Craving that irresistible Chili’s Skillet Queso but want a version without Velveeta? This copycat queso recipe offers all the cheesy goodness using real cheese for a more authentic and equally delicious experience. Perfect for dipping on game day, family gatherings, or as a delectable snack.
Why You’ll Love This Amazing Appetizer
- Cheesy and Flavorful . Packed with melty cheese and a blend of spices, this queso is irresistibly good.
- Quick and Easy to Make . With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for when you need a tasty appetizer in a hurry.
- Perfect for Sharing . Ideal for social gatherings and family meals.
- Customizable . Adjust the heat and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you’re a fan of Chili’s or just love a good cheese dip, this Copycat Skillet Queso recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
What Is Queso Sauce Made Of?
- Sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese- These cheeses form the primary base of the queso. Sharp Cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor, while Monterey Jack offers a milder taste and excellent melting qualities. The combination results in a smooth, flavorful cheese base for the queso.
- Canned Chili (No Beans) - The canned chili contributes a meaty depth and a hint of spiciness to the queso. It adds texture and enhances the overall richness of the dish without overpowering the cheese. If you want to avoid the premade stuff, you can use my Keto Chili which is award-winning and also doesn’t have beans.
- Heavy Cream- This dairy element is essential for achieving the creamy texture that is characteristic of queso. It helps to smooth out the cheese mixture, preventing it from becoming too thick or stringy, and adds a luxurious richness to the dip.
- Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder, and Paprika) - These spices are key in giving the queso its signature flavor profile. Cumin adds a warm, earthy note; chili powder provides a mild heat and complexity; and paprika, depending on its variety, can add a sweet or smoky flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
- Optional (Jalapeños, Green Chilies, or Cilantro) - These optional ingredients allow for customization based on personal taste preferences. Jalapeños and green chilies can add a spicy and slightly tangy element to the queso, while cilantro can introduce a fresh, herbaceous note. They can be used as garnishes to enhance both the flavor and visual appeal of the dish.
Together, these ingredients create a Skillet Queso that is not only rich and flavorful but also offers a variety of textures and taste sensations, making it a popular and enjoyable appetizer or snack.
How To Make Skillet Queso
- Prep Your Ingredients . Grate the cheeses and measure out your spices.
- Melt the Cheeses . In a skillet or saucepan, combine the grated cheeses with a little heavy cream over low heat.
- Add Flavor . Stir in the canned chili and spices, mixing well.
- Simmer To Perfection . Continue to cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400F oven and cook for 10 minutes.
- Serve Warm . Keep warm in a skillet. Serve with tortilla chips and optional garnishes like jalapeños or cilantro.
- Enjoy! Gather around and enjoy this cheesy, flavorful dip!
Tips And Tricks
Making Skillet Queso that’s creamy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing involves a few key tips and tricks. Here are some suggestions to help you make the perfect queso every time:
- Choice of Cheese . Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect smooth melting.
- Low and Slow . Melt the cheese over low heat. High heat can cause the cheese to seize and become grainy. Patience is key to achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
- Constant Stirring . Keep stirring the queso as it heats to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and burning.
- Cream for Consistency . Adding a bit of cream or half-and-half can help achieve a silky texture. Adjust the amount to get your desired consistency.
- Spice it Up . Customize the spice level to your liking. Add cumin, chili powder, and paprika for flavor, and consider fresh jalapeños or canned green chilies for a kick.
Variations
Skillet Queso is a versatile and beloved dish that can be customized in many delicious ways. Here are some creative variations to try:
- Spicy Skillet Queso - Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Meaty Skillet Queso - Stir in cooked and crumbled chorizo, ground beef, or bacon to add a savory and hearty element.
- Veggie Skillet Queso - Mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
What Is Skillet Queso Served With?
Skillet Queso is a versatile and popular appetizer that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some classic and creative options for what to serve with it:
- Tortilla Chips - The most traditional and popular pairing. Their crunch and mild flavor make them perfect for scooping up the cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Vegetables - Sliced bell peppers, carrots, celery, and cucumber sticks offer a crunchy, healthy way to enjoy the queso.
- Bread - Slices of baguette or chunks of a crusty loaf can be a satisfying alternative to chips.
- Pico de Gallo - Top your skillet queso with pico de gallo for a pop of freshness in each bite.
- Pretzels - Soft pretzels or pretzel sticks can add a nice salty contrast to the creamy queso.
How Long Does It Last?
Leftover Skillet Queso can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, let the queso cool to room temperature (but not for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth), then place it in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze It?
Freezing Skillet Queso is not generally recommended as the texture can change significantly when thawed. Dairy-based sauces often separate and become grainy after freezing.
When you’re ready to eat the stored queso, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir it frequently while reheating to help maintain a smooth consistency. If the queso seems too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or cream to thin it out.
More Awesome Appetizers
- Cocktail Meatballs
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Artichoke Dip
- Pizza Pinwheels
- Breaded Chicken Wings
Skillet Queso Recipe | Copycat Chili’s Skillet Queso
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 cups Cheddar Cheese , shredded
- ▢ 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese
- ▢ 15 oz Canned Chili without Beans
- ▢ 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Cumin
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Paprika
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients . Grate the cheeses and measure out your spices.
- Melt the Cheeses . In a skillet, combine the grated cheeses with a little heavy cream over low heat.
- Add Flavor . Stir in the canned chili and spices, mixing well.
- Simmer to Perfection . Continue to cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400F oven and cook for 10 minutes.
- Serve Warm . Keep warm in a skillet. Serve with tortilla chips and optional garnishes like jalapeños or cilantro.
- Enjoy! Gather around and enjoy this cheesy, flavorful dip!
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Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats , and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
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Skillet Queso Recipe | Copycat Chili’s Skillet Queso
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese
- 15 oz Canned Chili without Beans
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients . Grate the cheeses and measure out your spices.
- Melt the Cheeses . In a skillet, combine the grated cheeses with a little heavy cream over low heat.
- Add Flavor . Stir in the canned chili and spices, mixing well.
- Simmer to Perfection . Continue to cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400F oven and cook for 10 minutes.
- Serve Warm . Keep warm in a skillet. Serve with tortilla chips and optional garnishes like jalapeños or cilantro.
- Enjoy! Gather around and enjoy this cheesy, flavorful dip!
Skillet Queso Recipe | Copycat Chili’s Skillet Queso https://twosleevers.com/skillet-queso-recipe/
Do you love Jambalaya but hate how long it takes to make it? Make this Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe for an easy weeknight meal.
Why Make Jambalya In The Instant Pot?
- Fast. Forget spending hours to make a comfort meal. Make this in under 30 minutes with your Instant Pot.
- Easy.
- Flavorful. Loaded with sausage, peppers, shrimp and tons of spices for a meal that is far from boring.
- Authentic. This will remind you of your favorite dish from the French Quarter.
Ingredients To Grab
This recipe uses a few more ingredients than a lot of what you’ll find on the blog, but I promise you it is well worth the extra shopping trip. Thankfully, most of the ingredients you’ll need are spices and pantry staples.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp. Uncooked, peeled, and deveined.
- Andouille sausage. If you have kielbasa, you can use those as well.
- Rice. I prefer Basmati, but any long-grain rice will work for this recipe.
- Celery . Adds a bit of color and bite to the recipe.
- Bell Pepper. Packs a load of flavor without making the jambalaya too spicy.
- Broth. I used seafood, but you can use any vegetable or chicken stock as well. It helps the pot come to pressure while adding more depth of flavor.
- Olive Oil.
- Onion.
- Garlic.
- Tomato Paste. Gives the traditional tomato-based addition to the recipe when combined with the broth.
- Cayenne. Kicks up the spice level in this jambalaya.
- Paprika. For color and a hint of smokiness.
- Oregano.
- Thyme.
- Worcestershire Sauce. Adds a little umami flavor to the dish.
How To Make Instant Pot Jambalaya
- Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil.
- Add the sliced Andouille sausage to the Instant Pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to brown and release its flavors.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices and develop flavor.
- Add the Basmati rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the seafood broth and give everything a good stir to combine.
- Cancel the sauté mode on the Instant Pot, and secure the lid in the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) mode and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot and add the raw shrimp. Stir them into the hot rice mixture. The residual heat will cook the shrimp. Close the lid for a few minutes to help the shrimp cook through. They should turn pink and opaque.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, fluff the Jambalaya with a fork and serve hot.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Jambalaya!
Tips and Tricks
- Use your favorite proteins. Prefer chicken or beef? Have a seafood allergy? You can still make a wonderful meal with a few modifications.
- Add more veggies. I love adding extra nutrition to any meal, so veggies are a great way to make this main course one that checks lots of family-friendly boxes.
- Make it low carb. Skip the rice and serve over riced cauliflower for a low carb option.
- Don’t forget the spice. If you’re familiar with Twosleevers recipes, you know that we LOVE spice. So double the cayenne and top with hot sauce.
How Long Does It Last?
One of the best things about this dish is that it is actually better leftover than it is made fresh. That gives the flavors time to meld and the rice to soak up all of the tasty renderings from the shrimp and sausage.
What To Serve With It
- Low Carb Bread. It’s great for dipping and is a great way to have a filling side without adding even more carbs.
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. While you put your Instant Pot to work, don’t leave your air fryer out! Make an easy and delicious veggie to go with your main course.
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. The flavors of this dish remind me of my favorite shrimp and sausage boil. Corn is a familiar addition to such a yummy flavor combination.
- Zucchini. Want to take this comfort dish to the next level? Add in a little fried zucchini to the mix.
- Collard Greens with Ham. Nothing screams southern cooking like collard greens. Make a big batch of these for the ultimate meal.
Other Great Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
- Lamb Rogan Josh
- Mango Cheesecake
Instant Pot Jambalaya | Shimp and Sausage Jambalaya
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound Raw Shrimp
- ▢ 2 links Andouillle Sausage
- ▢ 2 cups Basmati Rice
- ▢ 2 stalks Celery
- ▢ 1 Bell Peppers
- ▢ 2 cups seafood broth
- ▢ 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- ▢ 1/2 Onion
- ▢ 2 cloves Garlic
- ▢ 6 oz Tomato Paste
- ▢ 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- ▢ 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ▢ 2 tsp oregano
- ▢ 1 tsp thyme
- ▢ 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil.
- Add the sliced Andouille sausage to the Instant Pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to brown and release its flavors.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices and develop flavor.
- Add the Basmati rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the seafood broth and give everything a good stir to combine.
- Cancel the sauté mode on the Instant Pot, and secure the lid in the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) mode and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot and add the raw shrimp. Stir them into the hot rice mixture. The residual heat will cook the shrimp. Close the lid for a few minutes to help the shrimp cook through. They should turn pink and opaque.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, fluff the Jambalaya with a fork and serve hot.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Jambalaya!
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Nutrition
Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!
Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .
