Moe’s Queso Copycat Recipe
Introduction
This Moe’s Queso copycat recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful cheese dip that’s perfect for snacking or entertaining. Made with a blend of cheeses and a kick of jalapenos, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients
- 8 oz white American cheese, cubed
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 1 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 oz green chiles (about half a small can)
- 3 slices pickled jalapenos, chopped
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno brine
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a saucepan with 2–3 inches of water and place it over medium heat. Once the water begins to steam, set a mixing bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. If it does, reduce the water level slightly.
- Step 2: Add the cubed white American cheese and the half and half to the mixing bowl. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and combined with the half and half.
- Step 3: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Step 4: Add the green chiles, chopped pickled jalapenos, pickled jalapeno brine, salt, and ground cumin. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Step 5: Serve the queso warm with tortilla chips or your favorite dipping items for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly chopped jalapenos instead of pickled for a brighter, spicier flavor.
- Add a splash of beer for a unique twist and extra depth of flavor.
- For a thicker queso, reduce the half and half slightly or add more shredded cheese.
- Try mixing in cooked chorizo or ground beef for a heartier dip.
Storage
Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain smoothness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this queso?
Yes, you can substitute with other mild melting cheeses like gouda or fontina, but the classic flavor comes from the white American, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar blend.
Is this queso spicy?
The queso has a mild to moderate heat level due to the pickled jalapenos and green chiles, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapenos according to your taste.
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Moe’s Queso Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups (serves 6-8) 1x
Description
This delicious Moe’s Queso Copycat Recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy dip bursting with spicy and tangy flavors. Made with a blend of white American cheese, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar, combined with green chiles and pickled jalapenos, this warm queso dip is perfect for pairing with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers. Simmered gently over a double boiler to ensure smooth melting and the perfect consistency, it’s a must-try game day or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 8 oz white American cheese, cubed
- 1 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
Dairy
- 3/4 cup half and half
Veggies & Spices
- 2 oz green chiles (about half a small can)
- 3 slices pickled jalapenos, chopped
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno brine
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Prepare Double Boiler Setup: Fill a saucepan with 2-3 inches of water and place it over medium heat. Bring the water to a gentle steam. Place a heatproof mixing bowl over the saucepan, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water—adjust water level if needed to prevent contact. This setup will serve as a double boiler to gently melt the cheeses without scorching.
- Melt White American Cheese: Add the cubed white American cheese and the half and half to the bowl. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and fully incorporated into the half and half, creating a smooth creamy base.
- Add Remaining Cheeses: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until all cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Add the green chiles, chopped pickled jalapenos, pickled jalapeno brine, salt, and ground cumin to the melted cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the queso.
- Serve Warm: Remove the queso from heat and serve immediately while warm. Pair it with tortilla chips or your favorite dipping items for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use a double boiler method to prevent cheese from scorching and to achieve a creamy texture.
- Adjust jalapenos and green chiles amount according to your preferred spice level.
- For a thicker queso, reduce the half and half slightly or add more cheese.
- Keep queso warm on low heat or in a small slow cooker if not serving immediately.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently over a double boiler.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Moe’s queso copycat, queso dip, cheese dip, appetizer, party dip, nacho cheese sauce, spicy queso

