Costco’s Kirkland Signature Queso Dip is a delicious, creamy, and cheesy dip that has become a staple at many parties and get-togethers. But what exactly should you do with this addictively good queso dip? Here are some of the best ways to eat and serve Costco’s queso:
Queso Dip Appetizer
One of the easiest and most popular ways to serve Costco’s queso dip is as an appetizer or snack at a party. Simply scoop the queso into a bowl and provide an assortment of dippers like tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, sliced vegetables, or pretzel crisps. The creamy, smooth dip pairs perfectly with crunchy dippers.
For an easy appetizer, arrange toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, sliced bell peppers, cucumber slices, and broccoli florets around a bowl of the queso dip. Encourage guests to dip a variety of items into the queso to get a delicious, cheesy flavor in every bite.
You can also scoop the queso into smaller individual ramekins for personal servings. This prevents multiple people from double-dipping into one bowl.
Queso in Appetizers and Snacks
In addition to serving it straight up with dippers, Costco’s queso dip can be incorporated into a variety of appetizers and snacks:
- Queso fundido – Mix crumbled chorizo and sautéed peppers and onions into the queso dip for a classic queso fundido. Serve with tortillas for dipping.
- Stuffed mushrooms – Stuff mushroom caps with the queso and bake until hot and bubbly.
- Chili con queso – Stir some chopped, cooked ground beef into the queso for an easy chili con queso.
- Cheesy bacon bombs – Wrap queso and crumbled cooked bacon around a bite-sized piece of smoked sausage. Secure with a toothpick.
- Queso bruschetta – Top toasted bread slices with queso, diced tomato, basil, and a balsamic glaze.
Queso in Main Dishes
While it makes a great dip, Costco’s queso can also be incorporated into full meals. Some creative ways to use queso in main dishes include:
- Beef or chicken enchiladas – Mix queso into the enchilada sauce and fill tortillas with cheese, meat and other fillings.
- Queso tacos – Spread queso inside hard or soft taco shells then fill with seasoned ground beef or chicken and taco toppings.
- Broiled queso chicken – Top chicken breasts with queso, breadcrumbs, and bacon. Broil until chicken is cooked through and topping is browned.
- Queso pasta – Toss hot cooked pasta in queso sauce. Stir in vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini if desired.
- Cheesy queso rice – Mix queso into prepared rice along with veggies, beans, meat etc.
Queso on Top
Drizzling or topping dishes with Costco’s queso turns an average meal into something mouthwateringly delicious. Some ways to use queso as a topper include:
- Baked potatoes – Top baked russet or sweet potatoes with queso, bacon, green onions, etc.
- Burgers or hot dogs – Drizzle queso over hamburgers, cheeseburgers, or hot dogs for extra flavor.
- Nachos – Cover tortilla chips with queso, beans, salsa, and other nacho toppers.
- Chili – Ladle chili into bowls and top with a generous amount of queso.
- Omelets or breakfast tacos – Add queso to fillings or drizzle over the top of omelets and breakfast tacos.
Queso Dips and Spreads
Costco’s queso also shines when used as a flavorful dip or spread:
- Pizza dip – Spread queso on pizza crust then top with pepperoni and bake.
- Cheesy bread – Spread queso generously on bread slices, sandwich rolls, garlic bread, etc.
- Queso blanco – Mix in monterey jack, white cheddar, or cream cheese for a queso blanco.
- Cheesesteak queso – Fold in shredded steak, onions, and peppers.
- Crab queso – Add lump crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, and scallions for a seafood queso.
How to Serve Costco Queso Dip
To get the most enjoyment out of Costco’s queso dip, follow these serving tips:
- Allow queso to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Transfer to a serving dish to allow for easy dipping.
- Pair with sturdy dippers that can scoop up the thick, creamy queso.
- Offer a variety of dippers like chips, veggies, breads, crackers, etc.
- Scoop out desired portions using a spoon to prevent contamination.
- Keep remaining queso refrigerated with plastic wrap directly on the surface.
- Replace with fresh dip if queso has been sitting out over 2 hours.
- Add more milk or cream if queso becomes too thick after refrigeration.
- Garnish queso with ingredients like chopped green onion, bacon, or diced tomatoes.
- Serve within 5 days for best quality and flavor.
How Long Does Costco Queso Last
Here is a table of how long Costco queso dip lasts in the fridge or freezer:
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 5-7 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
To maximize the shelf life of queso:
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Cover surface tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
- Avoid introducing bacteria by double dipping.
- Discard if mold develops.
- Freeze for longer term storage.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before using again.
Can You Freeze Costco Queso Dip?
Yes, Costco’s queso dip can be frozen for longer term storage. To freeze queso:
- Transfer queso to a freezer-safe container, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Seal the container tightly.
- Label container with contents and freeze date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw queso overnight in the refrigerator before using.
- Use thawed queso within 3-4 days.
- Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
The texture of the queso may become slightly thinner after thawing but the flavor remains excellent. Freezing is a great way to stock up and save leftover queso for later.
What to Dip in Costco Queso
Costco’s queso dip pairs deliciously with a wide variety of dippers. Great options include:
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Potato chips
- Corn chips
- Pretzel pieces
- Crackers
- Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower
- Bell pepper strips
- Jicama sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Zucchini rounds
- Orange or grapefruit segments
- Apple slices
- Bread or baguette slices
- Bagel chips
- Quesadillas
- Taquitos or flautas
- Sliders or mini sandwiches
The combination of creamy queso with a crunchy or crisp dipper results in a dynamic texture and irresistible flavor.
What to Mix with Costco Queso
Costco’s queso dip is versatile and can be mixed with many different add-ins to create amazing dips and spreads. Consider mixing in:
- Chorizo
- Ground beef or shredded chicken
- Sautéed peppers and onions
- Chopped green chiles
- Salsa
- Jalapeños
- Guacamole
- Shredded cheese like Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, pepper jack
- Sour cream or cream cheese for a richer dip
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped scallions
- Diced tomatoes
- Roasted or grilled veggies like corn, zucchini, mushrooms
- Black beans or refried beans
- Taco seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Chopped olives
- Caramelized onions
- Minced garlic
The possibilities are endless for customizing creamy Costco queso dip!
Conclusion
With its irresistibly creamy, cheesy flavor, Costco’s Kirkland Signature Queso Dip is one of the most versatile items you can buy at the warehouse store. This flavor-packed queso can be used for dips, spreads, appetizers, snacks, main dishes, and so much more. Use the serving tips to maximize the life of your queso and get creative mixing in add-ins to make it your own. However you use it, Costco’s queso dip will be a huge hit!