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Home » Recipes » Snack Recipes

Easy Velveeta Queso

Published: Aug 20, 2023 · Updated: Apr 13, 2025 by Marye

This classic Velveeta queso dip recipe is made with just two ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes! Instant gratification! It's an essential part of Cinco de Mayo, tailgating, and game day!
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 15 minutes minutes
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Overhead view of queso sprinkled with cilantro on top for recipe card image.
Overhead view of queso in a bowl with text overlay for Pinterest.

First published July 16, 2021. Last updated April 13, 2025 for editorial improvements.

Overhead view of queso in a bowl with title text overlay.
Table of Contents
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make Velveeta Queso Dip
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 📖 Variations
  • 💭 Tips
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 💬 Comments
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We had my daughter's softball team over for a party and I made this velveeta queso recipe. Everyone loved it!
Julie

This Velveeta queso is two-ingredient magic that turns any gathering into a full-blown snack attack. Creamy, melty, and unapologetically cheesy, it’s your go-to for game day, Taco Tuesday, or when dinner turns into “let’s just eat dip.” Drizzle it, dunk it, devour it—no one’s judging. Bonus: you’ll learn the trick to keeping queso silky smooth instead of turning into a gloopy science project.

🧾 Ingredients

Ingredients for homemade queso dip.

Although Velveeta queso is most often thought of as a dip it's actually a great sauce for tons of different dishes! I use it on my taco stuffed shells.

🔪 How To Make Velveeta Queso Dip

Collage showing steps for making queso.
  1. Cube the Velveeta and put it in a medium bowl that's microwaveable. Add the Ro*Tel.
  2. Microwave 2 minutes and stir. Continue to microwave the Rotel dip, stirring at 30-second intervals, until smooth.

Seriously - that's it!

📖 Recipe

Overhead view of queso sprinkled with cilantro on top for recipe card image.

Velveeta Queso Recipe

4.68 from 107 votes
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This classic Velveeta queso dip recipe is made with just two ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes! Instant gratification! It's an essential part of Cinco de Mayo, tailgating, and game day!
Course Appetizer/Snack
Cuisine Game Day Food
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings:8
Calories:132
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Velveeta cheese
  • 10 ounces RoTel tomatoes, or favorite canned diced tomatoes and chiles

Instructions

Microwave

  • Cube the Velveta and put it in a microwave safe bowl
  • Open the can of Rotel and pour it in - no need to drain.
  • Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
  • Stir.
  • Return to the microwave and cook 2 to 3 minutes more.
  • Stir. If it's not all the way melted microwave it for a few seconds more.
  • Add to a slow cooker and keep on the warm setting.

Crock-Pot

  • Cube the Velveeta.
  • Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Add the Velveeta to the slow cooker.
  • Dump in the ROTEL.
  • Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the cheese is melted.
  • Stir.
  • Keep on warm setting.

Notes

Storage
Store this classic Velveeta queso in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will be fine for at least 4 days.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature, spoon it into an airtight container, and pop in the freezer - it's that easy.
Expert Tips: 
  • If you can't find Velveeta you can use 1 pound of regular or white American cheese instead.
  • If you use a slow cooker for this Rotel queso cheese dip you'll need about a 3 quart crock-pot.
  • Depending on the type of Rotel you use this is a spicy dip. If you don't like any chiles at all you can use plain, diced canned tomatoes.
You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 903mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 598IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 336mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

📖 Variations

  • Add cooked bulk sausage - either spicy sausage or regular. Maple flavored doesn't work well - I tried. Ick.
  • Stir in cooked, shredded bbq beef brisket.
  • Sprinkle in chopped cilantro.
  • Add cooked taco meat.
  • Use Velveeta Blanco instead of regular Velveeta for a white queso dip recipe (queso blanco).
  • If you like it spicy use the hot Rotel tomatoes and green chiles.
  • Stir in 1 cup of beer for a yummy beer cheese dip.
  • Add a small can of green chilies.
  • Drain a can of black beans, rinse, and add them to the Velveeta dip.
  • Sprinkle chopped red onions on top.
  • Spoon over warm tortilla chips for nachos.
  • Add to a baked potato.
Decorative image. Bowl of queso on a table with chips behind it.

