Ingredients of Queso Recipe:
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter to make Queso Recipe
- ⅓ cup finely diced white onion
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 oz can fire roasted diced green chilis, drained
- ¼ cup diced roma tomato or canned petite diced tomatoes, juices drained
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier queso (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon table salt, plus additional to taste as needed
- 12 oz can full-fat evaporated milk
- 8 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Corn chips for serving
Instructions:
- Melt the butter over medium heat, then sauté onion and then garlic.
- Add chilis and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the vegetables and stir until it is absorbed.
- Add the spices and stir to combine.
- Slowly drizzle in evaporated milk while stirring, allowing the milk to heat slowly as you go, and cook until everything is warmed and slightly thickened.
- Turn the heat to low and stir in the cheese, stirring until everything is melted and combined before tasting for additional seasoning.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
Variations and Substitutions Queso Recipe:
- This white queso recipe is pretty simple as is, but it’s fun to play around with different variations.
- I love to mix in some chorizo, taco meat or ground beef, or even some rotisserie or shredded chicken (these ingredients should all be fully cooked first).
- I’ve also added black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (or Rotel), onions, and more for a chunkier cheese dip.
- Lastly, I sometimes change up the type of cheese and mix in some pepper jack or Monterey jack with the white American cheese.
How to Store and Reheat Queso Dip:
- When I leftover cheese dip, I pour it into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat, I add a splash of milk and heat in the microwave in 15-30 second increments, stirring between each increment to make sure it’s fully heated through.
- I do not recommend freezing queso because it will be too grainy when thawed and reheated.
How to Keep it Warm Queso Recipe:
- It’s normal for queso to harden as it cools, so stir regularly and keep it warm while serving.
- I like to serve it out of a Crockpot at parties for this reason.
- After making queso blanco on the stovetop, pour it into a slow cooker, and set it to WARM.
- This will keep it hot, smooth, and creamy through the whole party.
- Otherwise, just warm it up in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir generously once it starts to get cold.
- If need be, add some milk to thin as you heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- This white queso dips tortilla chips, whether homemade or store-bought.
- And don’t stop at dipping, because this queso works as a sauce for all your favorite Mexican dishes.
- I love to pour it over chicken enchiladas, baked tacos, chicken quesadillas, chicken nachos, these smothered chicken fajitas.
- The possibilities are endless.
Conclusion of Queso Recipe:
Therefore, in conclusion, crafting a delicious queso dip involves a delicate balance of ingredients and techniques. However, while the recipe may vary from one cook to another, the essence of a perfect queso remains constant: a harmonious fusion of creamy cheese, zesty spices, and flavorful additions. So, whether you prefer a classic rendition or enjoy experimenting with unique twists, remember that the key lies in achieving the ideal texture and taste.
