If you’re looking for a heartwarming accompaniment to a meal, or a craveable pre-cursor, queso is always the right answer.

When Mexican food is on the menu or a party is on the calendar, our family loves adding queso to the list. The slow cooker, a brick of Velveeta, and a can of Ro-Tel is all it takes to bring this treat to life. And in a matter of minutes, our mouths are watering.

So if you’re looking for that perfect dip or cheesy embellishment for dinner to please any palette, think queso.

Here are three reasons why:

Reason #1: It Can Be Tweaked According to Taste

Spicy or mild, or somewhere in between, queso can be tweaked to fit your tastes.

Add in jalapeños for flavor, and leave the seeds in for extra spice, or opt for a mild can of Ro-Tel. If you want it meatier, throw in some ground beef. To keep it vegetarian, onions can add a nice touch and crunch.

Have fun experimenting with this cheesy dip.

Reason #2: It Eats Well On A Lot of Things

You don’t just have to stick with tortilla chips!

Queso is great on plenty of things. Elevate a burger with a dollop of queso, or pull out the fruits and veggies for a healthier option for dipping. Skip the shredded cheese when you’re having fajitas or tacos and use queso instead for a creamy touch, or dip your flautas or taquitos for the perfect bite.

Some people even love it on apple pie, though that is not one I’ve tried before!

Reason #3: It Soothes Your Soul

No matter the time of year, queso is the ultimate comfort food.

Maybe it’s the warmth or the creaminess. Perhaps it’s because it signifies togetherness. It could be the connection to memories and a feeling of home.

Whatever the reason, this melty cheese dip just does something to make life, and food, better.

So when you’re looking to add satisfying flavor to your day, cook up a batch of queso. And if you can share it with others, even better.