The Ultimate White Cheddar Queso: A Creamy, Spicy Delight
Queso, a beloved staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, has roots that stretch across the border into Mexico, where cheese is often used in various dishes to add richness and flavor. This creamy, cheesy delight is known for its smooth texture and spicy undertones, making it a favorite for gatherings, parties, and casual snacking. Traditionally served warm, queso can elevate any meal or snack experience, offering a delicious dip for tortilla chips or a delectable topping for nachos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Its versatility and comforting taste make it a must-have at any celebration or family dinner.
The ingredients for a perfect queso blend seamlessly to create a harmonious flavor profile. At the heart of this recipe is white cheddar cheese, known for its creamy texture and slightly sharp taste, which forms the base of the queso. Complementing the cheese, we have butter, which adds richness, and diced onions and jalapenos, which bring a subtle sweetness and a bit of heat. The addition of green chilies and minced garlic enhances the depth of flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.
To achieve the perfect consistency, a combination of whole milk, water, and cornstarch is used. This mixture ensures the queso remains smooth and creamy without becoming too thick. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while ground cumin provides a warm, earthy note that complements the other ingredients beautifully. A touch of salt enhances all the flavors, and a hint of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, ensuring each bite has a perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Serving queso can be as simple or as creative as you like. Traditionally, it’s served warm with a side of crisp tortilla chips, perfect for dipping. However, it can also be poured over nachos, tacos, or burritos to add a cheesy layer of deliciousness. For a twist, consider serving queso with fresh vegetables like bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks for a lighter option. No matter how you serve it, this queso recipe is sure to be a hit, offering a creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying addition to any meal or gathering.
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White Queso Dip
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 jalapenos, deseeded and diced
- 1 small can ( 4.5 oz) green chilies
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 cups white cheddar, shredded
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter, add the onions and jalapenos and saute until soft.
- Whisk together the milk, water and cornstarch. Add to the pan and cook over medium heat stirring constantly until it begins to thicken.
- Add the cheese and cook slowly until the cheese has melted.
- Stir in the cilantro, cumin, salt and cayenne.
- Serve with nacho chips or fresh tortilla chips.
- Category: appetizers,, recipes
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