💭 Tips

Expert Tip: If you can't find Velveeta you can use 1 pound of regular or white American cheese instead.

  • You can also heat this over medium heat, stirring often.
  • If you use a slow cooker for this queso cheese dip you'll need about a 3 quart crock-pot.
  • Serve this with a bowl of chips and this fiesta chicken - then get ready for the best nachos of your life.
  • This recipe is easy to double.
  • Queso is a delicious cheese sauce over broccoli or cauliflower.
  • Depending on the type of Rotel you use this is a spicy dip. If you don't like any chiles at all you can use plain, diced canned tomatoes.
  • Yes, this Velveeta queso recipe is delicious with tortilla chips... but try dipping pretzels, warm flour tortillas, warm corn tortillas, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and other fresh vegetables!
  • Got leftovers? Try using them with these cheesy taco stuffed shells!
  • You can use the white Velveeta to make Velveeta queso blanco dip.
A tortilla chip being dipped into the queso.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

How do you keep Velveeta Cheese Dip from hardening?

You'll want to keep Velveeta queso warm in a crockpot for serving, which will keep it at a stage of melty perfection. You can also add about ¼ cup evaporated milk, whole milk, or heavy cream while heating up the cheese and Ro*Tel and that will keep is soft even when it cools off.

How do I make Velveeta Queso better?

Plain queso not your thing? Add cooked sausage, cooked ground beef, or chipotle in adobo. You'll find more great ideas in the variations section of this post.

How do you melt Velveeta for Queso?

I like to cube it and melt it in the microwave but you can also toss it in a slow cooker or carefully melt it on top of the stove.

One more thing. How do you spell ROTEL? I mean, they have a little star in the name. Ro⭐Tel. Ro*Tel? RoTel? Ro^Tel?

Sigh. First world problems.

There was a time when the mere thought of Velveeta in my home would have made me cringe. I was young and opinionated and had way more time (and energy) than I have now.

Here's the thing - the things that allow the easy storage (and shelf-stable nature) of Velveeta cheese also allows you to let it simmer in the slow cooker for hours without separating, getting a weird texture or gumming up.

All of that stuff that makes us cringe also allows us the ease of keeping it on the pantry shelf for weeks and getting a smooth and creamy texture without a lot of work.

I don't know how it is in other parts of the country but many of the Mexican restaurants around here use Velveeta, Velveeta queso blanco, or something similar. This tastes just like the one from my favorite Mexican restaurant.

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  • Rotel Sausage Dip is bold, meaty, and full of sass—this spicy sausage dip with Rotel is the party guest who shows up early and stays 'til the chips are gone.
  • Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip is one of my favorites. Smooth, spicy, and dangerously addictive—like your favorite bad decision in dip form. Serve it warm and watch it disappear.
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About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

    4.68 from 107 votes (97 ratings without comment)

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    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




  1. LizaJo says

    December 09, 2023 at 12:07 am

    5 stars
    My favorite Queso dip/sauce. It's our favorite dip for for tortilla chips and topping of choice for nachos, walking tacos, and frito pie. We smother baked chimichangas in it; I add a little half-&-half and use it as the sauce for Cheesy Chicken Linguine, and Cheesy Tex-Mex Pasta (made with this queso and taco meat or homemade pork chorizo). I make it with Velveeta Blanco, again adding a few tablespoons of half-&-half to thin it out, and use it as a sauce for chicken enchiladas. It's easy, versatile, and since both ingrediets are shelf stable, keeping the ingredients on hand for last-minute cooking is simple to do.

    Reply
  2. Camden says

    October 30, 2023 at 6:10 pm

    Velveeta queso is guaranteed to be at our "finger food" gatherings. It's such an easy crowd pleaser!

    Reply
  3. Kristen says

    October 16, 2023 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    I love that you only need to keep 2 ingredients stocked to be able to make velveeta queso dip for any impromptu guests! This is perfect, especially as we head into the holiday season!

    Reply
  4. Ann says

    October 14, 2023 at 10:06 am

    5 stars
    Family so enjoys !

    Reply
  5. Alyssa says

    October 13, 2023 at 10:08 am

    I love velveeta queso dip. It is so quick and easy to make!

    Reply
  6. Cynthia says

    October 12, 2023 at 9:26 am

    5 stars
    Velveeta queso dip is a must when we have friends visiting. It's so easy to throw together and everyone likes it.

    Reply
  7. Brittany says

    October 08, 2023 at 9:10 am

    Velveeta queso is a staple at our parties! Everyone loves it!

    Reply
  8. Julie Evink says

    August 23, 2023 at 12:00 pm

    5 stars
    We had my daughter's softball team over for a party and I made this velveeta queso recipe. Everyone loved it!

    Reply
  9. Alyssa says

    August 22, 2023 at 8:24 am

    I absolutely love velveeta cheese dip! This is perfect appetizer for those Sunday football games!

    Reply
  10. Camden Rusincovitch says

    August 12, 2023 at 4:33 pm

    Velveeta cheese dip is definitely making an appearance at my next girl's night! Perfect for movie night, too.

    Reply
  11. Kristen Yard says

    August 08, 2023 at 12:37 am

    5 stars
    I am going to make a point of keeping all of the ingredients for this Velveeta queso recipe stocked in my fridge and pantry--it doesn't get any easier than having a 10 minute option for my teen's friends when they want a snack, or any other last-minute guests!

    Reply
    • Marye says

      August 09, 2023 at 6:02 pm

      That's what I do! LOL!

      Reply
  12. Brittany says

    August 06, 2023 at 2:35 pm

    5 stars
    Velveeta cheese dip is a staple for football game parties, or any kind of finger food style gatherings. It's so easy and delicious!

    Reply
  13. Cynthia Rusincovitch says

    August 06, 2023 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    Is it even taco night if there is no Velveeta cheese dip? We make it a lot on game night too. It is one of those super easy things everyone likes!

    Reply
  14. Christine says

    June 30, 2023 at 1:18 pm

    3 stars
    First, the recipe is just “ok”.

    Second though, you shouldn’t be taking credit for a recipe that’s PRINTED ON THE INSIDE OF THE VELVEETA BOX!!! As are the suggestions for additions. It’s unethical to credit yourself for a recipe that you did not create.

    Reply
    • Marye says

      June 30, 2023 at 2:38 pm

      First, thank you for your kind words. Second, I did not credit myself- there are hundreds of thousands of copies of that exact recipe all over the Internet. Sharing is not taking credit. I call it out as Velveeta queso numerous times. In fact ...it's in the title.
      Furthermore, I don't know where you come from (although I have my suspicions...) but around here Velveeta isn't necessarily an item that everyone has in their pantry. So, unless they had a recipe they wouldn't know how easy it is to make...
      And, in conclusion, I don't believe any of my readers are ignorant enough to believe I created Velveeta cheese. In fact, they are pretty amazing. Enjoy your day and watch out for low bridges.

      Reply
  15. linda ledesma soto says

    November 26, 2021 at 4:40 pm

    Mary, let me just say....I'm so glad I found your Site...LOVE IT!! What a beautiful family too! You know, my sister & I have made this queso since the early 60's!!! It is a great dip to use with anything. The only drawback FOR ME...WAY TOO many tomatoes in the RoTel!!! That's just ME...I had the idea to strain the can of tomatoes in a sieve before adding to the cheese so I could get the flavor & some veggies but not SO MANY TOMATOES!!! I know, what self respecting Mexican doesn't like tomatoes..LOLOL OH but it doesn't stop there...be aware ladies, as we grow older...sometimes our stomach's don't go along!!! I can't eat onions or garlic either...I KNOW RIGHT!!! Sometimes I just bite the bullet & take one for the team!!! And on top of that...I make one killer salsa...Merry Christmas & have an outstanding New Year...

    Reply
  16. Pam says

    July 17, 2021 at 9:20 am

    5 stars
    Thank you for reminding me of this classic! I have extra velveeta in my pantry that I need to use and I wondered if anyone has ever big batched this and frozen queso for snacking later. I’m imagining my big crock pot filled and then lining up pint containers to freeze.

    Reply
    • Marye says

      July 17, 2021 at 9:34 am

      Pam - it does freeze well so you go right ahead and batch cook! You might need to add a little evaporated milk after you thaw it out but it should be fine.

      Reply
Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

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