Chili's Queso Dip Recipe - The Girl Who Ate Everything (2024)

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posted by Christy Denneyon Dec 29, 202065 comments »

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This is a copycat version of Chili’s Queso Dip which is one of my family’s favorites. Throw this Mexican dip together in the slow cooker or heat on the stove, either way it’s a quick crowd pleasing appetizer.

CHILI’S QUESO DIP

We don’t go out often with all five kids mainly because we aren’t masoch*sts.

Until our kids get a little older there’s just no reason to take them out. I want them to appreciate going out – for it to be a special event that they don’t take for granted.

The one place we’ve started eating at recently is Chili’s mainly because they have little consoles that the kids can play games on at the table while you wait for your food.

I’m not going to lie, a little piece inside of me dies every time we go there because it means I’ve given up on having family conversations during mealtime and surrendered to technology.

But sometimes, it’s so worth it for a quiet meal. And we have plenty of family convos at home around our own dinner table.

My friend asked me to bring a queso dip and Pico De Gallo to a Mexican pool party and this is what I took. It has Velveeta. I realize I might get ~~some~~ lots of hate mail for that but hey, if you don’t like it come back tomorrow for a different recipe.

We can still be friends. I will say this dip is spot on in my opinion. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser!

OTHER APPETIZER RECIPES:

The Best Bean Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Hoagie Dip
Cowboy Queso
Beef Enchilada Dip
Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups
Easy Feta Dip

Chili's Queso Dip

4.40 from 61 votes

This is a copycat version of Chili's Queso Dip which is one of my family's favorites.

PrintPinRate

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 2 hours hrs

Total Time: 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

16 oz . Velveeta Cheese
1 cup milk, (or half and half for an even creamier version)
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 (15-oz) can no-bean chili (like Hormel)
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon lime juice
tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

Cut Velveeta cheese into cubes. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker (can also be heated on the stove without a slow cooker). Cover and cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour.
Stir together and keep on low until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Notes

I happen to have a 1.5 quart slow cooker that worked perfectly for this. You can use a bigger one, it just won't fill the slow cooker as much. This can also be prepared on the stove top. Just heat up the ingredients and enjoy!
Source: Creme De La Crumb

Cuisine: Mexican

Course: Appetizer

Author: Christy Denney

All Recipes Appetizers Cheese Cinco De Mayo Crockpot Dips Mexican No-Bake Appetizers Slow Cooker

published on Dec 29, 2020

65 comments Leave a comment »

Chili's Queso Dip Recipe - The Girl Who Ate Everything (3)

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65 comments on “Chili’s Queso Dip”

Cheyenne — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 @ 19:36:32 EDT Reply
I have been making and loving this queso recipe for over 2 years! It’s delicious and is always a crowd-pleaser!!!! One of the best queso recipes I’ve ever tried.
- Christy Denney — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 @ 00:52:39 EDT Reply
  Thank you!
Martha Barber — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 @ 22:17:28 EDT Reply
You nailed the taste. Delicious!! I used 1/3 cup Half & Half instead of the 1 cup of milk. Consistency was thicker & more like restaurant.
Helene Cooper — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 @ 22:58:30 EST Reply
We can’t get velveeta in Australia. Is there something that I can swap it for. We don’t have the cheese selections here.
- Christy Denney — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 @ 01:03:13 EST Reply
  Any kind of processed cheese
Shawn — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 @ 16:54:50 EDT Reply
Fantastic, better than at chili’s lol
- Christy Denney — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 @ 02:30:22 EDT Reply
  Haha
Heather — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 @ 17:23:20 EDT Reply
This was absolutely delicious and spot on! The only things I changed is not adding salt because the tortilla chips I have are prettt salty, and I added about a half pound of ground round, as I know chili’s uses it. It might even be better than their own. Thanks so much for sharing!!
- Christy Denney — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 @ 00:51:32 EDT Reply
  You’re welcome!
Payton — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 @ 16:18:04 EDT Reply
I moved to Sicily a year ago and was having a pregnancy craving for Chili’s queso. This totally hit the nailon the head. Way to go!
- Christy Denney — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 @ 02:20:14 EDT Reply
  Congrats on your pregnancy! So glad I could help.
Lindsey — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 @ 15:13:53 EST Reply
This was 100% a crowd pleaser!! I 100% recommend using a crock pot liner!
- Christy Denney — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 @ 02:36:09 EST Reply
  Thank you!
Elias — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 @ 22:22:39 EDT Reply
Even though its nothing like the chili’s queso, it’s pretty good
Dorothy Petteway — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 @ 18:51:26 EST Reply
Made this for super bowl and OMG it’s so delicious! I always buy it from chilli’s but from now own I will be making my owns!! Thanks for sharing this!!
Blossom — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 @ 10:26:58 EST Reply
The dip is delicious! It’s always a hit and requested at every work potluck! I follow the recipe as written. It has a nice kick and not overwhelming spicy. Co-workers suggested pouring this over a loaded baked potato! I may switch it up next time I make it and add some sausage!
Cindy — Sat, 11 May 2019 @ 02:15:29 EDT Reply
Why would people get upset if you use velveeta?
So you don’t use cream cheese in it. I really like chili’s queso dip. Do you know what it would taste like with cream cheese in it?
Tom — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 @ 13:29:09 EDT Reply
I’ve done a simpler method by using Hormel chili with no bean and franks hot sauce with the velveeta cheese in the crock pot.
Todd — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 @ 23:01:18 EDT Reply
Made exactly as recipe stated!
Zero complaints!
Entire family loved it….
This was the BOMB! yum
Thanks for an awesome recipe!
Does this wash easily out of beards???
- Mandi — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 @ 10:32:13 EDT Reply
  😂
  
