If you’re on the hunt for a warm, cheesy delight that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Easy Spinach Queso Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to snack. Creamy Velveeta cheese blends perfectly with the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes and the wholesome goodness of spinach and artichokes, creating a dip that’s irresistibly smooth and savory. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a cozy night in, this recipe serves up big flavor with minimal effort, making it a total winner in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this Easy Spinach Queso Recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special. Each item plays a crucial role, from providing creaminess to bringing brightness and texture, making the final dip perfectly balanced and rich.
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese (cubed): The secret to that ultra-smooth, velvety texture and mild cheesy flavor.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel tomatoes: Adds a fresh, tangy kick along with a bit of natural sweetness and color.
- 2 (8-oz) packages TGI Friday’s Frozen Spinach Artichoke Dip: Packed with veggies and flavor, this saves time and amps up the creaminess.
- ⅓ cup milk (optional): Perfect for adjusting the dip’s consistency to your liking, making it as pourable or thick as you prefer.
How to Make Easy Spinach Queso Recipe
Step 1: Start Softening the Spinach Dip
Begin by peeling back a corner of the frozen spinach artichoke dip bag and microwaving it on high for 2 minutes. This helps partially thaw it so it mixes smoothly later, ensuring your queso will have that luscious texture without any cold clumps.
Step 2: Melt Cheese and Tomatoes Together
Grab a large microwave-safe dish and add the cubed Velveeta along with the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes. Microwave on high for 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely, stirring halfway through if you like. This step creates the base of your cheesy dip, melding the creamy cheese with the zesty tomatoes perfectly.
Step 3: Combine and Finish Cooking
Take the dish out of the microwave and stir in the partially cooked frozen spinach artichoke dip. Return it to the microwave and heat for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, just until everything is melted and bubbly. Give it a good stir to blend all the flavors. If the dip looks too thick, add about a third cup of milk to loosen it up to a perfect dipping texture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
This cheesy, veggie-packed dip is best enjoyed warm, straight from the microwave with plenty of crunchy tortilla chips or your favorite dippables. It’s pure comfort food made easy and quick!
How to Serve Easy Spinach Queso Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions adds a fresh, vibrant note to the creamy Easy Spinach Queso Recipe. For a little popping crunch, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or some crispy bacon bits on top brings extra flavor and texture that takes your dip to the next level.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips, but don’t be shy to get creative. Fresh pita wedges, warm naan bread, or even crunchy vegetable sticks like bell peppers and carrots make fantastic companions. These sides bring balance and variety to your snack or appetizer platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Easy Spinach Queso Recipe in a hollowed-out bread bowl or a small slow cooker to keep it warm for parties. Consider layering it with some cooked ground beef or chorizo underneath for a hearty twist. You can also spoon it over baked potatoes as a flavorful topping or drizzle it on tacos for a creamy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this delicious Easy Spinach Queso Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy again without any hassle.
Freezing
While freezing queso is not always ideal due to texture changes, this recipe can be frozen if needed. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your stored Easy Spinach Queso Recipe gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to bring back that creamy smoothness, adding a splash of milk if it feels too thick after cooling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen dip?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, sauté it until wilted and finely chop some cooked artichokes or use jarred artichoke hearts. This will alter the prep slightly but keeps the flavor fresh and vibrant.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is mild thanks to the Rotel tomatoes’ gentle kick. If you love spice, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to amp it up.
Can I make this dip on the stovetop?
Yes! Simply melt the Velveeta and Rotel on low heat in a saucepan, then stir in the thawed spinach and artichoke dip until everything is warmed through and combined.
What can I use instead of Velveeta?
Velveeta melts beautifully and provides that signature smoothness, but you can try processed cheeses like American cheese or a combination of cream cheese with shredded mild cheddar for a slightly different but tasty version.
How long does it take to prepare this queso?
This entire Easy Spinach Queso Recipe comes together in about 15 minutes total, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or quick cravings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dip that’s both simple and packed with flavor, and this Easy Spinach Queso Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s fast, fuss-free, and irresistibly creamy, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting friends or indulging your own snack cravings. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!
Print
Easy Spinach Queso Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Spinach Queso is a creamy, cheesy dip that combines Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and spinach artichoke dip to create a flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or game days. Ready in just 15 minutes, this microwaved queso is smooth, cheesy, and packed with spinach goodness, making it a delicious crowd-pleaser served with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (8-oz) packages TGI Friday’s Frozen Spinach Artichoke Dip
- â…“ cup milk (optional, to thin dip)
Instructions
- Partially cook spinach artichoke dip: Peel back a corner of one package of the frozen spinach artichoke dip and microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Allow it to set aside while preparing other ingredients.
- Combine Velveeta and Rotel: In a large microwave-safe dish, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese with the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt.
- Mix in spinach artichoke dip: Remove the dish from microwave and stir in both packages of the partially cooked spinach artichoke dip. Return to microwave and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture is fully melted and heated through. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
- Adjust consistency: If the dip is too thick, stir in up to â…“ cup of milk to thin it out to desired consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the spinach queso to a serving bowl and serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe dish large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably without spilling.
- Adjust milk quantity based on how thick or thin you prefer your dip.
- This dip can be kept warm in a slow cooker if needed for serving at a party.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or cumin to the mixture before final heating.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave.
