This seasoned queso keto cheese dip is full of cheesy flavor. Pair it with low-carb vegetables and chips for an amazing appetizer to share with friends!
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I may have given up dairy, but my friends and family are still big cheese-aholics! So, whenever they come to visit, I like to fill my fridge with their favorites, especially for party appetizers.
I usually stock up on Edam cheese during the holidays because it's a staple at Christmas celebrations in the Philippines. It's not always easy to find, but my local Aldi usually has it at a great price.
We had some friends over for a little get-together, so I made up a keto cheese dip (queso for others) to serve with chips and vegetables. Because I had some creamy Havarti cheese, I blended it with grated Edam for the dip.
To add a little festive color, I roasted some bell peppers to mix into the dip and a few for garnishing.
Ingredients Needed For Keto Cheese Dip
This recipe uses my favorite Edam cheese along with lots of other tasty and colorful ingredients!
Here's what you need:
Cheese
I used a combination of grated Edam cheese and creamy Havarti cheese. This is where you can get creative - use your favorite types of cheese. I could see a cheddar cheese and cream cheese variation working really well!
Milk
To make it a thin dip-like consistency, I used heavy cream and almond milk. You could also use coconut milk instead of almond.
Whenever you use almond milk in keto-friendly recipes, use the unsweetened variety.
Chicken Stock
Chicken stock is slightly thicker than chicken broth, but you can use chicken broth instead. You could also use vegetable stock or broth instead.
Butter
For this recipe, use unsalted sweet cream butter. It will have the best consistency.
Spices
Be creative with your cheese dip and use your favorite spices. I used a bunch of seasoning to make the flavors really pop!
Here's what I used:
- Ground Mustard Seed
- Ground Sage
- Dried Thyme
- Dried Oregano
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Garlic Powder
- Cayenne Powder
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Cilantro
The cilantro is for the garnish. If you don't like the taste of cilantro, leave it out.
Vegetables
For some texture and a pop of color, I added red and green bell peppers. You can use your favorite toppings or leave them out.
Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.
Quick Tips:
- Change up the cheese to mix up the flavor and texture. If you'd prefer a cheddar dip, I'd suggest adding in grated cheddar with some cream cheese. Or, you could try gouda or Gruyere instead.
- When serving a hot-dip like this one, you'll want to keep it warm. Otherwise, it can get rather thick sitting around at room temperature. I like to use a small crock pot made just for dips that I can keep plugged in. If you think it will go quickly, there's no need to keep this keto cheese dip warm.
- Alternatively, you can reheat it as needed in the microwave. That's what I do if I have any leftovers that I've stored in the refrigerator.
- If you find the dip is too thick, you can simply add in additional almond milk or heavy cream. The low-carb milk will certainly save some calories over the cream.
How To Make Keto Queso
This recipe is actually pretty easy! All of the exact steps are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. First, here are some highlights.
Roast the Peppers
The very first step is to slice the peppers into thin rings and then roast them. You could use them raw, but they have a much softer texture after you roast them.
Melt The Butter, Cream, And Milk
The rest of the process involves making the dip in a skillet on the stove. Melt the butter and then add the cream and almond milk and a bit of the chicken stock and grated Edam cheese.
Add Spices
After the Edam cheese starts to melt, add the spices. Keep stirring it frequently. At this point, decide if you are happy with the texture. If it is too thick, add more chicken stock.
Add More Cheese And Peppers
Then, add the Havarti cheese and roasted bell peppers.
Transfer To Serving Dish
After you are happy with the taste and consistency, pour it all into a serving dish and enjoy!
What To Serve With Keto Cheese Dip
No matter what flavor you choose, this yummy keto cheese dip is sure to please. It's great to pair with low-carb tortilla chips for a tasty appetizer!
If you don't have time to make your own tortilla chips however, you can dip pork rinds instead. When I have time, I'll also make some homemade low-carb crackers.
It also goes well with other cheesy appetizers like keto cheese sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Queso Dip
Before we get to the instructions in the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about it.
How do you make it taste spicier?
If you want this queso to taste spicier, add some more red pepper flakes. Also, you can increase the heat by adding some sliced jalapeno or habanero peppers to it too.
Can I add meat to this queso?
Yes, feel free to add meat to the queso! Ground beef or even sausage will taste fantastic in this cheese sauce.
How do you store leftover cheese dip?
Unfortunately, leftover cheese dip doesn't save very well in the refrigerator because it hardens. However, you can still reheat it on the stove. It will melt together and taste delicious.
If you want to save leftover cheese dip, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can you dip into the cheese dip?
You certainly don't have to limit yourself to dipping only chips and veggies. Personally, I could see myself dipping pieces of my pork rind keto bread into the cheese.
In addition, this hot cheese dip is great served in a fondue pot. I think low-carb meatballs would be ideal for dipping into the pot with long forks.
As you can see, there are so many possibilities with this recipe. What would you serve with this yummy dip?
Other Low Carb Recipes To Try
If you love cheesy recipes, here are some more low-carb appetizers you should try next.
- Chocolate Chip Dip is a sweet dip made with cream cheese and sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Crab Dip is a popular choice is everyone loves seafood - it's made with cream cheese and has a zesty taste.
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are really cheesy and have a bit of spice to them too.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip is easy to make in the oven or your slow cooker.
- Stuffed Tomatoes With Meat And Cheese are super cheesy and have a naturally sweet flavor from the tomatoes.
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📖 Recipe
Low Carb Keto Cheese Dip
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups Edam cheese grated
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup almond milk or coconut milk
- ⅓ cup Havarti cheese creamy
- 1 to 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 to 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard seed
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
- dash red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 small red bell pepper
- 1 small green bell pepper
- ground black pepper to taste
- olive oil for roasting peppers
- fresh cilantro for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 350° F.
- Thinly slice red and green bell peppers. Place on a non-stick tray or cover tray with foil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in the oven and roast until tender.
- In a non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Pour cream, almond milk, 1 cup chicken stock and grated Edam cheese. Bring to a slight boil and stir.
- Once the Edam cheese starts to melt, turn heat to low and add spices – ground mustard seed, pepper flakes, garlic powder, cayenne and ground black pepper. Sprinkle half of sage, thyme, oregano. Mix well with cheese mixture. Continue stirring.
- If cheese is too thick for you, gradually add the remaining chicken stock and continue stirring. Add the remaining half of sage, thyme and oregano if needed.
- Once Edam cheese has almost completely melted, add havarti cheese and some roasted bell peppers (chopped first). Reserve a few pieces of bell peppers for garnishing. Continue to stir until cheese melts.
- Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency, transfer to a serving dish. Top with some Christmas colors – roasted red and green bell peppers plus fresh cilantro.
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Unauthorized use of this material without written permission from Lisa MarcAurele is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes.
Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First published on December 4, 2017. Updated on May 20, 2021, with new images and additional recipe information.
Emily Kemp
My favourite appetiser at parties, yum!
Nancy Heydinger
I've been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, so low carb is my eating style for at least a year for recovery. Problem is, most low carb recipes have a lot of high fat cream. What can I substitute that isn't high in saturated fat?
Lisa
You can try yogurt. It usually works well in place of heavy cream.
Lorry LeBlanc
This dip did not thicke. Any suggestions?
Lisa
It should thicken a bit as it cools. If not, you can add in more cheese.