Cheese For Queso: Choosing The Right Melty Cheese

Queso, a Spanish word for cheese, is a hot cheese dip that is frequently eaten with tortilla chips. It is a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine and is often served as a communal dish at parties, gatherings, and restaurants. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the type of cheese used in queso, it is typically made from a blend of cheeses with added spices or chillies. Some common types of cheese used include cheddar, Monterey Jack, Asadero, Queso Fresco, Pepper Jack, Oaxaca, Colby, and Cream Cheese. The choice of cheese depends on the desired flavour profile and texture.

White American Cheese

To make a simple queso with White American cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

• White American cheese, either sliced or in a block, chopped into small cubes
• Milk (preferably evaporated milk)
• Butter or margarine
• Diced green chillies: jalapeno peppers can also be used
• Spices such as cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to taste
• Place the cheese, milk, and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. You can also use a double boiler to melt the cheese more evenly and prevent burning.
• Stir the mixture until the cheese is completely melted, making sure to stir frequently.
• Add the green chillies, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, and stir until smooth.
• If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding more milk.
• Cook the queso until it is heated through, about 2 minutes.
• Serve warm with tortilla chips, vegetables, or bread for dipping.

Some tips for making the perfect White American cheese queso:

• For the best results, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it can make the dip grainy.
• Be sure to stir the dip frequently to prevent burning and ensure even melting.
• Control the spice level to your preference by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños.
• If you want to make a larger batch, a crockpot can be used to keep the queso warm and prevent it from solidifying.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Mozzarella

When making queso with mozzarella, it is best to use whole milk, as it is super creamy and stands up well to heat. Lower-fat milks can be used, but they require more careful heating as they can curdle more easily.

For the best results, it is also recommended to let the cheese come to room temperature before making queso. Allowing the cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes will increase its temperature and help it melt better into the milk.

In terms of spices, cumin is a popular addition to mozzarella queso, providing a subtle hint of flavour. Freshly chopped shallots or green onions can also be added for a mild onion flavour with slight garlic notes.

For a simple, yet delicious, mozzarella queso recipe, follow these steps:

• Grate the mozzarella and white American cheese separately.
• In a medium pan over medium-low heat, add chopped shallots and stir.
• Add in milk, then take a small handful of grated American cheese and whisk until smooth.
• Continue adding the American cheese in small handfuls, whisking continuously, until it is completely incorporated.
• Repeat the same process with the mozzarella cheese, adding it in small handfuls and whisking continuously until smooth.
• Add in any desired mix-ins, such as cumin, green onion, cilantro, or jalapeno.
• Serve immediately with tortilla chips, tortillas, tacos, or taquitos.

Cheddar

A blend of cheeses is often used to make queso, and cheddar combines well with Monterey Jack, a mild-flavoured cheese with excellent melting properties. For a spicier queso, you could use a combination of cheddar and Pepper Jack, which is a variation of Monterey Jack that includes spicy peppers.

For a more complex flavour, you could also add in some Oaxaca cheese, which has a string cheese-like texture and melts beautifully, or some Asadero, a Mexican cheese with buttery flavour and good melting qualities.

If you're making a large batch of queso, you can adjust the quantities of each cheese to your taste, as the specific blend will depend on your preferences and the flavour profile you're aiming for.

Monterey Jack

When selecting the right cheese for your queso, it is important to consider its melting properties, as the cheese forms the base of the dish. Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese that melts well, making it an ideal choice for queso. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavour that pairs well with spices and chillies, which are commonly added to queso. The cheese also has good melting properties, allowing it to blend smoothly with other ingredients to create a creamy texture.

While some recipes may call for a single type of cheese, many queso recipes utilise a blend of different cheeses to achieve a balanced flavour and texture. For example, combining Monterey Jack with White American cheese can result in a smoother, more decadent queso. Additionally, the mild flavour of Monterey Jack makes it versatile and easy to pair with other cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper jack, without overwhelming the dish.

When making queso, it is recommended to shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additional ingredients that can make the queso grainy when melted. Freshly shredded cheese will help ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

Furthermore, when melting the cheese, it is crucial to heat it at a low temperature and stir constantly to prevent the queso from becoming grainy. Maintaining a low heat and stirring frequently will help create a creamy, lump-free dip.

Asadero

The versatility of Asadero cheese makes it a popular choice for those seeking a cheese that melts easily and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is an excellent substitute for Monterey Jack in recipes. When used in queso, Asadero adds a rich, buttery flavour and a smooth, creamy texture.

In addition to its culinary uses, Asadero cheese also has nutritional benefits. It is a good source of calcium and vitamin A, providing 15% and 4% of the daily value, respectively. Overall, Asadero cheese is a delicious and versatile option for anyone looking to add a touch of Mexico to their dishes.

Frequently asked questions