Description
This Greatest Queso Recipe is a creamy, cheesy dip bursting with bold flavors from sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Perfectly spiced with cumin and jalapeño, this smooth queso is ideal as an appetizer served warm with tortilla chips, nachos, or tacos.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- salt to taste
Garnish (optional)
- chopped cilantro
- sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and jalapeño and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Make a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
- Add dairy slowly: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Melt the cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until the queso is fully melted, smooth, and creamy.
- Season and combine: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, ground cumin, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Keep warm and serve: Maintain the queso over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent skin from forming. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired, alongside your favorite tortilla chips, nachos, or tacos.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or substitute roasted poblano peppers for jalapeños.
- To increase spiciness, retain the jalapeño seeds or add your preferred hot sauce.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