  See Also
  Easy Vegan Gnocchi Recipe
Rheba — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 @ 15:22:59 EST Reply
We made it last night and it was good. I added only 1/8 tsp cayenne (medical treatments make spicy difficult for me). Next time I’ll reduce the chili powder to 1 tsp, and use a little less chili, maybe 3/4 the can, with just a pinch of cayenne. Thank you for this recipe, it was just what I was looking for.
- Christy Denney — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 @ 23:09:59 EST Reply
  You’re welcome!
Brittany — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 @ 10:21:37 EST Reply
Made this last night….soooo good!
- Christy Denney — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 @ 23:57:33 EST Reply
  Glad you liked it!
Sam — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 @ 13:30:00 EST Reply
I’m planing on making this for a NYE party later today. Would it work to prep it in the morning and throw everything in a pot, but not heat it up until this evening?
- Christy Denney — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 @ 22:51:31 EST Reply
  Sorry! Just seeing this. Yes, that would be totally fine.
Jessica Kerley — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 @ 14:22:40 EST Reply
So disappointed by this recipe. WAY TOO SPICY!!! Like inedible spicy! I followed the recipe to a T and it was just so hot. Tried cutting it with half and half and 32 ounces of velvetta but the whole thing was a fail. Won’t be making this again.
- Christy Denney — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 @ 23:39:38 EST Reply
  Sorry. You can definitely cut down on the spice but I don’t think it’s too spicy. My kids eat it!
- Houston Childress — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 @ 14:53:09 EST Reply
  Well this was an incredibly rude comment!! I’m pretty sensitive to spicy foods, and this recipe wasn’t too spicy AT ALL. It was delicious and a crowd favorite, including lots of little kids. It tastes just like Chili’s, fantastic.
Eve — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 @ 22:22:45 EDT Reply
Perfect!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 @ 23:30:53 EDT Reply
  Thanks!
Kylie — Sat, 26 May 2018 @ 15:19:39 EDT Reply
If I were to make 32 ounces would I just double the amounts of seasoning that’s added ?
- Christy Denney — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 @ 21:52:31 EDT Reply
  If you make 32 ounces, yes, you will double ALL of the other ingredients as well.
Jess Cosner — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 @ 17:15:18 EST Reply
My husband and I have a 3yr old and don’t always get to go to restaurants. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Chili’s queso…….. and this really does taste like it!
- Christy Denney — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 @ 22:35:43 EST Reply
  Ooh I’m glad I have your approval.
Neise B — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 @ 18:56:50 EDT Reply
How to make it less thick and more easier to stir? The cheese thickens so fast. Could I use water or is it the milk that does the trick?
- Christy Denney — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 @ 23:35:15 EDT Reply
  I wouldn’t use water. Mine isn’t super thick. Weird. Maybe try water if you think?
- Michal Ellermann — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 @ 19:13:47 EST Reply
  You could try using milk with a lower milkfat percentage.
Elinor L. — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 @ 20:33:40 EST Reply
If I omitted the extra salt, would it still be delicious?
- Christy Denney — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 @ 22:20:12 EST Reply
  YEs! I’m sure you can omit it!
Angela — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 @ 18:46:55 EDT Reply
I make this with smoked paprika…..elevated YUM!!!!
- Christy Denney — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 @ 15:11:30 EDT Reply
  Yum!!
- Emily — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 @ 23:03:02 EST Reply
