Homemade Queso Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
Homemade Queso Recipe
Description
Homemade Queso Recipe combines butter, diced onion or shallots, and minced garlic sautéed with seeded jalapeños for a softened aromatic base. The addition of half-and-half and chipotle chiles in adobo sauce brings a subtle smoky heat. Cornstarch is whisked in to thicken the sauce as it simmers gently. Softened cream cheese and yellow mustard enrich the texture and flavor. Gradually adding shredded smoked and sharp cheddar cheeses creates a creamy, cohesive queso.
The sauce results in a rich, smooth texture with a smoky spice and mild heat from the peppers. The balanced use of smoked cheddar and fresh jalapeño offers complexity without overwhelming sharpness. The cornstarch ensures the cheese does not separate but stays creamy.
Serve this queso warm alongside tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or as a sauce to add creamy heat to dishes. It can be kept warm in a slow cooker or fondue pot for casual gatherings or snack times.
If desired, swap smoked cheddar for all sharp cheddar to reduce smoky flavor. The queso should be served shortly after preparation to maintain its creamy consistency.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion diced, or shallot
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 jalapeno pepper seeded and diced
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or evaporated milk
- 2 chipotle chiles diced (canned in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes and softened
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 8 ounces smoked cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese shredded, sharp
Instructions
- Place a medium sized pot over medium heat. Add the butter, shallots, garlic and jalapeño. Saute for 3-4 minutes to soften, then add the half & half and chipotle peppers.
- Whisk in the cornstarch. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, so the half & half can scald (not necessary with evaporated milk). Then lower the temperature to medium-low. Next stir in the cream cheese and mustard.
- Slowly start adding the shredded cheese. Stir and add by the handful, until the sauce comes together. If you prefer your cheese sauce a little thinner, add an extra splash of half & half. Serve immediately, or keep warm in a slow cooker or fondue pot.
Notes
- Replace smoked cheddar with all sharp cheddar if you prefer less smoky flavor.
- Serve queso warm for best texture; keep warm in a slow cooker or fondue pot if needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cup | |
| Calories | 280kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 439mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 153mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 790IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 3.4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 377mg | 38% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
