CopycatSpices
Copycat Chili's Skillet Queso
Make Chili's famous skillet queso at home — creamy melted cheese blend with smoky chipotle, perfect for dipping chips or topping nachos.
chilis · queso · appetizer · mexican
🕑Prep10 min
🍳Cook15 min
⏱Total25 min
🍽Serves6
⭐DifficultyEasy
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 roma tomato, diced (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- 1.In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute until golden.
- 2.Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Cook 2-3 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly.
- 3.Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.
- 4.Stir in chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- 5.Taste and adjust seasoning — more chipotle for heat, more salt for depth.
- 6.Transfer to a warm skillet or serving bowl. Top with diced tomato and green onion.
- 7.Serve immediately with tortilla chips. Stir occasionally as it cools to prevent a skin from forming.
Chili’s Skillet Queso is a beloved appetizer known for its rich, creamy texture and smoky chipotle kick. This copycat version delivers that restaurant-quality flavor with a blend of three cheeses and simple pantry spices.
The Cheese Blend Matters
A mix of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack gives this queso its signature flavor profile — sharp, creamy, and just a little spicy. Shred your own cheese from blocks for the smoothest melt (pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting).
Keeping It Smooth
Low heat and patience are key. Add cheese gradually and stir constantly. If the queso thickens too much, thin with a splash of warm milk. Serve in a pre-warmed cast iron skillet to keep it dippable longer.
Serving Ideas
Beyond chips, this queso is fantastic over nachos, drizzled on tacos, or as a topping for grilled chicken or steak. Leftovers (if any) reheat well with a splash of milk.
