Two of the greatest dips are combined in this French Onion Dip Queso: creamy white queso folded with savory French onion dip for a seriously delicious party dip. This homemade recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for an easy snack or a casual gathering.
Today’s post is sponsored by my friends at Cabot.
Table of contents
- Step by step instructions
- What to serve with it
- How to reheat the dip
- Gluten free option
- More dip recipes
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Notes & Storage
- Nutrition Facts
Queso was a regular on our table when I was growing up, and a tub of French onion dip was always in the fridge. I still love both, and combining them felt like an obvious upgrade. Using a sharp, award-winning cheddar brings bold cheesy flavor, while caramelized onions and French onion dip seasoning add depth and umami. The result is a rich, creamy queso with a savory onion boost — great for snacking and entertaining alike.
Step by step instructions
- Shred the cheese. Shred 16 ounces (two 8 oz blocks) of sharp cheddar. Grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives the best queso texture.
- Toss cheese with cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the shredded cheese. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce so it stays creamy and dippable.
- Caramelize the onions. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups diced onion and cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and caramelized.
- Add evaporated milk and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in 12 ounces evaporated milk and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned onion bits from the pan to incorporate that flavor into the base.
- Stir in French onion dip mix and cheese. Add 2 tablespoons French onion dip mix and the cornstarch-coated cheddar. Stir constantly over low to medium heat until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, about 4–5 minutes.
- Finish with sour cream. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream to enrich the texture and mellow the flavors. Serve immediately while warm.
- Keep warm if needed. Transfer to a slow cooker on the warm setting for up to 4 hours if you’re serving at a party; stir occasionally to keep it smooth.
What to serve with it
Tortilla chips are a classic pairing, but this rich French Onion Dip Queso is also delicious with a variety of dippers. Offer a selection so guests can choose their favorite:
- Tortilla chips
- Potato chips
- Pita chips
- Pretzel crisps
- Baby carrots
- Celery sticks
- Cauliflower florets
- Broccoli florets
- Sliced bell peppers
How to reheat the dip
Store leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat and restore the creamy texture:
- Microwave method: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, microwave 60 seconds, stir, then microwave another 60 seconds until hot and smooth.
- Slow cooker method: Return to a slow cooker on low for 30 minutes, stir, then set to warm to serve for up to 4 hours.
- Stovetop method: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until smooth and heated through.
Gluten free option
This queso can be made gluten-free by using a homemade French onion dip mix prepared with gluten-free beef bouillon or a certified gluten-free seasoning blend. Check Worcestershire sauce labels, as some contain gluten; choose a gluten-free version if needed. All other recipe ingredients are naturally gluten free — serve with corn tortilla chips or vegetables for a gluten-free option.
More dip recipes
If you want to create a dip bar, pair this French Onion Dip Queso with other favorites. Here are ideas to include alongside it:
- Buffalo Queso Dip
- Cheesy Baked Taco Dip
- Italian 5 Layer Dip
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Bread Bowl
- Jalapeño Pumpkin Dip
- Buffalo Cheeseburger Dip
- Spicy Sriracha Hummus
Ingredients
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups onion, diced
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons French onion dip mix (use homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Serving options: tortilla chips, pretzels, pita chips, or assorted vegetables
Instructions
- Toss the grated cheddar with the cornstarch and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until caramelized.
- Pour in the evaporated milk and Worcestershire sauce, using a spatula to scrape up browned bits from the pan.
- Add the French onion dip mix and the cornstarch-coated cheddar.
- Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat and fold in the sour cream just before serving.
- Serve hot with chips or vegetables. To hold for a crowd, transfer to a slow cooker set on warm.
Notes & Storage
- Nutritional information does not include dipper options such as chips or vegetables.
- Keep the dip warm in a slow cooker set to warm for up to 4 hours at a party; stir occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days and reheat using one of the methods above.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 252 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg
- Sodium: 456 mg
- Potassium: 193 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Calcium: 366 mg
- Iron: 1 mg