Kamil Perry
Queso blanco is a delicious, creamy, and spicy cheese dip that's perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a snack. It's a popular appetizer at Mexican restaurants and is usually made with a combination of white cheeses, such as Oaxaca, Asadero, Monterey Jack, or white American cheese, and other ingredients like green chiles, cumin, and heavy cream. While some recipes use processed cheese like Velveeta, others opt for real cheese, and it's important to note that queso blanco should be made with block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese to achieve the best texture. To melt queso blanco, you can use a stovetop, microwave, or crock pot, heating the cheese with milk, butter, and other ingredients until melted and combined.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Queso Blanco |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, thick, melty |
| Taste | Spicy, cheesy |
| Ingredients | Cheese, milk, butter, green chillies, cumin, oregano, garlic, salt, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions |
| Method | Melt butter, add onions, add garlic, add milk, add cheese, stir, serve with tortilla chips |
| Time | 5 minutes |
| Storage | Leftover queso blanco can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Using a microwave
To make queso blanco in the microwave, start by buying a block of cheese and grating it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture of the dip. You can use a combination of Oaxaca, Asadero, Monterey Jack, Cacique Queso Quesadilla, or white American cheese. Avoid using processed American cheese, and opt for deli-style cheese instead.
Once you have grated your chosen cheese, combine it with milk, water, and spices such as cumin, cayenne pepper, and garlic salt in a microwave-safe bowl. You can also add chopped green chiles, diced tomatoes, and cilantro to enhance the flavor. Give the ingredients a quick stir to combine them, and then place the bowl in the microwave.
Microwave the mixture for one minute, then remove the bowl and give it a stir. It's important to pause and stir the queso blanco every minute or so to ensure even cooking and prevent overheating. The queso blanco will start to thicken after a few minutes of stirring.
Continue microwaving and stirring in intervals until the cheese is fully melted and combined. This should take about five minutes in total. If the queso blanco becomes too thick, you can stir in a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
Once the cheese is melted to your desired consistency, you can serve it with tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes. Leftover queso blanco can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheated in the microwave as needed.
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Using a stovetop
To make queso blanco on a stovetop, you will need a saucepan or skillet, a whisk, and a source of heat. It is also recommended to have a good garlic press and a crock pot for reheating.
First, buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture of your dip. Asadero cheese is a good melting cheese with a creamy-smooth, velvety texture, and it is used by authentic Mexican restaurants. Cacique is a good brand to try, but make sure to get the rounds of cheese, not the pre-shredded variety. Oaxaca cheese is another option, and if you can't find that, you can use Asadero, Monterey Jack, or white American cheese.
Next, melt some butter in your saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add some diced onion and cook for 5-8 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize. Then, add some garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or so until it is fragrant. Set this mixture aside.
Now, heat some milk in a separate saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form at the edges. Reduce the heat to low and add your grated cheese a little at a time, whisking continuously until it is fully incorporated and melted. Keep doing this until all your cheese is melted, then remove the pan from the heat and gently stir in the cooked onions and garlic, along with diced green chiles, salt, and black pepper to taste.
If you are making a large batch, you can use a crock pot to keep your queso blanco warm and melted, or you can also reheat it in a saucepan over the stovetop.
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Using a crock pot
Queso Blanco is a warm and gooey white cheese dip with green chillies that can be cooked in a crock pot. It is a popular party snack and can be served with tortilla chips, veggie strips, or your favourite type of tortillas.
To make Queso Blanco in a crock pot, start by tearing or cutting your cheese into 1/2-inch cubes or pieces. Avoid using pre-grated cheese as it contains preservatives that prevent it from melting smoothly. You can use White American Cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, which is a mild-flavoured cheese similar to cheddar and is great for melting.
In a 1.5-quart crock pot, add the chopped cheese, green chillies, milk, and seasonings. You can also add cream cheese for a different flavour. Stir the ingredients, cover the crock pot, and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted, stirring occasionally.
