The “chips and dip” area in the grocery store is always an interesting place for me. The variety in salsa type dips is astonishing! So many ways to be creative and change up the flavor in salsa.
Now, I feel like the manufacturers are applying that same mentality to queso dip. One of the popular variations is to use Monterey Jack cheese to make queso dip. And why not? “Mo Jack” cheese is delicious and melty, both great qualities in a cheese for dip.
And it’s just as easy to make yourself. With only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time, you can make a delicious warm queso dip just ready for dipping into with a pile of tortilla chips.

Why I love this Queso Dip
I usually make Queso (without Velveeta!) using 4-cheese Mexican blend. In order to make a Monterey Jack version, I simply swapped the cheese blend for a bag of all Monterey Jack. Easy-peasy, and totally delicious!
The only discernable difference with this queso is that it is a lighter color. The bag of 4 cheeses does include Monterey Jack cheese, but also cheddar, queso quesadilla, and asadero cheeses. Since not all these cheeses are “white” in color, the queso made from them will have a tint of orange in the color.
Ingredients
How to make the Monterey Jack Queso Dip
Start by warming a can of evaporated milk in a small saucepan. Heat to a boil, then add the bag (2 cups) of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Heat and stir to melt the cheese.
Now, add a can of Rotel tomatoes and chilis to the saucepan. I usually stick with the original version of Rotel, but the can with habanero peppers is also a good choice, for when you want a little extra kick of spice.
Speaking of spice, I also add a little cayenne pepper. This can be considered optional, if you are sensitive to heat. I add ¼ teaspoon and find it to be just right. Not “hot” by any means, just a little something to keep the dip interesting.
Sula’s Tips
Try different versions (or brands) of Rotel tomatoes to see if you prefer different flavors. I mentioned the habanero peppers version, but there are others to try as well.
It’s easy to vary the spice by adjusting the quantity of cayenne pepper. If you are sensitive to it, you can omit or maybe just add ⅛ teaspoon to see how it tastes to you. You could also substitute with chili powder for a more mild spice alternative.
Use the bagged pre-shredded cheese for this dip. In many recipes, we are told to avoid this cheese as it is coated with something (usually potato starch) to help prevent the shreds from sticking together. In the case of this dip, that potato starch helps to thicken the dip as you heat it. It makes the texture perfect!
I like to make this for dipping air fryer nachos - because you can never have too much cheese!
More Dips that will Delight
📖 Recipe
Monterey Jack Queso Dip
Ingredients
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese 2 cups shredded
- 12 oz can Rotel tomatoes with chilis undrained
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the evaporated milk to a boil.
- Add in the cheese and stir until melted.
- Add cayenne pepper and canned tomatoes, including liquid, and stir well.
- Remove from heat.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Shannon
Instead of cooking it on the stove, how would I make this using a small crockpot? A friend of mine used this recipe and I loved it which is why I gave it a rating.
Sula
Hi Shannon- a small crockpot will work, but of course it will take longer to get the milk heated up. I think I'd microwave the milk in a jar or bowl first, then transfer it to the crockpot before adding in the cheese. Then let the crock pot continue to heat while you stir to melt the cheese. Once the cheese is melted, add the diced tomatoes and spice. You'll be good to go. 🙂
Amy Liu Dong
Such an amazing dip and it looks so easy to make!
The perfect dip for my favorite snack.
Sula
It's always a hit!
Sherry L Ronning
Your Queso dip tastes amazing!! My family loves Queso dip so I had to try your recipe. It was a huge hit!!
Sula
Awesome!
Anne
This is such a great dip! I like the mild and creamy taste of Monterey Jack and adding the tomatoes is brilliant. It is perfect with fries.
Sula
Yummy idea to have it with fries! Thanks!
Kris
This was the best queso recipe we've ever tried! The evaporated milk and Monterey Jack combo was divine!!
Sula
Thank you so much!
Jennifer
This dip is amazing! It's so creamy and cheesy and it was a breeze to make! My only problem is we ran out of chips!
Sula
Now THAT is a big problem!! LOL
Sarita
Great tip with using the pre-shredded cheese coated with potato starch! This was just the right consistency for staying on those chips!
Sula
Yes! The consistency is important!