There are many variations of cheese, but there are few things tastier than the classic queso dip. You don't have to settle for store-bought queso from a jar, instead, you can make it better by doing this simple tip.

If you don't have any idea on how to make store-bought queso better, then you can add on some extras. Add meats like bacon and chorizo to give the queso some added taste. You can also add some sauteed vegetables for a chunkier, hearty texture.

Aside from this, you can also personalize your queso to achieve the flavor you want with these techniques:

Tips To Make Better Store-Bought Queso Better

To transform your classic queso into something more savory depth, check these tips below:

queso
Image credit: Canva

Pepper it up

You can make your dull queso tastier by adding some jalapeno, serranos, cayennes, and other peppers. You can leave the seeds and membrane intact for more heat, then discard them. Chop the peppers to get milder results.

Stir in beans

To make a more satisfying queso dip, you can add a can of warmed kidney, white refried beans. Just like in this recipe.

Toss Some Cooked Veggies

Saute some veggies like chopped onions and bell peppers, then add them to your queso dip. It can add some texture and makes the dip chewy.

Go Something Sweet And Smoky

You can drizzle your favorite dip with taco or some barbecue sauce, then pile on the chopped veggies, the queso, and the cut-cooked bacon.

Add Some Beef

Meat lovers go crazy for cheese with meat. It is a dip that is loaded with cooked taco meat. It is surprisingly delicious.

Put In On Pizza

Spread the mild queso dip in the baking dish, then add pizza toppings and bake until it becomes golden brown. Serve it with some breadsticks. Garlic bread and toasted Italian bread.

Add Some Hot Sauce

Spice up your cheese dip with some hot sauce and cooked chicken. You can serve it with celery, chips, and crackers.

Sauce it up to your nachos

Bake the nacho fixings until it becomes hot, then sauce it up with your queso dip. Grab the fork, then sit back and chill while watching your favorite series on Netflix.

Queso Baked Nachos Recipe

Credit: TasteOfTheHome

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 package tortilla chips
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 jar salsa con queso dip
  • 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
  • ¼ cup minced fresh chives, optional
  • ½ cup sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then in a large skillet, cook, and crumble beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, simmer, then uncover until it thickens for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
  2. In an ungreased baking pan, layer the third each of the following: chips, beans, beef mixture, and queso dip. Repeat the layers twice.
  3. Bake, uncovered until it is heated through for 10 to 15 minutes. Top it with tomatoes, and chives. Then serve immediately with sour cream on the side.

Best Store-Bought Queso

Here is the best store-bought queso you must try:

Tostitos salsa con Queso

When it comes to guilty pleasure foods, nachos are one favorite ballpark food. And Tostitos' salsa con queso will give you the feel of the classic snack. This store-bought queso dip is thicker and cheesier.

As you can notice, there are a few good chunks of chiles in the mix, making this dip taste better than your classic nacho cheese. In short, no one would turn this dip down, and it is one of the best queso to store in the pantry.

What I Liked:

  • It has a subtle but tasty spice and heat
  • Versatile use
  • It is great warm or cold

What I Didn't Like:

  • Some customers complain about the flavor taste like quite processed
  • It may not be spicy enough for people who prefer spicy

On the border Queso

This queso has a more muted color, giving a look that is not as cheesy. However, the looks can be deceiving. This thick, creamy queso will give you the most authentic cheese flavor on this list. Plus, you can tell the taste of the jalapenos, peppers, and tomato stirred into this dip.

The taste is then combined with a hefty (but not overwhelming) amount of spice and you've got a taste of queso to dip that tastes (almost!) homemade. This salsa con queso is best paired with your favorite tortilla chips again and again.

What I Liked:

  • Incredibly creamy
  • The spiciness is just enough
  • Thick sauce

What I Didn't Like:

  • It lacks the seasoning of other queso dips

Salpica Salsa con Queso

Are you looking for queso with a kick? This salsa con queso from Salpica will deliver perfectly the spice you are looking for. This queso dip is also available in chili powder flavor as well as cumin, garlic, and green pepper. It has a thinner consistency, almost like a sauce, making it great for drizzling over tacos or oven-baked nachos.

What I Liked:

  • It is available in different flavors
  • It is perfect for parties
  • It can be paired with many meals and snacks

What I Didn't Like:

  • Not ideal as ready-made dips

Casa Mamita Salsa Con Queso

Though not as popular as other queso dips, the Casa Mamita Salsa Con Queso is still a favorite.

Many people describe the color of the dip as bright yellow, but in the context of a queso dip taste test, it has a pleasant appearance. Just like the Tostitos dip, this one contains bits of chopped pepper and some chunks large enough to chew.

You'll get a nice touch of tangy from Casa Mamita, and a real cheese flavor. Though some people complain that the dip was slightly too salty. If you're looking for a dip that everyone will love, this one might be your best bet.

What I Liked:

  • It is mildly spiced
  • It has a thick consistency, making it perfect for nachos
  • It is versatile

What I Didn't Like:

  • It is too salty for others

Herdez Queso Dip Blanco Jalapenos

Herdez is known for its authentic Mexican dips, and this queso proves it.

This dip has a creamy, spicy, and flavorful flavor. You can add it to chips, as a topper for Mexican dishes, and even with omelets and loaded fries.

If you think some queso dips taste a little too processed and look orangey, you might prefer this dip as an alternative. It tastes like a cheesy sour cream, with a moreish tang. This queso dip has a thick sauce consistency.

Customers who love a bit of pepperiness in their queso will appreciate the addition of jalapeños that can add a kick. These hot peppers are the perfect pair of creamy cheese dips.

What I Liked:

  • Incredibly creamy
  • Jalapenos add the perfect amount of heat
  • Tangy and delicious
  • Thick sauce consistency

What I Didn't Like:

  • Might be a bit too spicy for some customers
  • Lacks the seasonings other Mexican queso dips have

Fritos Cheese Dip

Fritos cheese dip offers a perfect mix of heat and indulgent rich cheese sauce flavor. It's reminiscent of that orange, gloopy sauce, with the added distinct spiciness of jalapeños. While some dips have a thin consistency, Fritos cheese dip is heavy and thick enough that matches well with nachos and toasted tortillas.

The jalapeños added are not intense just right, so if you prefer mouthwatering heat with your queso you'll enjoy this dip. This dip works well with tortilla chips, loaded fries, eggs, and even a creamy pasta sauce base. It is not only a tasty snack but a helpful pantry staple when you don't have time to cook from scratch.

What I Liked:

  • It is versatile
  • It has mild pepperiness
  • Thick consistency

What I Didn't Like:

  • It may not be as cheesy as some customers prefer