If you've ever found yourself dipping tortilla chips into a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy cheese sauce at Chipotle and thinking, I need more of this in my life, you're in luck! This chipotle queso recipe delivers that same smooth texture and bold flavor right from your own kitchen. Perfect for dipping, drizzling over nachos, or even using as a topping for tacos and burrito bowls, this copycat Chipotle queso is a must-try for cheese lovers.
Classic Chipotle Queso
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Dip, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Medium saucepan For cooking the queso
Whisk Helps keep the sauce smooth
Cheese Grater Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded
Blender (optional) – If you want an ultra-smooth texture
Serving bowl Because presentation matters!
- 2 tablespoons butter – Helps create a smooth base.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk – Adds creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Enhances the richness.
- 8 oz white cheddar cheese shredded – Melts smoothly and gives that sharp, tangy taste.
- 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese shredded – Adds extra meltability.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese – Helps with a silky texture.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo minced – Provides smoky heat.
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce – Intensifies the smoky spicy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Rounds out the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin – Brings in a warm earthy note.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Enhances the smokiness.
- Salt to taste – Balances everything out.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Add the cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
Stir in the cream cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
Mix in the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt).
Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the queso is creamy and well combined.
Blend (optional) for an ultra-smooth consistency.
Serve warm with tortilla chips, or drizzle over nachos, tacos, or burritos!
Pairings
This chipotle cheese sauce is incredibly versatile! Here are some perfect pairings:
- Tortilla chips – The classic choice.
- Loaded nachos – Drizzle over crispy tortilla chips with beans, jalapeños, and guacamole.
- Tacos & burritos – Add a cheesy kick to any Tex-Mex dish.
- Fries – Use it as a dip for crispy French fries.
- Scrambled eggs – A cheesy, smoky breakfast upgrade.
FAQs
1. What kind of cheese works best?
For an authentic Chipotle copycat recipe, stick to white cheddar and Monterey Jack. These melt well and have the right balance of sharpness and creaminess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
2. Can I make this without dairy?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, unsweetened almond or oat milk, and a combination of dairy-free cheddar and cashew-based queso for a vegan alternative.
3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slowly over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency.
4. Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! Add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
