Frederic Melton
Qdoba's signature three-cheese Queso is a popular menu item, and many have tried to recreate the recipe at home. The queso is made with three types of cheese: American, White American, and White Monterey Jack. The dish also includes poblano peppers, cream, and various other ingredients. While some recipes come close, they don't seem to match the original Qdoba Queso, which is known for its perfect creaminess and cheesiness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses used | 3 |
| Type of cheese | American, White American, White Monterey Jack, Swiss, Jack, Colby, Cheddar |
| Other ingredients | Poblano peppers, heavy cream, tomatoes |
| Recipe | Available |
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What You'll Learn
Qdoba's 3-cheese queso recipe
Ingredients:
- American cheese (or Kraft singles for a more yellow-orange colour)
- White American cheese (for a lighter colour, similar to Qdoba's)
- White Monterey Jack Cheese
- Poblano peppers (or Anaheim peppers can be substituted)
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Heavy cream or milk
- Optional: finely chopped onions, ground cumin, and chopped roasted red peppers
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Pit and cut the peppers and tomatoes into pieces. For tomatoes, quarters are best, and for peppers, cut them into six pieces. Discard the seeds and centres and place the vegetables on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes until the skins are blackened. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Once cool, remove the skins and discard them.
For the next step, a crockpot or slow cooker can be used. Add in your roasted vegetables and cheeses, and cook on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and adjust seasoning to taste. If the mixture becomes too thick, add milk or heavy cream to thin it out. For additional flavour, add in finely chopped onions, ground cumin, and chopped roasted red peppers. Keep the queso warm in the crockpot on the "keep warm" setting and stir before serving.
This recipe is perfect for dipping tortilla chips and can be served on Taco Tuesday or for game day parties. Enjoy the cheesy goodness of Qdoba's 3-cheese queso at home!
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Qdoba queso dip recipe
If you're craving Qdoba's queso dip, you can make it at home with this copycat recipe! It's cheesy, creamy, and delicious—perfect for dipping tortilla chips or adding to a burrito bowl.
Ingredients:
- 3 types of cheese: American, White American, and White Monterey Jack Cheese
- Poblano peppers (or Anaheim peppers), roasted
- Tomatoes, cut into pieces
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Heavy cream or milk
- Optional: Ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, fresh jalapeño, and/or additional roasted red peppers
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the peppers and tomatoes into pieces, discarding the centers and seeds. Place them on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes until the skins are blackened. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Once cool, remove the skins and discard them.
Place the roasted peppers and tomatoes in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. You can also use a fork to mash them if you prefer a chunkier texture.
In a crockpot or slow cooker, combine the pepper and tomato mixture with the cheeses. Cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the dip is thickened. If using a stovetop, use a whisk and simmer on low heat.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the dip is too thick, thin it out with additional heavy cream or milk. For extra flavor, add in your desired spices and/or fresh jalapeño and roasted red peppers.
Serve warm with tortilla chips or use as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes! Enjoy!
Notes:
- For a more authentic Qdoba color, use white American cheese. If you use Kraft singles or yellow American cheese, the dip will be more yellow-orange.
- If you can't find poblano peppers, Anaheim peppers make a great substitute.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or cayenne.
- If you prefer a thinner queso for dipping, add more milk or cream to the recipe.
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Qdoba queso ingredients
Qdoba's signature queso dip is made with three types of cheese: American, White American, and White Monterey Jack. The recipe also includes poblano peppers, tomatoes, and heavy cream. To make the dip, the peppers and tomatoes are roasted and blended with heavy cream, and then mixed with the shredded cheese. The white American cheese contains additives such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, which help the cheese melt smoothly and maintain its texture.
Some variations of the copycat recipe suggest using Kraft singles for the American cheese portion, resulting in a more yellow-orange colour. Using white American cheese will yield a lighter colour, similar to Qdoba's queso. Other recommended substitutions include Colby or Cheddar cheese instead of American cheese, and Anaheim peppers in place of poblano peppers.
