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4.9 from 282 votes

Homemade Queso Recipe

Cheese sauce makes or breaks any nacho recipe. The Best Queso recipe uses real cheese for a dip that's easy and flavorful, with sharp and smoky notes. It's the perfect party food!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 280 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
  • 1 1/2 cups half & 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 sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  • NOT A FAN OF SMOKED CHEESE? If you don't like smoky flavors, use all sharp cheddar.

Nutrition Information

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 (4%) Fiber 0g (0%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 790IU (16%) Vitamin C 3.4mg (4%) Calcium 377mg (38%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 280

% 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.