{"id":35166,"date":"2024-02-23T19:19:21","date_gmt":"2024-02-24T00:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/?p=35166"},"modified":"2024-02-23T19:19:21","modified_gmt":"2024-02-24T00:19:21","slug":"white-spinach-queso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/23\/white-spinach-queso\/","title":{"rendered":"Chili&#8217;s White Spinach Queso (Copycat Recipe)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f9a72b\">Grab some chips and get ready to dip into this irresistibly gooey cheese dip! This copycat recipe for <strong>Chili\u2019s White Spinach Queso<\/strong> will transform your kitchen into the ultimate fiesta spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-13.jpg\" alt=\"Dipping a tortilla chip into  a red bowl filled with copycat Chili's white spinach queso. \" class=\"wp-image-35179\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-70f3d7d2\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" height=\"1em\" width=\"1em\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M478.21 334.093L336 256l142.21-78.093c11.795-6.477 15.961-21.384 9.232-33.037l-19.48-33.741c-6.728-11.653-21.72-15.499-33.227-8.523L296 186.718l3.475-162.204C299.763 11.061 288.937 0 275.48 0h-38.96c-13.456 0-24.283 11.061-23.994 24.514L216 186.718 77.265 102.607c-11.506-6.976-26.499-3.13-33.227 8.523l-19.48 33.741c-6.728 11.653-2.562 26.56 9.233 33.037L176 256 33.79 334.093c-11.795 6.477-15.961 21.384-9.232 33.037l19.48 33.741c6.728 11.653 21.721 15.499 33.227 8.523L216 325.282l-3.475 162.204C212.237 500.939 223.064 512 236.52 512h38.961c13.456 0 24.283-11.061 23.995-24.514L296 325.282l138.735 84.111c11.506 6.976 26.499 3.13 33.227-8.523l19.48-33.741c6.728-11.653 2.563-26.559-9.232-33.036z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#0071a1\"><a>What you&#8217;ll love about this recipe:\u00a0<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Creamy Dreamy Goodness<\/strong>:\u00a0So ooey and gooey, with the perfect amount of chopped spinach and pico de gallo for extra flavor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors<\/strong>:\u00a0This dip is so flavorful, you&#8217;ll hardly believe it&#8217;s made with just 7 simple ingredients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Love Your leftovers<\/strong>: This dip is also great as a base for an incredible mac and cheese (just add pasta!) and it also delicious on a baked potato\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dip, dip hooray! This easy queso recipe is perfectly creamy<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a confession to make &#8212; I love Chili&#8217;s.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m not typically a chain restaurant kind of girl, but there&#8217;s something about Chili&#8217;s that never seems to disappoint. At least, that was until they took the white spinach queso off the menu.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;ve never had it, this cheesy dip was like a cross between spinach artichoke dip and classic white queso. And it was SO GOOD.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inspired by countless cravings and the number of times I&#8217;ve caught myself daydreaming about this appetizer, I finally set out tot make my own DIY version of chili&#8217;s skillet queso.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of my old roommates worked in a Mexican restaurant and told me the secret to their queso dip was using white American cheese, so I started there. To my delight, I discovered that not only is it possible to bring this restaurant favorite into your kitchen, but it\u2019s also shockingly easy and fun to make. Maybe even too easy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re gearing up for a movie night with family or friends, hosting a festive gathering, or simply treating yourself to satisfy a craving, this White Spinach Queso will bring the fiesta vibe right to your table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"isPasted\">Grab your chips and let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-1.jpg\" alt=\"Ingredients for making white cheese dip with spinach. \" class=\"wp-image-35167\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ingredients\"><strong>Ingredients<\/strong> You&#8217;ll Need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Whole milk. <\/strong>The base of our creamy queso. For the creamiest results, use with whole milk or 2% milk.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Butter and Flour.<\/strong> \u00a0Forms a roux that thickens the dip to perfect creamy texture and helps keep the melted cheese super smooth\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Garlic Powder. <\/strong> For a little extra pow\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frozen Chopped Spinach. <\/strong>The secret veggie star of our dip!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>White American Cheese. <\/strong>For the best quality, steer clear of the individually wrapped slices and head for the deli counter.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pepper Jack Cheese.<\/strong> Adds a little zip and compliments the American cheese for a more complex flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also grab some optional adds ins, like pico de gallo (for the true copycat experience!), canned green chilies, or a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-2.jpg\" alt=\"melting the butter.