This Whole Foods copycat queso recipe is served chilled, making it easy for entertaining and the best creamy queso dip recipe for entertaining or tailgates.
I always seem to find myself coordinating with my bi-weekly runs to Whole Foods around lunch time. I wish it was for the salad bar, but if you know me, you know that I crave chips and queso. I never realized how much I could love a chilled queso though!
I’m usually pressed for time on Mondays and Wednesdays when Isla goes to school…I try to squeeze in a week’s worth of work in just over 7 hours.
It got me started on a bad habit that resulted in a delicious chilled queso recipe that’s great for entertaining. When I’m out of time, I call this chilled queso lunch. I decided it was time to start making it myself.
Every time I make this queso it’s gone in minutes! I often have to come with a double batch because it’s that popular. So, if you want to have the office, or tailgate buzzing about your dish, you have to make this chilled queso. It’s a stress-free easy make-ahead appetizer that I know you’re going to love.
This time of year there are so many events where it’s hard to bring a warm dish to, like tailgates, or office parties. In these situations I turn to make ahead recipes that don’t require a lot of effort, but are also a little-unexpected {and maybe a little addicting!}
Chilled queso is also great for entertaining at home – a little snack or an easy appetizer that you can just pull out of the fridge and serve.
Dips are also the perfect icebreaker. Even the strongest willed can hardly resist a dip, encouraging everyone to gather around and mingle. This queso dip will do just the trick! If you try this copycat Whole Foods queso recipe, please rate it below, I’d love to know what you think!
Below you can find all of my favorite tips and tricks, essential cooking info, and similar recipe ideas relating to the recipe. If you’d rather get right to the point and skip all of that you can go straight to this sweet and savory cornbread recipe. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.
Chilled Queso Ingredients
- Cream Cheese – Regular or low fat, your choice.
- Sour Cream – Regular or low fat, your choice.
- Tomato Sauce
- Cheddar – Freshly shredded, if possible.
- Garbanzo
- Green Onion – Fresh, if possible.
- Black Beans
- Garlic Powder
- Minced Onion
- Red Pepper
- Cayenne
- Salt
How to Make Chilled Queso
- Combine Ingredients. The more the flavors marinate, the more flavorful it is. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve with tortilla chips, raw vegetables or crostini.
Tips
- Soften Cream Cheese – Make sure your cream cheese is completely room temperature. When cream cheese is not properly softened, it can add a weird lumpy texture and look to your dish. I highly recommend leaving the cream cheese on the counter for several hours, as opted to softening it in the microwave. Learn how to soften cream cheese here.
- Good Quality Cheese – Freshly shred from a block for the creamiest texture.
- Mix it Up – Feel free to play with the amounts to customize the flavors to your liking. Cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to make it your own to some extent.
To Store
Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container or covered refrigerated covered up to 5 days.
My favorite thing about tailgate and party season is it gives me a great excuse to search for the best new appetizer recipes. Here are some of my favorites in my rotation right now. Be sure to check them out!
If you try this copycat Whole Foods queso recipe, please rate it below, I’d love to know what you think!
Chilled Queso Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cup cheddar
- 1/4 cup garbonzo
- 1/4 cup black beans {canned}
- 2 teaspoons minced onion
- 2 tablespoons green onion
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients.
- Serve with tortilla chips, raw vegetables or crostini.
Notes
Substitutions
- Cream Cheese – Regular or low fat, your choice.
- Sour Cream – Regular or low fat, your choice.
- Cheddar – Freshly shredded, if possible. You can substitute Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
- Green Onion – Chives also work well.
Tips
- Soften Cream Cheese – Make sure your cream cheese is completely room temperature. Learn how to soften cream cheese here.
To Store
- Refrigerate in an airtight container or covered up to 5 days.
The best quest dip ever!!!!
I like reading your blog, thanks for another great recipe!
Hi Julie, where did the bread board come from? LOVE.
A local boutique, but I often see similar on Etsy. Hope you have a beautiful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!
Julie, do you necessarily have to add garbanzo and the black beans to this recipe?
Of course not, my sister asked the same! Enjoy, bean free!