Cheese dip is widely considered to have been invented in Arkansas, specifically by Blackie Donnely, the original owner of the Mexico Chiquito restaurant chain. Donnely opened the first Mexico Chiquito in North Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1935, and his restaurant became famous for its secret cheese dip recipe

. There is some debate about the origins, with claims that cheese dip may have been invented in Hot Springs, Arkansas, or that a similar dish called chile con queso originated in Texas or Mexico. However, Arkansas claims the invention of the cheese dip as a distinct dish, characterized by a warm, dippable cheese mixture often made with processed cheese and chili sauce, which differs in consistency and cultural significance from Texas queso

. Arkansas has embraced cheese dip as a key part of its food culture, even hosting the World Cheese Dip Championships in Little Rock since 2010. The dish is especially popular in Arkansas compared to other regions, and the state’s claim to cheese dip is supported by local history and culinary tradition

. In summary, cheese dip as known today is generally credited to have been invented in Arkansas in 1935 by Blackie Donnely at Mexico Chiquito restaurants. While similar cheese-based dishes exist in Texas and Mexico, Arkansas cheese dip is regarded as a unique regional creation