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting cayenne pepper and chili powder to suit personal heat preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 433
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg