Chili White Spinach Queso – Creamy, Cozy, and Crowd-Pleasing
There’s something irresistible about a warm bowl of creamy queso bubbling gently on the stove. It invites people to gather, grab a chip, and linger just a little longer around the table. Chili white spinach queso takes everything we love about classic queso and elevates it with mild green chiles, tender spinach, and a rich, velvety white cheese base that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s the kind of dip that disappears quickly at parties and somehow tastes even better during quiet nights at home.
This queso strikes the perfect balance between comfort and freshness. The white cheese melts into a silky sauce, the green chiles add gentle warmth rather than heat, and the spinach brings color and a subtle earthiness that keeps each bite interesting. Unlike heavier cheese dips, this version stays smooth and scoopable, making it ideal for dipping tortilla chips, drizzling over nachos, or spooning onto tacos and burrito bowls.
What really makes chili white spinach queso special is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients and one saucepan, you can create a dip that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and endlessly useful—perfect for game days, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something cozy and cheesy.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces white American cheese, shredded or cubed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper or black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro or extra green chiles
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the white American cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the diced green chiles, chopped spinach, and ground cumin.
- Continue cooking over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted and the queso is thick and smooth.
- Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish if desired. Serve warm.
Chili White Spinach Queso
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add milk and gently heat without boiling.
- Melt white cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in green chiles, spinach, and seasonings.
- Cook until spinach is wilted and queso is creamy.
Notes
Tips & Tricks:
- Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating.
- Shred cheese yourself if possible for the smoothest texture.
- If the queso thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen it.
Variations:
- Add cooked, diced chicken for a heartier dip.
- Stir in jalapeños or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Swap spinach for kale or add roasted poblano peppers.
- Use evaporated milk for an extra-rich texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve chili white spinach queso with tortilla chips, pita chips, or warm bread. It’s also delicious drizzled over nachos, tacos, burrito bowls, baked potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Storage Information:
Store leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often and adding milk as needed.
FAQ:
Why did my queso turn grainy?
Cheese was likely overheated. Keep the heat low and stir continuously.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat slowly and add milk to restore creaminess.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
History / Fun Facts:
White queso, often called queso blanco, became popular in Tex-Mex restaurants as a milder, creamier alternative to traditional yellow queso. Adding spinach and green chiles is a modern twist that brings freshness and balance to the classic dip.