  I’ve never had Chili’s Queso. But I made this tonight for New Years Eve “dip” party. I used an Electric Fondue Pot. It worked perfectly! It’s so delicious!! I topped it with some chopped cilantro as well! Everyone loved it.
Suzanne — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 @ 14:37:29 EDT Reply
This dip is delicious!!! Every time I serve it I am asked for the recipe. Thanks for another wonderful recipe! Me and my daughters love your blog!!!
- Christy Denney — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 @ 23:39:52 EDT Reply
  I think I love your daughters then! Glad you love it!
Samantha — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 @ 18:58:32 EDT Reply
Used the white queso velveeta because I already had it in my fridge. It was delicious!
- Christy Denney — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 @ 22:13:23 EDT Reply
  So glad you enjoyed it!
SShen — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 @ 19:41:01 EST Reply
I think it’s a good base but incredibly salty that I could only eat a few chips.
- Christy Denney — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 @ 21:37:03 EST Reply
  Were your chips salty by chance?
Chiriga — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 @ 18:41:16 EST Reply
I just made this dip and it was really good I used a 32 oz of cheese and just diluted it with half and half. Came out perfect
- Christy Denney — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 @ 21:49:42 EST Reply
  Yum! Now I want it.
Linda — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 @ 14:48:20 EST Reply
YUMMO. It tastes exactly like Chilis. Making it for Christmas Eve this year for the family. They will LOVE it!!
Matt — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 @ 18:18:45 EST Reply
No matter where I went, I could NOT find no-bean chili… Tried using ‘Manwich’ instead and it worked great!
Have yet to be disappointed with a ‘Girl Who Ate Everything’ recipe!
- Christy Denney — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 @ 19:44:36 EST Reply
  Thank you Matt! BEans don’t hurt it. It’s just a preference so you them next time!
Joan — Sun, 10 May 2015 @ 22:59:03 EDT Reply
It’s just, WOW, this Chili’s Queso dip is amazing. I made one and it just taste great with chips. Your site is just packed with easy and delicious recipe thank you!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 11 May 2015 @ 20:59:12 EDT Reply
  Thank you so much!
Cris — Mon, 04 May 2015 @ 20:30:00 EDT Reply
Doesnt chilis queso have ground meat?
- Christy Denney — Tue, 05 May 2015 @ 15:07:26 EDT Reply
  There’s meat in the chili.
- Shannon — Sun, 01 May 2022 @ 20:50:15 EDT Reply
  So I made this with great value brand slice cheese that is not individually wrapped and it turned out perfect. I don’t like the taste of Velveeta cheese so when I make cheese dips I use that and it melts just like Velveeta. Oh and hubby wanted more chunks so i added an extra can of chili and it was still perfect not to thick not to thin. Thank you for this recipe!!!
Shawnna — Mon, 04 May 2015 @ 09:14:17 EDT Reply
Yummy!! That looks great! I love dip!
Sheryl — Mon, 04 May 2015 @ 08:54:42 EDT Reply
Thanks for sharing just in time for Cinco de Mayo. I fully support your use of Velveeta, because it simply is best in some recipes. This looks delicious.
- Christy Denney — Tue, 05 May 2015 @ 15:12:09 EDT Reply
  I know right?!!
Robby — Mon, 04 May 2015 @ 08:52:24 EDT Reply
While I am pretty selective about cheese, nothing melts like Velveeta. Like many tasty things in life, a little now and then isn’t going to kill you. Not even in what looks like a killer dip. Yum.
- Christy Denney — Tue, 05 May 2015 @ 15:12:25 EDT Reply
  I totally agree!
The Busy Brunette — Mon, 04 May 2015 @ 07:56:36 EDT Reply
OMG – that looks SO good! I could just eat it with a spoon… forget the chips. Definitely adding this to my list to make this week.
Oh, also wanted to let you know that I just love your blog. I actually featured it on MY blog today as one of my favorite food blogs! 🙂
“The Busy Brunette”
http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com/