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Chipotle queso served with chips and veggies.
Lucy

How to Make the Best Chipotle Queso at Home

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
    1. Prepare Ingredients:
    1. Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for smooth melting.
    2. Chop the chipotle peppers and set aside the adobo sauce.
    2. Make the Roux:
    1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
    2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and nutty in aroma.
    3. Create the Sauce:
    1. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
    4. Add Cheese:
    1. 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:
    1. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Adjust spices to taste.
    2. In a small skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft, then mix into the queso for added depth of flavor.
    6. Optional Add-Ins:
    1. Mix in diced tomatoes, cooked chorizo, or ground beef for a heartier dip.
    7. Garnish and Serve:
    1. Transfer the queso to a serving dish or cast iron skillet. Garnish with chopped cilantro or an extra drizzle of adobo sauce.
    2. 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!