Randy Chandler
Queso, a Spanish word for cheese, is a hot cheese dip often served with tortilla chips as an appetizer in Mexican and Tex Mex restaurants. While there is no one type of cheese that is always used in queso, a classic Texas recipe would use Velveeta, and other popular options include queso fresco, American cheese, pepper jack, and mozzarella. To make queso, cheese is melted and mixed with ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, jalapeños or chiles, and evaporated milk or cream.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft and crumbly |
| Flavor | Fresh, tangy, milky, salty |
| Spiciness | Can be adjusted with chili pepper or cayenne pepper |
| Color | Orange or white |
| Cheese type | Velveeta, Monterey Jack, White Cheddar, Mozzarella, American, Pepper Jack, Oaxaca, Asadero, Queso Fresco, Queso Blanco, Queso Chihuahua, Cotija |
| Other ingredients | Tomato, Onion, Jalapenos, Chiles, Evaporated milk, Cornstarch, Cumin, Chili powder, Chorizo, Ground beef |
What You'll Learn
Queso fresco
Making queso fresco involves transforming milk into cheese using rennet and cultures to form the curds. The process begins by heating milk and adding an acid source such as lemon juice or vinegar to separate the curds from the whey. The curds are then drained and pressed, forming a firm, fresh cheese. This type of cheese is unique because it won't melt or age, making it suitable for grilling or stir-frying.
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White American cheese
To make queso with White American cheese, start by cutting the cheese into cubes. Then, place the cheese in a medium saucepan over low heat, adding milk and butter. Stir the mixture until the cheese is completely melted. At this point, you can add diced green chillies, cumin, garlic powder or garlic salt, and cayenne pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth. If the queso becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding more milk.
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Monterey Jack
Queso is a Spanish word that means "cheese". In the US, it is often used to refer to a cheese-based dip or sauce for tortilla chips. There are many types of cheese that can be used to make queso, and one of them is Monterey Jack.
One recipe for Monterey Jack queso involves melting the cheese with butter and milk in a saucepan over low heat. Once the cheese is melted, ingredients such as green chillies, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper can be added to taste. The sauce can be thinned with additional milk if it becomes too thick.
Another recipe for Monterey Jack queso includes blending the cheese with white American cheese and spicing it with hot peppers. This creates a queso with a tangy flavour and a creamy texture.
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Mozzarella
Queso, a Tex-Mex cheese dip, is typically made with a combination of cheeses, and mozzarella is a great addition to the mix. The combination of mozzarella and American cheese, for example, provides a smooth and creamy texture with a good amount of pulling or stretchiness. This makes it perfect for queso fundido, a stringy type of queso.
When making queso with mozzarella, it is important to grate the cheese finely to ensure even melting. Shallots, milk, cumin, and cilantro are also commonly added to enhance the flavour. The dip can be served with tortilla chips, tortillas, tacos, or taquitos.
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Oaxaca
Queso, a Spanish word for cheese, is a popular Tex-Mex cheese dip that is often served with tortilla chips. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the type of cheese used in queso, Oaxaca cheese is a popular choice, especially among Mexicans.
When making queso with Oaxaca cheese, it is important to shred the cheese finely before adding it to the other ingredients. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and smoothly. Additionally, it is crucial to add the shredded cheese gradually and mix it thoroughly after each addition. This technique prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a smooth and creamy queso dip.
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Frequently asked questions
Queso is a hot cheese dip often served with tortilla chips as an appetizer in Mexican and Tex Mex restaurants. The word "queso" is Spanish for "cheese".
There is no single type of cheese that is always used in queso. Popular options include queso fresco, a classic Mexican cheese, as well as American cheese, pepper jack, mozzarella, and Velveeta.
In addition to cheese, queso typically includes tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños or chiles for added heat. Evaporated milk and cornstarch are often added for thickening. Some recipes also include meat, such as chorizo, ground beef, or spicy sausage.
Yes, queso can be made gluten-free by avoiding the use of flour as a thickener. However, it is important to always check the ingredients and labels to ensure the queso is gluten-free.
Absolutely! There are many recipes available online for making queso at home. The key to a smooth and creamy queso is using cheeses that melt well, such as American cheese, and adding a small amount of sodium citrate or cornstarch as an emulsifier.
