National Queso Day

National Queso Day is celebrated annually on September 20. In 2026, this date falls on a Sunday. It’s a day to enjoy queso, the warm, melted cheese dip that has become a favorite across the United States, especially in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Whether you prefer a classic version made with processed cheese and canned tomatoes or a more refined blend of artisanal cheeses and roasted chiles, there is a queso for every taste. This holiday offers the perfect excuse to gather friends and family around a bowl of cheesy goodness.

History of National Queso Day

The word queso is Spanish for cheese, and in the United States it refers to the hot dip often called chile con queso. According to Lisa Fain, author of the book Queso!, the combination of melted cheese and fresh green chiles most likely originated in Mexico before 1900. Various versions of queso began to appear in newspapers, Texas women’s club and church group cookbooks, and restaurants in the early 20th century. Early recipes used paprika and cayenne as substitutes for the then-hard-to-find fresh peppers, along with American cheese.

Velveeta, invented in 1918, did not appear in a recipe until 1939, according to Fain. That same year, the Texas company Ro-Tel, known for canned tomatoes with green chiles, published a recipe that became legendary: heat Ro-Tel with processed cheese until melted and serve with Fritos for dipping. This simple combination helped cement queso’s place in Tex-Mex cuisine. In Mexico, queso fundido, a molten cheese dish served in a skillet, has long been made with local cheeses such as asadero, panela, Mennonite, manchego or Chihuahua. The version we know today is a true Southwestern specialty that continues to evolve with new ingredients and techniques.

Why is National Queso Day important?

National Queso Day is important because it celebrates a dish that brings people together. Queso is rarely eaten alone; it is a communal food, meant to be shared with chips, tortillas, or friends gathered around a table. The holiday encourages people to slow down and enjoy a simple pleasure that crosses cultural and regional lines.

Queso is also a reminder of the rich culinary traditions behind it. It highlights the contributions of Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking to American food culture, from the chiles and cheeses used to the way the dish is served. Celebrating this day is a way to honor those roots while also acknowledging the creativity of modern cooks.

• Queso is versatile, offering endless possibilities for ingredients like chorizo, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
• It is an accessible dish that can be made with a simple processed cheese block or with artisanal cheeses.
• The holiday supports local restaurants and food businesses that feature queso on their menus.
• Queso brings a festive touch to any gathering, from casual game nights to large parties.
• It encourages culinary experimentation, as people try new recipes, vegan versions, and regional variations.

How to Celebrate National Queso Day

One of the best ways to celebrate is by making queso at home. For a classic Tex-Mex version, melt processed American cheese with Ro-Tel and serve with tortilla chips. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try a queso fundido with melted Oaxaca cheese and chorizo, or a queso flambéed with tequila and topped with roasted poblanos. Many restaurants also offer special queso dishes on this day, so it can be a great excuse to eat out and support local chefs.

For those who prefer plant-based options, cashew queso made with nutritional yeast and oat milk can be just as creamy and flavorful. Another idea is to host a queso tasting with different styles from around the country, from yellow queso in Texas to white choriqueso in Laredo. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the key is to enjoy the melted cheese while it’s hot and share it with the people you care about.

• Make a classic queso using Velveeta and Ro-Tel for a nostalgic taste.
• Try a queso fundido with chorizo or mushrooms for a heartier option.
• Visit a local Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant to see how they celebrate the day.
• Experiment with a vegan queso using cashews and nutritional yeast.
• Host a queso bar with various toppings like jalapeños, pico de gallo, and cilantro.

National Queso Day Dates