Poblano Queso
This creamy poblano queso dip is smoky, melty, and downright irresistible—and y’all, it comes together fast enough for a busy weeknight or a last-minute get-together. With roasted poblano peppers and plenty of cheese, this is the kind of dip that disappears before you can set the bowl down.
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I love this recipe because it feels a little fancy but is actually super simple and budget-friendly. Poblanos give you that mild heat without blowing your taste buds away, and the combo of cheddar (or Monterey Jack) with cream cheese makes it extra smooth and cozy. This is one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for game days, taco nights, or when friends pop by unexpectedly.
If queso is your love language too, you might also like my Sourdough Tortillas, Slow Cooker Hamburger Cheese Dip, or Instant Pot Chicken Nachos—they all pair perfectly with this one for a full-on snack spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky Flavor: Roasted poblano peppers add just the right amount of smoky goodness without being too spicy.
- Ultra Creamy: A mix of shredded cheese and cream cheese makes this dip smooth and rich.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes total.
- Versatile: Serve it as a dip, drizzle it on tacos, or spoon it over nachos.
Ingredients
Poblano Queso
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- medium saucepan
- whisk
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Mixing Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 large poblano peppers
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt more to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- Optional: chopped cilantro or diced tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Place poblanos on a baking sheet and roast for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until skins are blistered. Place in a bowl, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes. Peel off skins, remove seeds, and finely chop.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in cumin and salt. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheese and cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the chopped roasted poblanos and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish as desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Keep the heat low once the cheese goes in to prevent separation.
- Stir constantly during the final minutes for the creamiest texture.
- Serve immediately for best consistency.
- Serving size is 1/4 cup.
Storage
Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often and adding a splash of milk if needed. Freezing:
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture can become grainy once thawed.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
Wendy’s Tips
- Roast the poblanos until the skins are well blistered—that’s where the flavor really develops.
- Whisk the milk in slowly to avoid lumps and keep the queso silky smooth.
- If the dip thickens too much, add a splash of warm milk to loosen it up.
- Variation: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Variation: Swap in pepper jack cheese if your family likes things a little spicier.
FAQ
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
You can, but roasting gives the dip its signature smoky flavor. It’s worth the extra step.
Once all the cheese is fully melted and the dip is smooth with no graininess, it’s good to go.
Yes—after roasting the poblanos, add everything to a slow cooker on low and stir occasionally until melted.
Poblanos are mild, so the heat level is pretty gentle. Perfect for most families.
