3-Ingredient Queso Dip
You need this hack: the easiest 3-Ingredient Queso Dip. It takes just minutes to make in the microwave. No stovetop, no complicated steps, no long ingredient list. Just reduced-fat cream cheese, your favorite salsa, and melty cheddar for a scoopable dip that’s perfect for game day, taco night, after-school snacking, or anytime you want something craveable in a pinch. (But, if you want a stovetop option instead, we’ve got you—check out the recipe notes)!
Granted, it’s not your typical queso—I’ve taken a few liberties. But it’s still 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 (pepper jack, Cojita), stir in mild or spicy salsa, and then add in whatever herbs you like best to elevate the flavor.
The easiest queso ever!
Full disclosure: this queso is not exactly a beauty queen, haha. Salsa gives it those little veggie flecks and a rustic’ish look, but one bite and nobody cares! In the Bauer house, we love it on just about everything—my high-protein scrambled eggs, turkey tacos or low-carb taco-style cabbage steaks, oven-baked French fries, with carrot and celery sticks and sugar snap peas… you name it.
As a dietitian, I’m always looking for simple ways to make favorite comfort foods a little lighter without losing the fun factor. This easy queso dip is a good example: it’s richand satisfying, made with just three ingredients, and contains only 30 calories per tablespoon.
And if you love dreamy dips like me… you must try my Avocado Ranch Dip, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Caramleized Onion Dip, Lentil Hummus, Edamame Hummus, and Creamy Guacamole!
Try this Lightened-Up Buffalo Cottage Cheese Dip!
3-Ingredient Queso Dip
Ingredients
- ½ cup reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup salsa, mild or spicy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or other preferred cheese, like Monterey pepper jack or Mexican blend*
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.
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
I was looking for an easy queso recipe to make for my family’s Sunday get together. This was SO beyond simple (and delicious). I paired it with cut up veggies and some seed crackers. Perfection! Will make again.
Thank you so much, Patty! We’re so glad to hear you loved this recipe! Here’s to many more queso-filled family gatherings 🙂 — Eliza (Team Joy)
I had friends coming over to watch the playoffs and needed something quick and easy. This is a great shortcut! I used spicy salsa, it was delicious.
I had friends coming over to watch the playoffs and needed something very easy. This was a great shortcut. I used spicy salsa, delicious!
So glad you enjoyed it!
I would love to try this recipes, since we love queso and store-bought isn’t the healthiest. We do not currently have a working microwave, so would heating it slowly on the stovetop yield good results? I may try that (and always appreciate when non-microwave instructions are included in a recipe). Thanks!
Hi K Ann! Thanks for writing in, it seems many people in the community prefer using a stovetop. Joy hasn’t personally tried it on the stovetopbut yes, you can definitely try it on the stovetop. Add the cream cheese and salsa to a small saucepan over low heat and stir until smooth and warmed through. Then gradually stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and creamy. Keep the heat low and stir often so the cheese doesn’t separate. Let us know how it turns out! — Eliza (Team Joy)
I prefer not to use a microwave. Any problems with cooking this on the stove in a saucepan?
Hi Jan! Joy hasn’t personally tried it on the stovetop…the original microwave version was really meant to be an easy shortcut/hack! But yes, you can definitely try it on the stovetop. Add the cream cheese and salsa to a small saucepan over low heat and stir until smooth and warmed through. Then gradually stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and creamy. Keep the heat low and stir often so the cheese doesn’t separate. If you give it a shot, let us know how it turns out! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Haven’t tried this yet, but couldn’t you blend up the salsa before adding it to the cream cheese to create a smoother texture/look?
Absolutely, Sherri! You can definitely blend the salsa first for a smoother, creamier queso texture. I skipped that step simply to keep this recipe as easy and low-mess as possible (no blender… and no extra blender cleanup). But if you want a silkier finish, go for it!