Easy Queso
Ingredients
- 1 tbspbutter
- ½ smallonion
finely chopped
- 1 smallgarlic clove
finely minced or grated, optional
- ½ tspground cumin
- ¼ tspfine sea salt
- 1 cwhole milk
- 1 ½ tspcornstarch
- 1 ½ cmonterey jack
cheddar, american cheese, or a combination, shredded or torn if using slices, 6 ounces
- 2 ozcream cheese
optional, see notes
- 1can chopped green chilies
mild or hot
- 2 tbspchopped pickled jalapeño
plus 1/2 tablespoon pickle brine, optional
- homemade tortilla chips
for serving
Directions
- 1
Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt, then cook until the onions are soft and smell sweet, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Pour in 3/4 cup of the milk. Bring the milk to barely simmering.
- 3
Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/4 cup of milk and cornstarch together.
- 4
When the milk is barely simmering, whisk in the milk and cornstarch mixture. Continue to whisk until the milk comes to a low simmer, then simmer for 1 minute. During this time, the milk should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 5
Turn the heat to low, and then stir in the cream cheese and the torn or shredded cheese, handful by handful, so that they slowly melt into the sauce.
- 6
When the cheese is completely melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the green chilies, jalapeño (optional), and jalapeño pickle juice (optional). We added all the green chilies, but you can add less; add a tablespoon until you are happy.
- 7
Taste the dip, and then, if the flavor does not pop, adjust with a bit more salt. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Easy Queso
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About this Recipe
Craving that incredibly smooth, restaurant-style queso dip without leaving your kitchen? This easy homemade queso recipe delivers rich, creamy flavor in just minutes, perfect for your next gathering or a cozy night in.
The secret to this queso's irresistible silkiness lies in the choice of cheese. Incorporating a bit of American cheese or cream cheese creates an exceptionally smooth texture that perfectly melts into the rich, cheesy base. This simple technique sets it apart from grainy, less cohesive dips, ensuring every scoop is pure bliss.
Prepare to indulge in a warm, luscious dip that’s delightfully cheesy, with just the right amount of savory depth. You'll find it incredibly satisfying, with a subtle kick from green chiles and pickled jalapeños that awakens your palate. The process is straightforward, focusing on simple ingredients that transform into a truly decadent appetizer.
Feel free to customize your queso to suit your preference. While American cheese or cream cheese are recommended for ultimate smoothness, you can use any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar, or a combination. Just remember that skipping the American or cream cheese might result in a slightly less smooth dip, best enjoyed immediately. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of chopped green chiles or pickled jalapeños, or even their heat level. A finely minced garlic clove adds an optional aromatic layer if you desire.
This Easy Queso is the ultimate appetizer, ideal for game days, parties, or simply elevating your snack time. Serve it warm with plenty of homemade tortilla chips for dipping.