Description

This Best Queso Recipe is a creamy, cheesy dip perfect for snacking or entertaining. Combining melted white American and Pepper Jack cheeses with savory chorizo and green chiles, this queso offers a rich, flavorful experience topped with fresh cilantro, diced Roma tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Cheese Sauce

1 Tablespoon Butter
1/2 medium Onion, finely diced
1 Garlic clove, finely minced
1 (12-ounce) can Evaporated Milk
1 lb. White American Cheese
8 ounces Pepper Jack Cheese, freshly grated
4 ounces Diced Green Chiles

Meat (Optional)

1/2 lb. Pork or Beef Chorizo (or ground beef or sausage)

Toppings

Cilantro, for topping
Roma Tomato, diced, for topping
Pickled Jalapeños, for topping

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 8-9 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Evaporated Milk: Pour in evaporated milk and gently warm the mixture, taking care not to let it boil to prevent curdling.
Melt White American Cheese: Gradually add the white American cheese to the warmed milk, stirring continuously until fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Incorporate Pepper Jack Cheese and Chiles: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Pepper Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is smooth and fully combined. Then stir in the diced green chiles evenly throughout the queso.
Keep Warm: Reduce heat to low and keep the queso warm, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness and prevent sticking.
Cook the Meat (If Using): In a separate saucepan or skillet over medium heat, brown the chorizo, sausage, or ground beef, breaking it up finely as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain off excess grease. If using ground beef, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Meat and Queso: Stir half of the cooked chorizo into the queso for added flavor and texture. Use the remaining chorizo as a garnish on top of the queso dip.
Add Toppings: Top the queso with fresh cilantro, diced Roma tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños as desired to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt and best texture.
Do not allow the evaporated milk to boil to prevent the cheese sauce from separating.
Chorizo adds an authentic smoky flavor but can be substituted with ground beef or sausage for variation.
Adjust the amount of green chiles and jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
This queso is best served warm and fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.