3-Ingredient Queso Dip
You need this hack: the easiest 3-Ingredient Queso Dip. It takes just minutes to make in the microwave. WHAT?!?
Granted, it’s not your typical queso—I’ve taken a few liberties. But trust me, it’s super cheesy and indulgent and you can’t beat the ease and convenience. Not to mention, there are so many ways to customize it based on your taste preferences and what you have in your kitchen (or what’s on sale). For example, you can choose whatever cheese you like best, stir in your favorite salsa—spicy or medium—and then add in whatever herbs you like best to elevate the flavor. It’s a dipper’s dream come true.
Try this Avocado Ranch Dip!
3-Ingredient Queso Dip
You need this hack: the easiest 3-Ingredient Queso Dip. It takes just minutes to make in the microwave. WHAT?!?
Ingredients
- 8- ounce tub reduced-fat cream cheese
- 16- ounce jar salsa, mild or spicy
- 8- ounce block sharp cheddar or other preferred cheese, shredded (like Monterey pepper jack or Mexican blend) *
- *I recommend using full-fat cheese instead of reduced-fat for this recipe because some brands don’t melt well in the microwave, and you can wind up with stringy strands. I also experimented with full-fat block cheese and shredded; while they both work, the block tends to yield a smoother, creamier consistency.
Instructions
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the cream cheese, breaking it up into smaller pieces and scattering across the bottom.
- Pour in the jar of salsa and top with the shredded cheese. Place in microwave for 1 minute. Remove and mix everything together.
- Place back in microwave for another minute or 2 and mix again until everything is rich and creamy with pieces of veggies from the salsa.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, microwave for a minute at a time, stirring in between to soften and combine the ingredients until the dip is warm and smooth.
Notes
• It makes a great, big, batch, which is good for the Bauers because we love it on everything—scrambled eggs, tacos, even as a dip with carrots and celery, lol. I also appreciate that it’s only 30 calories per tablespoon so you don’t have to skimp.
• It’s simple to scale it down for a smaller, 1-cup yield. Use 2 ounces (~¼ cup) reduced-fat cream cheese, 4 ounces (½cup) salsa, and 2 ounces full-fat block cheese, shredded (~½ cup).
• You can make a flavorful queso spin using green salsa, a la salsa verde!
Full disclosure: it’s NOT exactly a looker (haha), so don’t judge a book by its cover. But boy, it’s yummy…and simple! Try it over my Oven Baked French Fries.
Nutrition information provided per tablespoon.
Nutrition Information per serving
Serving Size: 1tbspCalories: 30Carbohydrates: 1gProtein: 2gTotal Fat: 1.5g— Unsaturated Fat: 0g— Saturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 95mgFiber: 0gTotal Sugar: 1g— Natural Sugar: 1g— Added Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe!
If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!
Not so good.
Hi Tori, we’re so sorry to hear you didn’t like Joy’s 3-ingredient queso. We feel terrible that you didn’t have a good experience with one of her recipes and we’d love to help figure out why it didn’t work for you.
A couple of things we thought of: First, did you use full-fat cheese when making the recipe? Reduced-fat cheese doesn’t melt as well as full-fat and may become stringy. This can affect the outcome of the final dip consistency. Also, the type of salsa you use will play a crucial role, since that’s where the spices and flavorings are coming from. With that in mind, it should be a brand you prefer and love. Lastly, as Joy points out, this not a typical/classic queso—but it’s still very cheesy, while being quick and easy to make and lower in fat and calories than standard versions.
That being said, every recipe is not for everyone and we completely respect your lack of enthusiasm for this one, LOL. Hoping you try some of her other creations and have a better reaction!
Wishing you all the best!
Team Joy