Bring your favorite Mexican-inspired flavors to the table with this Queso Recipe!
While queso dip is a Tex-Mex classic, its origins are mysterious and some say they could even date back as early as the Aztecs. Whether it was ancient indigenous folk or 20th-century Hispanic Americans, the creators of this recipe made a creamy, velvety cheese dip that many cultures enjoy today.
Whether it’s for a birthday party or game day, this dip is the perfect addition and goes well with classic tortilla chips or slices of bread. It also makes a really nice topping for nachos, so it can be made in bulk and saved for later. This recipe is especially wonderful because it’s homemade, and so you get all the good flavors of a restaurant-level queso combined with all the love you put into it.
Is Queso Dip Healthy?
With the most authentic and wholesome ingredients, this queso is way better than store-bought because there are no added preservatives or sugars. High-quality cheese (from a local dairy farmer if available) is a great source of protein and calcium. For those who can’t have dairy, I recommend using trusted cheese alternatives from a brand like Daiya.
Queso vs. Cheese Dip
Queso is the Spanish word for “cheese,” and queso dip in particular is a creamy cheese sauce with a nice kick of spice. This smoky spiciness is what differentiates it from regular cheese dip, which is mostly a blend of cheeses and nothing else. Queso opens a whole new dimension of Tex-Mex zest, whereas its Swiss cousin fondue (another cheese-based sauce) is usually thinner and more subtle in flavor. So, although it is also considered a cheesy dip, queso stands out among the crowd and can definitely make a fiesta.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Leftover or premade queso can be stored in an airtight fridge-safe container for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to your queso in a pot on the stove and slowly heat on low, stirring occasionally. I’d avoid freezing this dip – it might damage the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Aside from classic corn tortilla chips, what else can we dip? For starters, you could try Avocado Fries to spark a guacamole-style flavor and make your dish stand out even more. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, try making these easy and delicious Keto Tortilla Chips. This queso also makes a great topping for Mushroom Tacos. Most simply, you could dip raw veggies like carrots or celery in this queso too, and that would be just as yummy. However you choose to dip or top, have fun and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in evaporated milk and bring the mixture to a low simmer, careful not to boil.
- Gradually add the grated cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm with tortilla chips.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment