This creamy White Spinach Queso is packed with yummy cheese and tender spinach, making it a perfect dip for chips. It’s warm, cheesy, and oh-so-good!
Just picture yourself sharing this delightful dip with friends at game night. Honestly, who can resist that gooey goodness? I love to add a sprinkle of jalapeños for a little kick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This helps to create a rich base for the queso. If you’re short on butter, you can use olive oil or even margarine, but be aware they may change the flavor slightly.
Cheese: Monterey Jack is smooth and melty, which is why it’s a favorite for queso. If you can’t find it, try using a combination of mozzarella and cheddar. Also, white cheddar makes it feel more indulgent; you can switch it for regular cheddar if needed.
Frozen Spinach: While frozen chopped spinach is super convenient, you can use fresh spinach too. Just sauté it until wilted before adding it to your queso. It tends to have a fresher taste!
Half-and-Half: This adds creaminess to the dip. If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to use whole milk, but it may be slightly less creamy.
How Do I Make Sure My Queso is Creamy and Smooth?
A big challenge with queso can be getting that perfect creamy texture. Here’s how to avoid lumps:
- Make a roux by cooking flour with butter or oil until it’s just golden. This step is key; it thickens the queso without lumps.
- When adding milk and half-and-half, do it slowly while whisking constantly. This helps mix everything smoothly.
- For the cheese, add it slowly off the heat and stir until it melts completely before adding more. This helps it to blend nicely.
By following these tips, your queso should be wonderfully creamy, just like at Chili’s! Enjoy with those crunchy tortilla chips!
Chili’s White Spinach Queso
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (white and green parts)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
- 1/4 cup diced fresh tomatoes (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Spinach Queso will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick to whip up, making it the perfect choice for parties or cozy nights in! With just a few minutes of prep and cooking, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dip ready to share.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped green onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This will give your queso a delicious base flavor!
2. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. You want it to be lightly golden but not browned. This step helps thicken your queso beautifully!
3. Add the Liquids:
Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half until everything is nice and smooth. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce starts to thicken and bubble gently—this should take about 4-5 minutes.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low, and slowly add your Monterey Jack cheese, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until all the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens!
5. Add Seasoning and Spinach:
Stir in the salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder (if using) to taste. Then, fold in the drained chopped spinach and mix until everything is combined and heated through. You’ll love that fresh spinach flavor!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer your cheesy goodness to a serving bowl and garnish it with diced fresh tomatoes and chopped cilantro for a pop of color. Serve immediately with crispy tortilla chips and enjoy every delicious bite!
This creamy, cheesy, spinach-packed White Spinach Queso is sure to be a hit just like it is at Chili’s!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Just sauté 2-3 cups of fresh spinach in a bit of olive oil until wilted, then chop and add it to your queso.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider including chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add some cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Can I Prepare This Queso Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make it ahead! Prepare the queso without adding the spinach, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove and stir in the spinach until heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk to regain creaminess if needed. Avoid overheating, as it may separate.
