Description
The Greatest Queso is a creamy, cheesy dip perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with a blend of melted cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses combined with diced tomatoes and green chilies, this flavorful dip brings a spicy and savory kick. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or as a topping for nachos, tacos, and burritos.
Ingredients
Scale
Queso Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Ro*Tel)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer dip)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil and soften onions: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and sauté: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, including their juice, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Melt cream cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the tomato mixture.
- Incorporate shredded cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until all the cheese melts and the dip becomes creamy.
- Add half-and-half and seasonings: Pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream to reach the preferred consistency. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Warm and combine: Continue cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the queso is warmed through and ingredients are well combined.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the dip and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the queso, if desired, for added freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the queso hot alongside tortilla chips or use it as a delicious topping for nachos, tacos, or burritos.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly without lumps.
- For a spicier dip, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- To make it richer, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.
- Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop while stirring to restore creaminess.
- Fresh cilantro garnish is optional but adds a nice fresh flavor contrast.