If you are making Queso Blanco for a crowd, you may need to use a larger crock pot, such as a 3-quart size or bigger. You can also add meat to the dip, such as ground beef or sausage, by browning the meat and draining it before adding it to the crock pot with the other ingredients.
Once the cheese is melted and heated through, your Queso Blanco is ready to serve. You can keep it warm in the crock pot until ready to serve and garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day and reheated in the microwave with a little milk as needed.
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Choosing the right cheese
Queso blanco is a delicious, creamy, and rich cheese dip that is perfect for any occasion, be it a party, a movie night, or a simple snack. While there are many variations of the recipe, choosing the right cheese is essential to achieving that perfect, smooth, and silky texture.
The type of cheese you choose will depend on the flavour profile and texture you want to achieve. Authentic Mexican queso blanco recipes often use a combination of Mexican cheeses such as Asadero, Oaxaca, and Queso Fresco. Asadero is a mild, creamy, and smooth melting cheese that is commonly used in Mexican restaurants for their queso dip. Oaxaca cheese is another great option and is easily found in local supermarkets. If you cannot find Oaxaca cheese, you can substitute it with Asadero or Monterey Jack.
If you are looking for a more economical option, white American cheese is a good alternative. It is often available at the deli section of grocery stores and is known for its creamy texture. However, be sure to avoid the shelf-stable variety as they tend to be softer and may not produce the best texture when melted. Some recommended brands of white American cheese include Boar's Head and Land o' Lakes.
For those who prefer a spicier queso blanco, adding jalapenos or pickled jalapeno juice can enhance the flavour. In this case, using Velveeta brand queso blanco or queso blanco cheese from international stores can be a good option.
Additionally, it is important to note that using block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese is recommended. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives to prevent clumping, which can affect the texture of your dip. Using whole milk and a good whisk are also key factors in achieving the desired creamy consistency.
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Adding extra ingredients
Queso blanco is a delicious and creamy cheese dip that can be made in a crockpot or microwave. While the core ingredients are queso blanco cheese, milk, and butter, there are several extra ingredients you can add to enhance the flavor and texture. Here are some ideas for extra ingredients to include:
Spices and Vegetables
Pickled jalapenos, cumin, and garlic powder are a great combination to add depth of flavor to your queso blanco. You can also add some heat with minced jalapenos or jalapeno juice. If you're looking for a milder spice, green chiles (either mild or hot) can add a hint of spice and a delicious pepper flavor. For even more depth of flavor, sauté some diced onions and garlic to mix into your dip.
Meats
If you want to make your queso blanco more hearty and savory, consider adding some cooked ground beef or chorizo. Make sure to cook the meat separately and break it down into small pieces before stirring it into the melted cheese dip.
Beans and Vegetables
For a different flavor profile, you can add black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, or sausage bits. These ingredients will add bulk and variety to your dip.
Liquids
While milk is a key ingredient in achieving a creamy texture, you can also add heavy cream or sour cream for extra richness and smoothness. If you want to thin out your dip a bit, try adding a splash of water or beer, which will also act as an emulsifier.
Toppings and Sides
While not exactly an "extra ingredient," don't forget that the toppings and sides you serve with your queso blanco can also enhance the overall experience. Try serving your dip with thin, crunchy tortilla chips, restaurant-style salsa, or even offer it as a topping for southwest egg rolls or grilled crab quesadillas.
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Frequently asked questions
For the best results, use a block of white American cheese, which can be found in the deli section of a grocery store. You can also use Oaxaca, Asadero, or Monterey Jack cheese.
To make a standard queso blanco, you will need cheese, milk, butter, and green chillies. Some recipes also include cumin, oregano, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
To melt the cheese, place it in a saucepan over low heat with milk and butter. Continuously stir the mixture until the cheese is fully melted. You can also use a double boiler to ensure the cheese melts evenly and to avoid burning.
Queso blanco can be made in just a few minutes. It typically takes around 5 minutes for the cheese to melt, and then you can add the other ingredients.
Yes, you can also make queso blanco in the microwave. Combine the cheese, milk, and other ingredients in a bowl and microwave for about 5 minutes, stirring after every minute or so to prevent separation.
