Andy Montoya
White cheese melt, or Queso Blanco, is a popular Mexican dip made with white American cheese, milk, butter, onion, garlic, and spices. The cheese is melted slowly and gently to create a smooth, creamy consistency, perfect for dipping. While some recipes call for pre-shredded cheese, others recommend using block cheese and grating it yourself to avoid additives that can affect the texture of the final product. This delicious and easy-to-make dish can be served as a dip with tortillas or nachos, or used as a sauce base for mac and cheese and soups.
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What You'll Learn
White cheese melt recipes
White cheese melt, or queso, is a Mexican cheese dip often served as an appetizer or used as a topping for Mexican dishes such as tacos, taco bowls, and tortilla chips. It can also be drizzled over roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli.
There are several varieties of Mexican cheese that can be used to make queso, including Asadero, Quesadilla, Oaxaca, and Queso Fresco. Authentic Mexican queso uses real Mexican cheese, though some recipes call for American cheese, such as Velveeta queso blanco or Kraft white American singles.
Mexican Queso Dip
This recipe uses Cacique Asadero Cheese or Cacique Queso Quesadilla Cheese, which comes in a block form. It can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or drizzled over Mexican dishes like tacos and taco bowls.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Flour
- Grated Asadero Mexican Cheese or Queso Quesadilla Cheese
- 1 cup half-and-half
Directions:
- Melt butter on low heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add grated cheese and stir in half-and-half.
- Whisk on low heat until the cheese sauce is melted and smooth.
White Queso Cheese Dip
This recipe is a copycat of the queso served at Mexican restaurants and uses only four ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Cheese cubes (Mexican or American varieties)
- Milk
- Water (optional, for a runnier dip)
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
- Sausage bits (optional)
Directions:
- Combine cheese cubes, milk, and water (if using) in a large glass microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring every minute, until the cheese is melted.
- Stir in any remaining ingredients.
- Serve immediately as a dip or sauce, or keep warm in a small Crock Pot on low for up to 1 hour.
Spicy White Queso
This recipe adds some spice to the classic white queso dip with the addition of cayenne and garlic powder.
Ingredients:
- White American cheese (such as Velveeta queso blanco or Kraft white American singles)
- Canned green chilies or jalapeños
- Cayenne
- Garlic powder
Directions:
- Combine cheese, chilies or jalapeños, cayenne, and garlic powder in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
- Serve warm as a dip or sauce.
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White cheese melt products
White cheese melt, or Extra Melt American White Cheese, is a popular product used in a variety of dishes, including Mexican food, quesadillas, mac and cheese, and dips. It is a processed cheese with a creamy texture and a rich, dairy-forward flavour.
Land O Lakes Extra Melt White Cheese Sauce
Land O Lakes offers a white cheese melt product that is ready-to-use as a sauce. It is versatile and can be used in various dishes.
Land O Lakes Extra Melt American Cheese Loaf, White
This product is also available in a loaf format, which can be shredded or sliced. It is a popular choice for restaurants and foodservice providers due to its convenience and flavour.
Amazon: Extra Melt White American Cheese Loaf
Amazon offers a similar product, a 5-pound loaf of Extra Melt White American Cheese. This product has received mixed reviews, with some praising its creamy texture and flavour, while others have found it crumbly and difficult to slice.
Gordon Food Service Store: Extra Melt American White Cheese
Gordon's Food Service Store also offers Extra Melt American White Cheese in a 5-lb loaf. This product is available for foodservice and restaurant use, providing a convenient and flavourful option for chefs and caterers.
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White cheese melt consistency
White cheese melt, or queso blanco, is a popular Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including white American cheese, Asadero, Manchego, and Chihuahua. The consistency of the melt depends on the type of cheese used and the melting process.
When making a white cheese melt, it is important to use block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as the pre-shredded variety often contains additives that can affect the texture when melted. The cheese should be shredded or cubed before melting, and it is crucial to melt the cheese slowly and gently over low heat to achieve a smooth consistency. Stirring continuously during the melting process is essential to ensure even melting and prevent clumping.