To achieve the right consistency, some adjustments to the recipe may be necessary. For a thinner dip, additional milk or heavy cream can be added. It is also important to use a low heat setting when melting the cheese to prevent scalding and maintain a smooth texture.
Qdoba's queso is known for its creamy, cheesy, and delicious flavour, and the copycat recipe allows fans to recreate this popular dip at home. With a few simple ingredients and modifications, it is possible to enjoy this tasty treat anytime.
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Qdoba queso at home
If you're craving Qdoba's signature queso but don't want to leave the comfort of your home, you're in luck! With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can recreate this delicious, cheesy treat in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Cheese: American, White American, and White Monterey Jack Cheese are the trio that forms the heart of Qdoba's queso. However, if you can't get your hands on White American cheese, you can substitute it with Colby or Cheddar cheese, or even Kraft singles for a more vibrant orange hue.
- Peppers: Roasted poblano peppers are the star of the show, but if you can't find them, Anaheim peppers make a worthy stand-in. Don't shy away from using canned peppers for added convenience.
- Tomatoes: These provide a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds a creamy, indulgent texture to the dip.
- Olive Oil: Drizzled over the veggies, it enhances their flavor and aids in roasting.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasonings to taste.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Pit and cut the peppers and tomatoes into pieces. Discard the seeds and centers.
- Place the veggies on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast the veggies in the oven until they're perfectly charred.
- Shred the cheeses and melt them in a double boiler or a microwave at low power. Avoid using high heat to prevent scalding.
- In a crockpot, blend the roasted veggies with heavy cream using a food processor or blender. You can also chop the veggies finely and hand mix them.
- Add the melted cheese to the crockpot and stir well. Keep the crockpot on low heat to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips or use as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Tips:
- If you prefer a thinner consistency for dipping, add more heavy cream or milk.
- For a vibrant orange color, opt for Kraft singles or yellow Velveeta instead of white American cheese.
- If you're short on time, canned peppers are a great shortcut.
- Leftovers can be reheated slowly to avoid a grainy texture.
Now you can indulge in the cheesy goodness of Qdoba's queso anytime you like, right in the comfort of your own home!
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Qdoba's queso vs. other quesos
Qdoba's signature queso is a blend of three cheeses: American, White American, and White Monterey Jack. The recipe also includes poblano peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chilis. This combination creates a rich, creamy, and cheesy dip that has become a favourite among Qdoba fans. The signature 3-cheese queso is also available as a side with chips.
Qdoba has also introduced new variations of their classic queso, such as the Queso Apocalypto, which is their spiciest queso yet. It features layers of flavors, including their Queso Diablo, fiery hot crunchies, salsa roja, habanero salsa, and pickled jalapeños. For those who prefer milder flavours, the Zesty Queso Verde is a bright and herby option with a sweet mix of cheddar, cilantro, and lime. It is a better fit for burritos than tortilla chips. Another variation is the Fiery Queso Diablo, which has a darker blend filled with jalapeños and smoky chipotles.
While Qdoba's signature queso is unique to the restaurant, there are similar quesos available at other Mexican restaurants. For example, the white shredded cheese used in Mexican restaurant tacos can vary, but it is often either Queso Chihuahua, Queso Oaxaca, Queso Fresco, or Queso Cotija. These cheeses differ in colour, texture, and flavour, with Queso Chihuahua being mild and melting easily, similar to American cheese.
Overall, Qdoba's queso stands out for its blend of three cheeses and the addition of fire-roasted peppers and chilis, creating a rich and creamy dip that complements their Mexican cuisine. The availability of different flavour profiles, such as the spicier Queso Apocalypto and the herby Zesty Queso Verde, also sets Qdoba apart from other quesos.
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Frequently asked questions
Qdoba's 3-cheese Queso includes American, White American, and White Monterey Jack Cheese.
Colby, Cheddar, Kraft Singles, or Velveeta can be used in place of American cheese.
In addition to the three types of cheese, Qdoba's 3-cheese Queso includes poblano peppers, heavy cream, and tomatoes.
