3-Ingredient Queso Cheese Dip

Published January 22, 2018. Updated March 8, 2019

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3-Ingredient Queso Cheese Dip is the easiest recipe for a cheese dip! It has a rich and creamy texture, a satisfying cheese flavor, and it’s made with real ingredients, no artificial cheese here!

I’ve partnered with Argo® Corn Starch to create this simple Cheese Dip recipe.

tortilla chip being dunked into a bowl of cheese dip

Homemade Cheese Dip

This is a perfect game day recipe that will disappear in no time! Aren’t we all looking for the cheese dip at a party??

When I get together with family on game day, someone usually brings along a jar of nacho cheese sauce. It may taste good, but I’d prefer to eat ingredients I can pronounce.

It’s still a splurge (this is cheese dip, after all. It’s main ingredient is cheese), but now we can make it from scratch and know exactly what went into it!

Next time around, I’d like to experiment with this and add a 10 oz. can of tomatoes with green chilies (well drained) and a little chili powder for added flair. Or maybe even some leftover homemade strained chili.

queso cheese dip ingredients

Queso Cheese Dip Ingredients

The three ingredients I used to make this simple cheese dip are:

  • plenty of real cheddar cheese
  • half and half for richness
  • corn starch to thicken

Can’t beat that, 3 ingredients that you likely already have on hand!

I used Argo® Corn Starch because it’s a brand I trust and can always rely on for a consistent result to thicken my soups, sauces, stir-fries, gravies and so forth.

I like to use it here because it skips a step in making a roux with butter and flour and that also equates to little less cooking time too.

How to Make Cheese Dip

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together half and half and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Bring to a light boil over medium-high heat stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 30 seconds, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.

half and half in metal saucepan

  • Immediately stir in cheese and return to low heat and stir to fully melt cheese. Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
  • Note that the sauce will not reheat well so scale as needed.

cheddar cheese and half and half in metal saucepan

Can I Make This With Another Type of Cheese?

Yes, this recipe should work with any cheese you can buy in a block at the store. You’ll want to use a softer cheese like Swiss or cheddar since those melt more easily.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese for This Dip?

No, you should buy a block of cheese and shred the cheese yourself. Bags of shredded cheese have cornstarch in them to prevent the cheese from sticking together, which will mess up the creamy texture of this homemade cheese dip.

What to Serve With Cheese Dip

Nothing beats enjoying classic tortilla chips with this dip. Pretzels would also taste great with this, as would sliced apples. Since this dip is flavored only with cheddar cheese, it’s incredibly versatile.

bowl of cheddar cheese dip on a plate with tortilla chips

Tips for the Best Cheese Dip

  • The cheese dip will be a little runny at first, but will nicely thicken as it cools. With that said, this dip is best enjoyed right after making.
  • You can always scale down the ingredients for a smaller party or make a double batch for a bigger game day get-together.
  • Buy the best quality cheddar cheese you can for the best flavor.

bowl of cheese dip on plate with tortilla chips

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3 Ingredient Queso Cheese Dip
4.47 from 13 votes

3-Ingredient Queso Cheese Dip

A super easy, totally delicious cheddar cheese dip made with real ingredients! It has such a rich and cheesy flavor that will leave people craving more. Perfect for parties or game day.
Servings: 8
Prep4 minutes
Cook6 minutes
Ready in: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 Tbsp Argo Corn Starch
  • 8 oz. medium cheddar cheese, shredded*

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan whisk together half and half and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Bring to a light boil over medium-high heat stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 30 seconds, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
  • Immediately stir in cheese and return to low heat and stir to fully melt cheese. Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.

Notes

  • *Don't use pre-shredded cheese. Buy a block and shred it yourself. 
  • The cheese dip will be a little runny at first, but will nicely thicken as it cools. With that said, this dip is best enjoyed right after making.
  • Note that the sauce will not reheat well, so scale as needed.
  • Recipe source: adapted from ARGO
Nutrition Facts
3-Ingredient Queso Cheese Dip
Amount Per Serving
Calories 157 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 40mg13%
Sodium 188mg8%
Potassium 67mg2%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 390IU8%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 236mg24%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

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44 Comments

  • Vic Morris

    Too bad that Argo Cornstarch uses Genetically Modified Roundup Ready Corn. I’ll be using another brand. I love your recipes and the ingredients you choose but some of the brands aren’t quality enough for my pantry.
    Thank you!

  • Ruby

    I added a little chili powder. This is the best “real” cheese dip recipe I have tried, though it was still somewhat bland.

  • Susan Wilcox

    My husband cannot eat spicy things. This recipe lets him have a dip at every family gathering. We cannot find the plain cheese dip in the stores as most are mild or medium spiced. We both love this recipe and so does the rest of the family. SO EASY. Our hardest thing was finding Half and Half as we don’t keep it on hand, but it’s right there in every grocery. EASY TO MAKE, and we can make this on the spot so it’s warm for those cookouts.

  • Sungyl

    Absolutely amazing! The sauce was thick and creamy, just how I like it. It was sooo cheesy. I highly recommend this recipe!

  • Kelly M

    The reviews that said this was bland, you’re using the wrong cheese. I used a pre-shredded cheese blend because that’s what I had. I also sprinkled with a little salt and it was GOOD. I used half 2%milk and half heavy cream. I had a small can of diced green chiles so I added that at the very end. IT WAS SO GOOD! I kept the leftover in the fridge and heated it up for me today and it’s still good! Consistency is a little thicker the next day but still yummy!!

  • Jason Herbert

    This is really good and easy. I used Yancey’s Fancy Buffalo Wing Cheddar for a nice spicy variant.

  • Elizabeth Villagomez

    Can i use heavy whipping cream instead of half and half?

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      That should be fine, you may need a little extra to thin. Or if you have milk on hand you can just use half heavy cream and half milk.

  • felix

    Hiya, recipe worked great, just wanted to point out a typo at the end of the recipe where you put black instead of block. :)