Name: White Spinach Queso Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and finely minced; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 small tomato (such as Roma), seeded and diced (1/2 to 3/4 cup); 3 tablespoons butter; 1 cup 2% milk (can substitute whole milk); 2 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 2 cups pepper jack cheese, freshly shredded; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 ounce can green chiles; Salt to taste

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Introduction

This White Spinach Queso is a creamy, flavorful dip perfect for sharing at any gathering. With fresh spinach, jalapeño heat, and melty pepper jack cheese, it offers a delicious twist on traditional queso.

A wooden bowl filled with creamy white cheese dip mixed with green herbs and small red tomato pieces sits on a white plate. The dip is topped with sliced green jalapeños, diced red tomatoes, and chopped green herbs. Around the bowl, there are yellow and purple triangular tortilla chips arranged on the plate and a light wooden tray underneath. Nearby, a white paper cone holds more tortilla chips. Fresh green spinach leaves and a red tomato lie on the white marbled surface under and around the plates. A black and white checkered napkin partially covers the bottom right of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely minced
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 small tomato (such as Roma), seeded and diced (1/2–3/4 cup)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup 2% milk (can use whole milk)
2 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
4-ounce can green chiles
2 cups pepper jack cheese, freshly shredded
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Melt butter in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced jalapeño and chopped spinach, season lightly with salt, and cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Step 2: Reduce heat to low, sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture, toss to coat well, and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and green chiles until fully blended.
Step 5: Add freshly shredded pepper jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Then fold in the diced tomatoes and adjust salt to taste.
Step 6: Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Grate your own cheese for the smoothest, meltiest texture—pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect melting.
For extra heat, add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation.

How to Serve

A wooden bowl filled with creamy white queso dip that has visible small green herb pieces and tiny red tomato bits mixed in, topped with two thin green jalapeño slices and a small red tomato piece. The bowl sits on a white plate with a dark rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there are scattered triangular tortilla chips in two colors: dark purple and light yellow. A woman's hand with neatly manicured nails painted light pink is holding a dark purple tortilla chip, dipped halfway into the queso dip, showing the thick and creamy texture of the cheese coating the chip. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach is best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent excess moisture.

What can I use instead of pepper jack cheese?

Monterey jack or mild cheddar can be good substitutes if you prefer less spice or can’t find pepper jack cheese.