The Greatest Queso

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Greatest Queso is everything you’ve ever wanted in a cheese dip – creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! This dip is perfect for pairing with chips, tacos, or nachos, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party or game day gathering. With just the right balance of melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of garlic, this queso will have everyone coming back for more. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and the ultimate comfort food dip.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-2 jalapeños (seeds removed, diced)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
4. Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the cubed cream cheese to the saucepan and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the queso is smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the queso warm with tortilla chips, tacos, nachos, or vegetables for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6-8 people. Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is around 10 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 20 minutes.

Variations

• Add ground beef or chorizo for a meaty version of queso.
• Stir in roasted poblano peppers or hatch green chilies for extra flavor.
• For a spicier version, add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Use a combination of different cheeses like Gouda or pepper jack for added flavor.
• For a creamy and tangy twist, stir in a spoonful of sour cream.

storage/reheating

Store leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the queso in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or half-and-half to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Gouda, or even Velveeta for a different texture and flavor.

Can I make this queso ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the queso ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving, adding a bit of milk to return it to its creamy consistency.

How do I make queso spicier?

Add more jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or use a spicier variety of peppers like serrano or habanero.

Can I freeze queso?

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze queso for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently over low heat.

Can I make queso without cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with extra shredded cheese or use a combination of milk and heavy cream to achieve a similar creamy texture.

What can I serve with queso?

Queso is perfect with tortilla chips, nachos, tacos, vegetables, or even as a topping for burritos or baked potatoes.

How do I prevent the queso from getting too thick?

If your queso thickens too much, add a splash of milk or half-and-half to loosen it up until it reaches your desired consistency.

How long does leftover queso last?

Store leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I make queso without a stovetop?

Yes, you can make queso in the microwave by melting the cream cheese first, then adding the other ingredients and stirring until smooth.

How do I make queso more flavorful?

Feel free to add more spices, such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

The Greatest Queso is the ultimate cheese dip that will elevate any snack or meal. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and endless customization options, it’s a dish that’s perfect for sharing at parties, game day, or a casual night in. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this queso is sure to become your go-to dip!

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