The addition of milk is a key factor in achieving the desired consistency. Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest results, but 2% or nonfat milk can also be used. If the queso becomes too thick, a splash of milk can be added to thin it out. For a runnier consistency, additional milk can be incorporated gradually until the desired texture is reached.
Some recipes also incorporate butter, which adds richness and contributes to a creamy and silky texture. It is important to melt the butter separately before adding it to the cheese mixture. Additionally, various ingredients like garlic, onion, green chiles, and spices such as cumin, salt, and pepper, can be added to enhance the flavor and overall consistency of the melt.
The melting process plays a crucial role in the final consistency of the white cheese melt. Applying low and gentle heat ensures a smooth and creamy texture. Using a crock pot, double boiler, or a saucepan over a simmering water bath are effective methods to achieve even melting without burning the cheese.
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White cheese melt toppings
White cheese melts, such as queso blanco, are a delicious treat and a versatile dish. They can be used as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more.
When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. For a simple yet tasty option, you can top your white cheese melt with sautéed onions, garlic, and green chillies. You can also add in some diced or sliced tomatoes, green onions, sliced mushrooms, olives, or jalapenos. If you're feeling adventurous, try something like chorizo chilli or a salsa topping.
For a more substantial meal, you can top your white cheese melt with proteins such as roast pork, chicken cutlets, meatballs, or sausage. For a vegetarian option, you can add cooked vegetables.
If you're making a quesadilla, you can add fillings such as cooked ground beef, black beans, onions, or bell peppers, and then sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before placing another tortilla on top and baking it in the oven. You can also add extra toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa to your quesadilla.
Experiment with different combinations of these toppings to find your favourite way to enjoy a white cheese melt.
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White cheese melt reheating
White cheese melt, or Queso Blanco, is a popular Mexican dip or sauce. It is made by melting cheese, often Asadero, with other ingredients such as jalapenos, cream, onion, cumin, and garlic. It is typically served in a fondue pot or heated serving bowl.
To reheat a white cheese melt, it is best to use a low heat setting and heat the sauce slowly. This can be done on a stovetop or in a microwave. If using a stovetop, a non-stick saucepan or skillet is recommended to prevent the cheese from burning and sticking to the pan. It is also important to stir the sauce frequently to prevent overheating and to maintain a smooth texture.
When reheating in a microwave, it is recommended to start with grated cheese at room temperature. Cover the cheese with a vented lid and melt at low heat in short intervals, such as 15-second increments, stirring in between. This method can be less consistent and reliable, and there is a higher risk of overheating or burning the cheese.
To prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy, it is crucial to avoid overheating. The graininess occurs when the proteins in the cheese are denatured due to high temperatures. Adding an emulsifier, such as mustard powder, sour cream, or oil, can help prevent graininess and maintain a smooth texture.
Additionally, it is recommended to add a liquid medium, such as milk or cream, when reheating the white cheese melt. This helps to create a creamy sauce and prevents the cheese from solidifying as it cools.
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Frequently asked questions
White cheese melt, or queso blanco, is a popular Mexican cheese dip. It is made by melting shredded or cubed white cheese and mixing it with milk, butter, onions, garlic, and spices.
The best type of cheese for white cheese melt is a white American cheese, which can be found at most grocery stores. However, other types of cheese such as Asadero, Manchego, or Chihuahua cheese can also be used.
To make white cheese melt, first melt butter in a skillet and cook diced onions until softened. Then, add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. In a separate saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until small bubbles form, then reduce the heat to low. Add shredded or cubed cheese to the milk and whisk until fully melted and incorporated. Finally, add the cooked onions and garlic to the cheese mixture, along with any desired spices or additives such as green chiles, salt, and pepper.
If your white cheese melt is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out. You can also add salsa or wine to adjust the consistency and add flavour.