\" class=\"wp-image-35168\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-4.jpg\" alt=\"Adding the milk. \" class=\"wp-image-35170\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-6.jpg\" alt=\"Adding the spinach. \" class=\"wp-image-35172\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-3.jpg\" alt=\"Making a light roux. \" class=\"wp-image-35169\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-5.jpg\" alt=\"Melting in the cheese. \" class=\"wp-image-35171\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-8.jpg\" alt=\"Finished queso spinach dip in a pot. \" class=\"wp-image-35174\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"method\"><strong>How To Make <\/strong>Queso Dip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"isPasted\"><strong>Make the Roux (I promise it&#8217;s easy!)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"isPasted\">In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and garlic powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes until thick and golden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Add the Milk. <\/strong>Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue cooking until slightly thickened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cheese, Please.<\/strong> Lower the heat and add both cheeses, a little bit at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spinach Time.<\/strong> Stir in the spinach and cook until everything is heated through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Serve Warm.<\/strong> Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with pico de gallo, and serve with plenty of tortilla chips for dipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-2493cfd4\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 100 100\" y=\"0px\" x=\"0px\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M23.6,5c-1.2,0-2.3,1.1-2.3,2.4v85.3c0,2,2.6,3.1,4.1,1.7L50,69.7l24.6,24.6c1.5,1.5,4.1,0.3,4.1-1.6V7.4  c0-1.3-1.1-2.4-2.4-2.4H23.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">Recipe Tips<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cheese Matters. <\/strong>Pre-shredded cheese is ok in the recipe, but for the best results grab a brick and grate it yourself. This will give your the smoothest melt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spinach Prep.<\/strong> Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach to avoid a watery queso.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep It Low. <\/strong>Melt your cheese mixture on low heat to prevent the dairy from separating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-10.jpg\" alt=\"Overhead view of white spinach queso in a red serving dish. \" class=\"wp-image-35176\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\"><strong>Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1632692599561\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can, but you&#8217;ll need to cook it first. Chop the fresh spinach and add it to a pot with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until wilted. Drain thoroughly before adding to the cheese dip. <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1632695442839\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long does this queso keep?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you have leftovers, store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1632695603958\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Any non-dairy substitutions?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">I&#8217;d skip the non diary milk for this one, but if you need a vegan cheese dip check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cookingoncaffeine.com\/vegan-choriqueso\/\">vegan queso recipe.<br\/><\/a><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1655327228723\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How can I adjust if it\u2019s too thick?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A splash of milk will thin it out; add gradually while stirring.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1708732911656\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is this dip spicy?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It has a little kick from the pepper jack cheese, but I defintely wouldn&#8217;t say it&#8217;s spicy. If you don&#8217;t want any spice at all, you can swap the pepper jack cheese for Monterrey jack.\u00a0<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1708732936737\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How can I prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Avoid high heat, which can make the cheese to seize and separate. Keep the stove on a low setting and add the cheese a little bit at a time, letting each addition melt before you add more.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Other recipes you might like:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/homemade-buttermilk-ranch-seasoning\">Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/fig-goat-cheese-appetizer\">Fig and Goat Cheese Tartlets<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/air-fryer-mac-and-cheese-recipe\">Smoky Air Fryer Mac and Cheese<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/white-spinach-queso-recipe-12.jpg\" alt=\"queso dip on a white background. \" class=\"wp-image-35178\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Grab some chips and get ready to dip into this irresistibly gooey cheese dip! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":35179,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[40],"class_list":["post-35166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-snack-recipes","tag-20-minute-recipe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35166"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35166\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}