Slow Cooker Queso

This Slow Cooker Queso is going to be the center of attention at any party, holiday or game day! It’s so easy to make, everything goes into your crock pot and cooks into a creamy, cheesy perfection. We’re using as a dip for tortillas, we’re drizzling it over tacos and nachos or on top of these Cheeseburger Bowls!

We’re obsessed with these mega crispy, Air Fryer Tortilla Chips for dipping!

bowl of cheese queso dip with limes and chips on the side

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Queso

I mean who doesn’t love some melted, gooey cheesy queso dip? I’m a huge fan, I’ll take cheesy food whenever I can get it. Because we’re always looking for an easy, make ahead appetizer recipe, this Slow Cooker Queso is often one we turn to.

  • Easy To Make: This cheese dip is truly a dump and go recipe. Everything goes into your slow cooker and you can walk away.
  • Extremely Addicting: Once you get a taste of this queso…you won’t be able to stop. Guaranteed.
  • Versatile: We use this queso as a dip for chips, as a nacho topping or in taco bowls. Also, you won’t believe how good it is spooned over a hamburger or a turkey burger!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A photo of the primary ingredients you’ll need, minus the basics like salt and pepper. For a complete list of ingredients with amounts needed, head to the recipe card at the end of the post.

After the photo we’ll talk about a few of the noteworthy ingredients, why they work in this recipe and also substitutions if applicable.

ingredients for making cheese queso dip

A Few Ingredients We’d Like To Talk About

  • RoTel: A flavorful blend of diced tomatoes with green chiles. You can also swap out petite diced tomatoes or even salsa.
  • Velveeta: A pasteurized, process cheese. Doesn’t have to be this brand but it’s a name we’re all familiar with. There’s really no swap out that will give a super smooth, creamy texture.
  • American Cheese: Head to the deli counter and have them slice the cheese for you on the thicker side so that it can be cubed. This will help everything to melt evenly.
  • Diced Green Chiles: Adds a delicious tang, and a very mild heat. There are also spicier versions if you like it hot!
  • Mexican Blend Cheese: You can also swap out Colby jack or even pepper jack.
  • Evaporated Milk: This will help to make the queso smooth and creamy.

How To Make

We have step by step photos here along with brief instructions. For complete instructions with ingredient amounts head to the recipe card at the end of the post.

slow cooker with cubed cheeses
  • Cube the cheese: Cube (or dice) the American cheeses and Velveeta cheese and place them into your slow cooker.
cheeses, tomatoes and chiles in a slow cooker
  • Add remaining ingredients: Add the Mexican blend cheese, the chopped chiles and RoTel (with juice) to the slow cooker and stir a little to combine.
  • Cook: Cook on low for 30 minutes, then stir. Cook another 30-45 minutes until the cheese is melted and smooth.
close up of a bowl with queso and toppings

For Best Results

Even though this slow cooker queso is a cinch to make, we do have a few tips to ensure that your queso turns out the best it can be.

  • Cut the cheese in approximately the same size pieces: This will help the cheese to melt at the same time. No worries if it’s not totally similar though, just keep cooking until all the cheese is melted.
  • Use whole milk: We like to use whole evaporated milk, not fat free as it gives a creamier texture and flavor.
  • Stir it up: Stir the cheese once or twice during the cooking time to help everything blend together. After the queso is cooked, switch your slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting for serving.

Variations

You can add a whole lot of different ingredients to this queso. Keep it simple or fancy it up! Sometimes we’ll add cooked diced peppers and onions, or a diced jalapeño pepper or two. If you’re looking for a heartier feel, try adding taco meat or shredded chicken.

Of course you can also add different kinds of cheese like colby or pepper jack. Even try some Mexican varieties of cheese like queso fresco or cotija. We like to add lime juice and cilantro to our queso before serving!

tortilla chips dipped into queso

Love Cheese Dip? How About Some More!

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tortilla chips dipped into queso

Slow Cooker Queso

  • Author: Dan
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 Servings 1x

This Slow Cooker Queso is so addicting, you’re not going to be able to stop eating it. Because it’s so easy to make and keep warm in a crock pot, it’s one of our favorite party appetizers!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Velveeta, cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 pound yellow American Cheese, cut into small cubes (get it sliced thick from the deli counter)
  • 1 pound white American Cheese, cut into small cubes (get it sliced thick from the deli counter)
  • 1 can (15.5 ounces) Ro*Tel
  • 2 cans (4.5 ounces each) diced green chiles
  • 2 cans (12 ounces each) whole evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and set on low heat for 45 minutes. Stir and cook another 30-45 minutes until all the cheese is melted.
  2. Turn the slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting for serving.
  3. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice (optional).

Recipe Notes

Store: Store leftover dip in an air tight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Reheat: Reheat in the microwave, stirring often, until warmed through.

  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex

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