Cheese Types For Queso Dip: A Comprehensive Guide

Queso dip is a popular dish at Mexican restaurants and social gatherings. The key to making crave-worthy queso is to use cheeses with a sharpness to them, such as extra-sharp cheddar. Full-fat cream cheese can also be added to provide additional tang and smooth out the dip's texture. If sharp cheddar isn’t your thing, you can use other melting cheeses like Velveeta or American cheese.

White American cheese

To make a simple queso dip with white American cheese, you will need:

• 1/2 pound of white American cheese
• 1/4 cup of milk (or more, if a thinner consistency is desired)
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 4 oz can of green chilies
• 1/4 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt
• Cayenne pepper, to taste

Place the cheese, milk, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture frequently to ensure even melting and prevent burning. Once melted, add the green chilies, cumin, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth, adding more milk if needed to adjust the consistency. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, tortillas, or your favorite Mexican dish.

For a spicier kick, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like chorizo, ground beef, or sausage.

When shopping for white American cheese, check the deli counter at your local grocery store. It is often available in slices, which can be easily added to your saucepan.

With its creamy texture and savory flavor, white American cheese is an excellent choice for creating a mouthwatering queso dip.

Cheddar

A recipe for a cheddar queso dip can include the following ingredients:

• 2.5 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese (ordinary, sharp, or extra sharp)
• 1 tablespoon of cornflour/cornstarch
• 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 1 large garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/4 small white onion, very finely chopped
• 13 oz of evaporated milk
• 1 small tomato, finely diced
• 1/4 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin
• 4 oz can of chopped green chile, fire-roasted
• 1/4 cup of coriander/cilantro, finely chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk (to loosen, as needed)
• Salt, to taste

To make the dip, start by tossing the cheese and cornflour/cornstarch together in a bowl. Melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan or small pot. Add the garlic and onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Then, add the tomato and cook for another 2 minutes.

Next, add the evaporated milk, followed by the cheese, chiles, and spices. Stir until the cheese melts and the dip becomes silky smooth. Add salt to taste and stir through the coriander/cilantro. If the dip is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by stirring in milk or water.

This cheddar queso dip can be served warm or at room temperature and will stay soft and scoopable even when it cools. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Cream cheese

When making queso dip with cream cheese, it is important to cook the cheese at a low temperature and to stir the mixture continuously. This ensures a smooth and even consistency.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (optional, for spice)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk, divided
• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 6 ounces (170g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces (170g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons red salsa, plus more to taste
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

• Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan or deep skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion, garlic, jalapeño (if using), and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
• Add 3/4 cup of milk and the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and is mostly smooth, about 5 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheeses in batches, stirring each batch until completely melted before adding more.
• Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup of milk until fully combined.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the salsa. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if desired.
• Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Tips:

• For the creamiest results, use whole milk.
• Buy block cheese and shred it yourself, instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains additives that can affect the texture when melted.
• If the queso dip becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of milk to adjust the consistency.

Mozzarella

Recipe for Mozzarella Queso Dip

For a simple mozzarella queso dip, you will need:

• 1/2 pound of white American cheese
• 1/3 pound of mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

The key to a smooth and creamy queso dip is to grate the cheeses finely and add them to the pan in small handfuls, whisking continuously over medium-low heat. This will ensure the cheeses melt evenly and create a clump-free dip. Start by adding the American cheese, and once it is fully incorporated, follow the same process with the mozzarella. Finally, add in any extra ingredients, such as the cumin, green onion, and cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for the Best Mozzarella Queso Dip

• Use whole milk for a super creamy texture and to prevent curdling.
• Grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-grated cheese, as this can affect the texture of the dip.
• Use a cheese grater for the best results and to ensure the cheese melts beautifully.
• Reheat the dip in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, or on low heat on the stovetop.

Monterey jack

However, it is important to note that Monterey Jack may not melt as evenly as white American cheese, and it is recommended that it is shredded by hand to achieve the best results. It is also worth noting that some people prefer the flavour of white American cheese over Monterey Jack, as the latter can be seen as too spicy or strong.

Overall, Monterey Jack is a versatile and tasty option for queso dip, but it may require a little more care and attention during preparation to ensure the best results.

Frequently asked questions