Description
Bobby Flay’s legendary queso dip brings southwestern charm to party spreads. Melted cheeses, roasted chiles, and bold spices create an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ½ pound (225 g) fresh cheddar cheese, shredded (preferably smoked or sharp cheddar)
- 13 oz (375 g) evaporated milk (full fat)
- 4 oz (120 g) fire-roasted green chiles or jalapeños
- 3.5 oz (100 g) diced tomatoes (Roma or cherry tomatoes recommended)
Aromatic Ingredients:
- ¾ cup green onions, finely chopped (keep white and green parts separate)
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Spices and Thickeners:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (cornflour)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat, gently sautéing the white sections of green onions for approximately 4 minutes until they become translucent and tender.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pot and cook for roughly 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
- Incorporate diced chiles, ground cumin, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and diced tomatoes with their natural juices. Stir periodically, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop complex flavors for 2 minutes.
- Dust the surface with cornstarch, ensuring thorough integration by whisking carefully to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Slowly stream evaporated milk into the pot, continuously stirring to create a smooth, homogeneous base for the cheese sauce.
- Elevate the temperature until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, creating an ideal environment for cheese melting.
- Gradually sprinkle shredded cheese into the liquid, stirring consistently until each handful completely dissolves, creating a velvety, uniform sauce.
- Remove from heat the moment the cheese fully incorporates, preventing potential separation or graininess.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onion tops and cilantro, adding brightness and fresh herbal notes.
- Perform a final seasoning assessment, adding salt if necessary to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Serve immediately while warm, ideal as a luxurious dipping sauce or versatile cheese accompaniment.
Notes
- Grab shredded cheese right from the bag for quick and easy melting.
- Opt for white or yellow cheddar to create a classic, smooth texture.
- Low heat prevents cheese from becoming grainy or separating during cooking.
- Stir constantly to ensure an even, silky consistency throughout the queso.
- Keep leftover queso in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to customize your perfect flavor profile.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and most appealing presentation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 298 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 382 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg