Name: White Spinach Queso
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 1 fresh jalapeno (seeded and finely minced); 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped); 1 small tomato (such a Roma) (seeded and diced (1/2-3/4 cup)); 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 1 cup milk (2% used, can use whole milk); 2 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temp); 4 ounce can green chiles; 2 cups pepper jack cheese (freshly shredded); salt (to taste)

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White Spinach Queso – Chili’s copycat – warm, spicy cheese dip with fresh spinach. Easy 20 minute stove-top crowd favorite.

White Spinach Queso is a creamy, melty, restaurant-style dip that’s loaded with bold flavor. Whether yoy’re geaaring up for football season or just want a must-make dip with serious bragging rights, this is the perfect appetizer recipe.

It’s everything you loved about Chili’s White Spinach Queso (which they’ve taken off the menu) – and now you can make it at home for a fraction of the cost.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Copycat Chili’s queso dip – with the same creamy texture.
Quick stovetop recipe: ready in under 20 minutes.
Great for game day, parties, or any time you’re craving cheesy dip.
Stores well in the fridge and reheats like a dream.
It’s one of those favorite dips that’s always the first to disasppear!
This recipe is everything you loved about the Chili’s queso dip so whether you’re hosting a party or planning your game day spread, this cheesy dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients in Spinach Queso:

butter
fresh jalapeno
fresh spinach
tomato seeded and diced
all purpose flour
milk (2% used)
cream cheese
canned green chilies
pepper jack cheese freshly grated
salt to taste

How to make White Spinach Queso:

NOTE: I recommend freshly shredding the pepper jack cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains ingredients that keep it from clumping in the bag and your dip may not be as creamy.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add seeded, minced jalapeno and chopped spinach. Give it a light sprinkle of salt then cook 2-3 minutes or until the spinach has wilted.

Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle flour over the top, toss to coat well and cook 1 minute stirring often. Pour in milk whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth.

Remove from the heat and stir in cream cheese and canned green chiles. Once the sauce is smooth, add the pepper jack cheese stirring until it’s silky and seeded, diced tomatoes. Season with salt to taste and if you like more of a kick, stir in a small pinch of ground cayenne pepper.

Ready to dig in? Just grab your tortilla chips, save a seat by the dip and don’t expect leftovers.

How to store spinach queso:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

FAQ:

Q: Why did Chili’s take white spinach queso off the menu?
A: No official reason was given, but it was replaced with their White Skillet Queso – a simpler version without spinach. If you miss it, this copycat is your answer.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but thaw it first and squeeze out the liquid to avoid a watery dip.

Q: What can I substitute for pepper jack cheese?
A: Try white cheddar or Monterey Jack for a milder version.

Q: Can I make this dip in advance?
A: Absolutely. Make the entire dip, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve. It’s even better the next day – one of the things that makes this such a great recipe.

Subs and variations to this recipe:

Use white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese instead of pepper jack. Or ramp up the heat with chili powder and crushed red pepper.
Whole milk instead of 2%
Add 1/4 cup sour cream for added creaminess
Garnish with fresh cilantro, pico de gallo or diced bell peppers.

More popular cheese dips:

Cowboy Queso – warm, spicy dip with chorizo sausage, black beans, corn, tomatoes and fresh cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips

Chorizo Queso – warm cheese dip with chorizo sausage, tomatoes, fresh cilantro and lime juice. Serve with warm tortilla chips.

Beer Cheese Dip – a favorite pub-style appetizer hot and ready in 10 minutes at home. Creamy 3-cheese – serve with warm salty pretzels, tortilla chips or vegetables.

Mexicali Dip – just 4 ingredients and a few minutes in the microwave! This may be the easiest appetizer on the blog and one of my family’s favorites.

Scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions so you can make the best white spinach queso at home.

Enjoy@

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