Description
The Greatest Queso is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Tex-Mex cheese dip perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, combined with savory spices, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and fresh jalapeño for a subtle kick, this queso is smooth, cheesy, and irresistible when served warm alongside crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
Spices and Tomatoes
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Thickener and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Finishing Touches
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño, then sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix everything evenly to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well to coat the ingredients. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and begin thickening the base.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and velvety texture for the queso dip.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro if using. Serve the queso warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Keep the queso warm in a slow cooker or warming dish during parties to maintain its creamy texture.
- For a heartier dip, stir in cooked chorizo or ground beef before serving.
- This queso can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
