This white spinach queso is creamy, cheesy, and packed with spinach goodness! It’s perfect for dipping your chips or just enjoying by the spoonful—no judgment here!
I can’t resist warm, gooey cheese, especially when it’s this easy to make. Serve it at parties or movie nights, and watch it disappear like magic. 🧀✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. If you’re dairy-free, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Onions: White onions add a nice sweetness and mild flavor. If you have yellow or even red onions, those can work too—each offers a slightly different flavor profile.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, but if you only have frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Cream Cheese: This gives your queso a smooth texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, but be aware that the flavor will change slightly.
Cheese: Monterey Jack and white cheddar are classic choices. If unavailable, try a mix of mozzarella and gouda for a different flavor, but ensure they melt well!
How Can I Make Sure My Queso is Smooth and Creamy?
To achieve the perfect creamy queso, focus on the heat and mixing. After adding the cream cheese, keep the heat low to avoid burning, and be patient.
- Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted before adding any milk. This prevents clumps.
- Gradually whisk in the milk to ensure a smooth mixture. It’s better to add it slowly rather than all at once.
- Once all the cheese is added, stir until fully melted and the texture is unified. If it feels too thick, you can add a bit more milk!
With these tips, your queso will turn out perfectly creamy every time. Enjoy!
Chili’s White Spinach Queso
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup diced white onions
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (drained if canned)
- 1/2 cup green chilies, chopped (optional for mild heat)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious queso will take about 15-20 minutes in total to prepare. This includes around 5 minutes for prep and about 10-15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a snack or party dip!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced white onions. Sauté them until they become translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This will give your queso a lovely flavor base!
2. Adding Garlic and Spinach:
Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for about 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant. Then, stir in the chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, and optional chopped green chilies. Cook everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.
3. Creamy Cheese Mixture:
Next, reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it melts and is fully mixed with the vegetables. Once everything is combined, gradually whisk in the milk to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
4. Melting the Cheeses:
Now, add the shredded Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted and the queso is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, feel free to add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Final Touches:
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Once mixed well, transfer the queso to a serving bowl. If you want, garnish it with a sprinkle of diced tomatoes and spinach for an appealing look!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the queso warm with tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Chili’s White Spinach Queso with friends or family!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water to avoid a watery queso. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of frozen spinach, as it is more concentrated than fresh.
How Can I Make This Queso Spicier?
If you want an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also swap out the green chilies for spicier varieties or include a pinch of cayenne pepper!
How Should I Store Leftover Queso?
Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Queso Vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegan version! Substitute the cream cheese and shredded cheeses for vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Additionally, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk to keep it creamy.