Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso Recipe: The Ultimate Copycat Guide
If you’ve ever dined at Buffalo Wild Wings, you know their Chili Con Queso is one of those addictive, creamy, and spicy dips that keeps you reaching for more tortilla chips. It’s the perfect balance of melted cheese, seasoned beef, and just the right amount of heat—making it a must-have appetizer for game days, parties, or even cozy nights in.
Luckily, you don’t have to make a restaurant trip every time you crave it. In this post, you’ll learn how to make your own Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso Recipe right at home—rich, flavorful, and every bit as irresistible as the original.
What Is Chili Con Queso?
“Chili Con Queso,” or simply “queso,” translates to “chili with cheese” in Spanish. It’s a Tex-Mex favorite made by melting cheese and combining it with spicy chili peppers and often ground beef or chorizo.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ version takes it up a notch by adding a smoky chili base, melted cheeses, and a hint of spice that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or warm pretzels. The result? A creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy dip that’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso Recipe
- Restaurant-quality flavor: Tastes just like the famous Buffalo Wild Wings dip.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for parties: Ideal for game days, potlucks, and movie nights.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, cheese type, and toppings to your liking.
Whether you’re serving it as a snack or a full appetizer, this copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso will win over everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, cheesy masterpiece:
For the Chili Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef (you can substitute turkey or sausage if you prefer)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Queso
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 8 oz processed cheese (Velveeta or American), cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
For Garnish & Serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
- Diced tomatoes or jalapeños
- Tortilla chips or warm pretzel bites
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Add diced onions and garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are soft.
Step 2: Build the Chili Base
Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Queso
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly (about 3–4 minutes).
Add in the processed cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. If you want it extra rich, add the heavy cream now.
Step 4: Combine and Melt Together
Pour the chili base into the cheese sauce. Stir until fully combined and heated through. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning—more salt, chili powder, or even a splash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso to a serving bowl (or keep it warm in a small slow cooker). Top with chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, or extra shredded cheese.
Serve immediately with tortilla chips, pretzel bites, or toasted baguette slices.
Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso
- Use a mix of cheeses: Processed cheese gives you that smooth melt, while real cheddar and Jack cheeses add rich flavor.
- Add heat carefully: Buffalo Wild Wings’ version has a mild-to-medium kick. For more spice, toss in extra jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Keep it creamy: If your queso thickens as it cools, stir in a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to life.
- Use a slow cooker for parties: Keep your queso warm and gooey in a mini crock pot during gatherings.
- Add toppings: Crumbled bacon, pico de gallo, or extra ground beef make great additions.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered this copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso recipe, have fun experimenting:
- Vegetarian version: Skip the beef and use black beans, corn, or sautéed mushrooms instead.
- Spicy version: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or habanero cheese.
- Tex-Mex twist: Stir in taco seasoning and top with guacamole and sour cream.
- Loaded queso: Top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce.
What to Serve with Chili Con Queso
This creamy dip is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of snacks:
- Classic tortilla chips (a must!)
- Soft pretzel bites
- Warm pita bread or naan
- Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, or bell peppers)
- French fries or potato wedges
And if you’re making it for game day, pair it with other fan favorites like Buffalo wings, nachos, sliders, or loaded potato skins.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to keep them delicious:
To Store:
Let the queso cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot and smooth.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen it.
Avoid overheating—it can cause the cheese to separate.
Can You Freeze Chili Con Queso?
You can, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Dairy-based sauces tend to separate after freezing. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly while whisking in a little milk to restore its texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cheese does Buffalo Wild Wings use in their Chili Con Queso?
They typically use a blend of processed cheese (like American or Velveeta) for smoothness and real cheese for depth of flavor—often cheddar or Monterey Jack.
2. Is Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso spicy?
It has a mild-to-medium spice level. You can adjust the heat in your homemade version by adding or reducing jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce.
3. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the flour and use cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—omit the beef and replace it with black beans or a mix of diced veggies.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Wild Wings Chili Con Queso Recipe brings restaurant-style comfort straight to your kitchen. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—everything you love about the original, made easily at home.
Whether you’re hosting friends for the big game, planning a casual get-together, or just want something delicious to snack on, this copycat Chili Con Queso will be your go-to appetizer every time.
So grab your chips, melt that cheese, and dive into the ultimate cheesy indulgence—Buffalo Wild Wings style!
