Description
Bring bold flavors to your table with this Chipotle Queso, a rich and creamy cheese dip infused with smoky chipotle peppers. Perfect for parties, snacks, or as a topping for your favorite Tex-Mex dishes, this queso is customizable, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Base:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 cup milk (whole, evaporated, or heavy cream)
For the Chipotle Flavor:
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped or pureed
- 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- ¼ cup cooked chorizo or ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for smooth melting.
- Chop the chipotle peppers and set aside the adobo sauce.
2. Make the Roux:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and nutty in aroma.
3. Create the Sauce:
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the grated cheeses, one handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt fully before adding the next.
5. Incorporate Chipotle Flavor:
- Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Adjust spices to taste.
- In a small skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft, then mix into the queso for added depth of flavor.
6. Optional Add-Ins:
- Mix in diced tomatoes, cooked chorizo, or ground beef for a heartier dip.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the queso to a serving dish or cast iron skillet. Garnish with chopped cilantro or an extra drizzle of adobo sauce.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, vegetables, or crusty bread.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Avoid Grainy Cheese: Use low heat when melting cheese to prevent separation.
- Control Spice Levels: Use less chipotle or add more milk to balance the heat.
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk while reheating to restore creaminess.
Variations:
- Vegan Option: Replace cheese with plant-based alternatives and use almond or coconut milk.
- Loaded Queso: Top with black beans, corn, or diced avocado.
- Beer Queso: Replace ¼ cup of milk with beer for a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with: Tortilla chips, pretzel bites, or vegetable sticks.
- Use as Topping: Drizzle over nachos, tacos, burgers, or baked potatoes.
- Party Ideas: Keep warm in a slow cooker for gatherings.
Enjoy this smoky and spicy Chipotle Queso as a versatile dip or topping that brings Tex-Mex flair to your table!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings