Creamy Chorizo Queso Dip Recipe for Spicy Snacking

Cheese lovers crave this mouthwatering chorizo queso dip that delivers serious flavor explosions.

Mexican culinary magic happens when spicy sausage meets melted goodness.

Unexpected ingredients create a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game nights and casual gatherings.

Each bite promises rich, smoky undertones balanced with smooth cheese textures.

Bold spices dance across your palate with delightful complexity.

Chorizo’s robust essence elevates this dip from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to scoop up every last delicious morsel with crispy tortilla chips.

Why Everyone Loves Creamy Chorizo Queso Dip

• A crowd-pleasing dip that transforms ordinary gatherings into flavor explosions.
• Whips up in just 15 minutes, perfect for spontaneous snacking or unexpected guests.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling jalapeno amounts, making it adaptable for different taste preferences.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chorizo, vegetables, and creating the creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredients for Creamy Chorizo Queso

• Chorizo: Spicy sausage that provides deep flavor and meaty texture, choose fresh Mexican-style chorizo for best results.
• Ground Beef: Optional alternative protein with similar rich taste, leaner options work well.

• Shredded Cheese, Cream Cheese: Creamy base that melts smoothly, sharp cheddar or monterey jack recommended for rich taste.

• Onion, Jalapeno, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that build foundational flavor, select firm and bright vegetables for maximum taste.

• Milk, Flour: Creates smooth sauce consistency, whole milk provides richer texture.

• Rotel Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and moisture, select original or mild version based on heat preference.

• Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Warm spices that enhance overall depth, ground versions work best.

• Cilantro, Diced Tomatoes, Extra Jalapenos: Fresh toppings that add color and optional heat, chop finely for best presentation.

How to Make Chorizo Queso at Home

Step 1: Crisp Up The Chorizo

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chorizo and break it apart, cooking until it becomes golden brown and deliciously crispy. This should take around 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chorizo, leaving behind some of its flavorful grease.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Base

• Onions
• Jalapeños

Until they become soft and translucent, which takes about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pan. Stir these aromatic spices for about 30 seconds to release their intense flavors.

Step 4: Create A Smooth Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the pan and cook for 1 minute until it turns a light golden color. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously to prevent any lumpy situations.

Step 5: Bring The Sauce Together

• Shredded cheese
• Cream cheese

Keep stirring until everything melts into a luxuriously smooth consistency.

Step 6: Adjust And Enhance

If the dip seems too thick, splash in some extra milk or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency. Fold the crispy chorizo back into the creamy mixture.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

• Cilantro
• Jalapeño slices
• Diced tomatoes

Dive in and enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Helpful Tips for Smooth and Savory Queso

• Control Chorizo Spiciness: Choose mild or hot chorizo based on your heat tolerance, allowing customization of the dip's spice level.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Shred cheese yourself and bring to room temperature before adding to ensure smooth, creamy melting without lumps.
• Smart Consistency Management: Keep milk or cream nearby to adjust thickness if dip becomes too dense during cooking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast spices like cumin and smoked paprika briefly to release their intense, aromatic oils before adding other ingredients.
• Serving Temperature Trick: Use a mini crockpot or warming tray to maintain the perfect dip temperature during gatherings, keeping it smooth and appetizing.

Reheating and Storage Guide for Queso

• Store leftover queso dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent scorching and ensure even warming.
• Consume reheated dip within 2 days and discard if separation or unusual odor occurs.

Great Pairings for Chorizo Queso Dip

• Light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly cuts through the rich, spicy queso, balancing its creamy texture and bold chorizo flavors.
• Mix white corn, yellow corn, and multi-grain tortilla chips to add different textures and enhance the dip's complex flavor profile, providing exciting crunch with each bite.
• Bright, zesty salsa with chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro offers a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spicy queso, creating a delightful palate-cleansing experience.
• Fruity red wine sangria with hints of orange and lime provides a sweet, refreshing counterpoint to the dip's intense spiciness, creating a well-rounded appetizer experience.

Ways to Switch Up Chorizo Queso

• Vegetarian Queso: Replace chorizo with plant-based crumbles or roasted black beans for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for added flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Dip: Swap flour for almond flour, use heavy cream instead of milk, and choose full-fat cheeses. Include extra crispy bacon bits for texture and richness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy cheese with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast-based sauce. Use coconut milk or almond milk to maintain creamy consistency. Add extra spices to boost flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Select reduced-sodium chorizo, omit added salt, and use fresh tomatoes instead of canned Rotel. Include more herbs like cilantro and green onions to enhance taste without extra sodium.

Queso Dip FAQs

• What type of chorizo works best for this dip?

Mexican-style fresh chorizo is ideal, as it provides more authentic flavor and renders good fat for cooking. Avoid Spanish-style cured chorizo, which won’t break down the same way.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and reheat it gently in a crockpot or microwave. Just add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick during reheating.

• How spicy will this queso dip be?

The heat level depends on your jalapeno and chorizo choices. Use fewer jalapeno seeds for milder dip, or add extra for more kick. Rotel tomatoes also contribute a mild spiciness.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour for thickening. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Creamy Chorizo Queso Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican chorizo queso dip delivers bold comfort straight from Southwest kitchens. Melted cheese, smoky chorizo, and zesty peppers blend into an irresistible party starter that will keep guests coming back for more.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ pound (0.23 kilograms) Mexican chorizo, casings removed
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained

Aromatics and Spices:

• ½ onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)

Garnishes and Serving Options:

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos
• Crumbled queso fresco or extra shredded cheese
• Tortilla chips
• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• Vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (if needed for sauteing)

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Instructions

1. Fire up a spacious skillet on medium heat, preparing for a flavor-packed journey.
2. Crumble and sizzle the chorizo until achieving a deep golden-brown crust and crispy texture, releasing its rich, spicy essence.
3. Extract the chorizo using a perforated utensil, intentionally preserving a whisper of rendered fat in the pan.
4. Sauté diced onions and sliced jalapenos in the residual chorizo drippings until they soften and become translucent.
5. Introduce minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoky paprika, allowing the aromatics to dance and intensify for mere moments.
6. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, stirring constantly to create a golden, nutty base that will thicken the sauce.
7. Gradually stream in milk, whisking continuously to ensure a silky, lump-free consistency.
8. Incorporate diced Rotel tomatoes and allow the mixture to reach a gentle, bubbling simmer.
9. Reduce heat and gradually fold in shredded cheese and cream cheese, stirring until achieving a luxurious, molten texture.
10. If the mixture appears too dense, delicately thin with additional milk or heavy cream.
11. Reintroduce the crispy chorizo, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the queso.
12. Transfer the decadent dip to a serving vessel or warm crockpot to maintain its inviting temperature.
13. Embellish with fresh cilantro, additional jalapeno slices, and vibrant diced tomatoes for a stunning presentation.

Notes

• Swap ground chorizo with plant-based sausage crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains bold, spicy flavor profiles.
• Reduce heat level by removing jalapeno seeds or substituting with milder green chiles for sensitive palates.
• Control dip thickness by gradually adding milk, ensuring smooth consistency without becoming runny or overly dense.
• Use low-fat cheese options and Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to create a lighter, healthier queso alternative without sacrificing creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg