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GET IT NOWI first got inspired to make this Crock Pot queso after a holiday potluck at work (before I started working for myself!). Someone brought a warm, cheesy queso in a mini slow cooker, and I was hooked. I immediately had to get one of those mini Crock Pots for myself, and couldn’t wait to try my own version of slow cooker queso at home. And now it’s your turn. Make this super easy Crock Pot queso dip with me—it’s only a few minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does the rest!
Why You Need My Crock Pot Queso Recipe
- Creamy and cheesy – I love the melty, cheesy flavor and a little kick. And you’ve got options to make it smooth or with some texture. It’s the kind of dip everyone will rave about!
- Incredibly easy – This is a set-it-and-forget it recipe. Just throw 3 simple ingredients (that you can find at any grocery store) in the Crock Pot and you’re all set!
- No mystery ingredients – Store-bought queso has added oils, starches, and preservatives. Why get it when making your own is so easy and tastes 1000x better? I also don’t use processed cheeses here, like Velveeta or American cheese.
- Perfect for any gathering – Whether it’s a game day recipe, Taco Tuesday, or a holiday potluck, my Crock Pot queso is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my slow cooker queso recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Cream Cheese – Cutting the cream cheese into cubes helps it melt faster for a smooth finish. I used regular, but light is also fine.
- Salsa – I love using my homemade salsa verde here, but for these pictures I used store-bought to make it even easier. Any salsa will do! You can even use fresh salsa, or canned tomatoes with green chilies (a.k.a. Rotel).
- Shredded Cheese – I went with Monterey Jack cheese, but Colby Jack, queso blanco, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese would work, too.
How To Make Crock Pot Queso
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Combine the ingredients. Just stir them together in a mini Crock Pot.
- Slow cook until melty. Cook on Low for 2 1/2 hours, stirring and whisking every 30 minutes to get rid of any lumps. You can leave the Crock Pot queso in the slow cooker on the Low setting to keep it warm, and just stir occasionally.
My Recipe Tips
- For the best texture, choose a salsa that isn’t too chunky. If you want the texture extra silky smooth, blitz the queso dip in a blender at the end, or just blend the salsa alone before pouring it into the slow cooker.
- Drain your salsa if it’s watery. This will prevent your dip from being too runny.
- Want to make it in a full-size slow cooker? My Crock Pot queso recipe is too small for that, but you can just double or triple the recipe to use a full-size Crock Pot. Simply adjust the number of servings on the recipe card below.
- Prefer to use your stovetop? Just melt the cheese in a double boiler (a glass or metal bowl fitted over a saucepan with boiling water) and stir often.
- Want extra heat? You can choose a hotter salsa, or up the spiciness to your taste with hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chili powder, minced jalapenos, or even taco seasoning.
- Want to make it meaty? Add a cup of cooked ground beef or sausage, or even seasoned taco meat, for a vibe similar to my Rotel dip.
Serving Ideas
My Crock Pot queso goes with all kinds of dippers, as well as other Mexican dishes! Here are some of my faves:
- Raw Veggies – I used mini bell peppers when I took these pictures, and they’re perfect for scooping. Celery, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks work great, too.
- Tortilla Chips – You can grab store-bought, but my homemade tortilla chips taste even better. Top with ground beef, tomatoes, and red onions for epic nachos!
- Tacos – Try my carne asada or chicken fajitas with this queso. You could also drizzle the cheese sauce over a taco skillet, or swap the shredded cheese in my taco casserole with this creamy slow cooker queso dip for a major upgrade!
- Fries – Drizzle it over crispy air fryer French fries, or make a loaded version with toppings like crumbled bacon, jalapenos, and green onions.
- Bowls – Use rice or cauliflower rice as a base, then pile them high with barbacoa, or ground meat, guacamole, fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and queso.
More Cheesy Dip Recipes
I love a good cheese dip! If you like my Crock Pot queso, you’ll probably also enjoy my other dips:
My Mini Crock Pot For This Recipe
I have this simple mini Crock Pot — I love the simplicity and it’s the perfect size for this recipe. But if you want one with a temperature dial, this one is great and just a little bigger.
Crock Pot Queso (Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe)
Make my creamy Crock Pot queso in your slow cooker with just 3 ingredients! It's perfect for parties, and stays warm and melty for hours.
Instructions
[ See step photos See my tips ]Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Mix the cream cheese, salsa, and shredded cheese together in a mini slow cooker.
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Cook on Low for 2 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to get rid of any lumps.
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Optional: If you want even smoother dip, you can puree it in a blender at the end.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above for getting the best texture, adjusting the heat or spices, and alternate methods for the stovetop or a full-size slow cooker.
- Store: Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3-5 days. They’ll get firmer in the fridge, but will get melty again when you reheat. I don’t recommend freezing this Crock Pot queso dip — unlike the kinds with processed cheese, the texture will be ruined.
- Reheat: Just scoop your queso in the Crock Pot again and heat on low until warm. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works, too.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Fall Ebook Bundle!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Crock Pot Queso
64 Comments
Pam
0Do you think you could use a can of Rotel?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Yes, definitely! That sounds like a delicious variation.
Kim | Low Carb Maven
0Love this – especially because it reminds me of my brother who is the queso King! In Texas, the common recipe for queso dip is a brick of Velveeta, a can of spicy Rotel tomatoes and a small jar of grape jelly. I think l much prefer your version made from wholesome and unprocessed ingredients!
Stacey Crawford
0I love this dip! 🙂
Georgina
0Mexican food, cheese, and a slow cooker – three of my favorite things!
Katrin Nuernberger
0This is such a simple recipe and it looks just yum. Thanks for sharing!