Instant Pot White Queso Dip Recipe
White queso dip is one of my favorite appetizers – and now you can make it in the Instant Pot using this easy and popular recipe!
Instant Pot White Queso Recipe
I’ve never been a big cheese fan…but I sure can’t get enough of white queso.
There’s just something so delicious about warm, flavorful white cheese being scooped up with chips.
A few weeks ago, I was assigned to bring a cheese dip to a family get together, and I thought it would be fun to try and make an Instant Pot queso dip.
I know, I know, it goes against all rules about experimenting new recipes for parties and guests…but I really felt confident about this one.
It took me a while to decide exactly how to go about it, but in the end, I think this recipe is pretty much delicious.
It is a recipe that you do need to keep warm – so I would consider moving to a small slow cooker or keeping the bowl on a warming plate. It is absolutely delicious though, and I think it’s pretty much foolproof.
I used a Pyrex glass bowl to cook the queso in my Instant Pot, and I think it worked out pretty well. I did have a little bit of trouble getting it out…but in the end, I was successful. That’s just something to keep in mind.
This had a wonderful flavor, and it was perfect for chips and for the taco bar that we served it at. After it is done, you do need to whisk it for a little bit to make sure everything is smooth. But it’s delicious!
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Recipe published in 2017. Updated in 2019.
How to Make White Queso
Equipment
Instant Pot (I have a six quart – any size is fine)
Tin foil
Whisk
Trivet
Instant Pot safe bowl (I use this brand).
Ingredients
1 cup water
3/4 lb White American Cheese
1 cup quesadilla shredded cheese mix
1 Tablespoon butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 small can Rotel
1 Tablespoon milk
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 lb mild chorizo, cooked and crumbled – optional
Directions
Add water to Instant Pot.
Put trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot.
Cover the bottom of an Instant Pot safe bowl (that fits in your IP) with foil and place on trivet.
Add remaining ingredients into the bowl and cover with tin foil.
Place lid on Instant Pot, make sure the valve is sealed, and set for 18 minutes on manual high pressure.
After the timer goes over, release the pressure immediately.
Remove lid once pressure has been released.
Remove tin foil and whisk the dip immediately until smooth. You may have to set your Instant Pot to “saute” if it’s cooled too much.
If you are adding chorizo, mix in now.
FAQ
I always get it from the deli.
I used Senor Gusto Quesadilla Shredded cheese. Any type of quesadilla shredded cheese will do.
I just used a Pyrex glass bowl that fit in my pot.
I have not tried this, but I’m sure you could. I would put all the ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours or high for about two.
Yes, the flavors might be a little different. But it should still turn out fine.
Instant Pot White Queso Dip
A delicious and easy instant pot white queso dip. This is a popular recipe for all ages!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 lb white american cheese, slices
- 1 cup queso shredded cheese mix
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 1 can Rotel
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Put one cup of water in the bottom of your Instant Pot.
- Cover the bottom of an Instant Pot safe bowl with tin foil and place on a trivet that has been placed on the bottom of your Instant Pot.
- Add remaining ingredients and cover top of bowl with tin foil.
- Put on Instant Pot lid and set for 18 minutes on manual high
- After time is up, quick pressure release and remove lid.
- Remove tin foil and whisk immediately until smooth. You may need to set the pot to "saute" to help.
Notes
- I like to buy my American cheese sliced from the deli.
- When the recipe is done, you will likely see that is a little bit separated. Whisking this while it's still hot will help to combine everything.
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You need to clarify if the water in the ingredients list is for the queso or for the bottom of the instant pot. I followed the recipe and “added all ingredients “ which resulted in a watery mess. It’s confusing to those trying to make the recipe that see directions to add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot and then see the water pop up again in the ingredients list with no clarification. Disappointed.
Hi, Michelle. I’m so sorry this didn’t work out for you and that you found that confusing. This is our most popular recipe, and I’ve never gotten that feedback. But I will add water to the top of the list so hopefully there is no confusion for any others, I believe it’s only listed once. HOpe you’ll try it again!
Texan here. I found this to be creamy and pretty close to the liquid gold my state is known for. I tweaked a a bit and found it more authentic tasting. Added cilantro instead of oregano, cut most of the cream cheese, added more quesadilla cheese and more milk to accommodate. Wanted to share my tweaks for anyone who wanted them!
Thanks for sharing your tweaks, Ciara! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Hello,
Would it be possible to make this recipe without the rotel?
Sure, it would still taste good, I think!
I have a six quart. What do I need to look for in regards to the size of the bowl you used?
That is the same size IP I have, so similar to the bowl I use would be fine 🙂
What is the purpose of putting foil under the bowl?
you make a sling of the foil and put it under the bowl, with several inches above the top edge of the bowl, so it can work as handles to easily lift the bowl out of the IP
I see where the recipe calls for Oregano but I never saw you put it in on the video. Is this a necessary ingredient?
If you don’t like Oregano, you don’t have to add it 🙂
Do you have to cook it in the glass bowl?
Because of the water that needs to be in the bottom of the pot, you will need to have it in some kind of IP safe bowl.
I’m not sure what queso shredded cheese mix is.
It is just what it was called when I bought it from the store 🙂 It was a blend of white mexican cheeses that was available with the other shredded cheese 🙂
I notice in the video you use butter and milk, but they are not listed on the ingredients list. How much of each do you use?
Oops! Thanks for noticing that. One tablespoon of each!
Please pardon my ignorance, but what is Rotel?
Not a bad question! It’s basically tomatoes and green chiles. You can buy it at pretty much any grocery store 🙂