Moe's Queso: A Cheesy Delight With A Mystery Twist

Moe's queso is a popular cheese dip served at Moe's Southwest Grill, known for its smooth texture and zesty taste. The recipe includes a blend of cheeses, such as white American cheese, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese, combined with spices and ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and green chilies to create a creamy and flavorful dip. This Tex-Mex delight has gained a cult following for its perfect balance of cheese and spice, making it a favourite among customers.

Moe's Queso recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¾ pound white American cheese (deli slices or cubes)
• 4 ounces pepper jack cheese (freshly shredded)
• 2 tablespoons canned jalapeños, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon green chilies, drained and chopped
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Ingredients:

• Water (for a thinner dip)
• Cumin

Equipment:

• Grater
• French whisk
• Saucepan
• Serving bowl

Method:

• Grate all of your cheese, including the white American and pepper jack cheese. This will help with melting later on.
• Heat the evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch and whisk to combine.
• Gently bring the mixture to a light simmer and then lower the heat to low. Gradually incorporate the cheese in batches, whisking constantly while the cheese melts.
• Toss in some green chilies and jalapeños. Sprinkle on some onion powder and garlic powder to taste.
• Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips.

Tips:

• Continuously stir the mixture when on the stove. Queso that overheats can become grainy.
• Don't use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe. It's important to shred the pepper jack cheese and to use the deli slices of American cheese.
• Make sure to use evaporated milk (not regular milk) in this recipe. It is creamier and thicker than regular milk, and perfect for your queso!

Ingredients

Moe's Queso is a creamy, spicy Tex-Mex cheese dip made with a blend of cheeses, including cheddar, cream cheese, and white American cheese. It also includes diced tomatoes, green chilies, and jalapeños for added flavour and spice. Here is a list of ingredients and their quantities that you will need to make Moe's Queso:

• 2 cups of cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces of cream cheese
• 1 can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 ounces)
• 2 jalapeños, diced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• Milk, as needed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cumin, a pinch (optional)

Some recipes also suggest adding a splash of evaporated milk instead of regular milk for extra creaminess. Additionally, cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent.

To make Moe's Queso, you will need a saucepan, a cutting board and knife, a can opener, a stirring spoon, and measuring cups and spoons. Here's a simple step-by-step process:

• Prepare your ingredients by gathering and measuring them.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the cheddar and cream cheese, stirring frequently.
• Gradually add milk to the melted cheese mixture, stirring continuously, until you achieve a smooth consistency.
• Incorporate the diced tomatoes, green chilies, jalapeños (if using), and spices.
• Allow the queso to simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the flavours are well combined.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the queso is too thick.
• Transfer the queso to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro or additional diced jalapeños, if desired.

Moe's Queso can be served warm with tortilla chips or sliced vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. It can also be used as a topping for nachos, tacos, or baked potatoes.

Equipment

To make Moe's queso, you'll need the following equipment:

• A grater: A box grater or handheld grater will work for grating the cheese. Freshly grated cheese will melt better and taste better than pre-shredded cheese.
• A French whisk: This type of whisk is sturdy and ideal for thicker sauces. Its slim design and thick wires allow it to reach the corners of the pan, preventing the cheese from burning.
• A saucepan: Used for melting and blending the cheese mixture evenly over medium heat.
• A cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping and dicing ingredients such as jalapeños, garlic, and onions.
• A can opener: Specifically, for opening the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
• Measuring cups and spoons: These ensure precise measurements of ingredients.
• A stirring spoon: Used for mixing and stirring the queso while cooking.

Step-by-step instructions

Moe's Queso is a creamy, spicy Tex-Mex cheese dip made with a blend of cheeses, including white American cheese, pepper jack, cheddar, and cream cheese. It also includes diced tomatoes, green chilies, and jalapeños for a spicy kick. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make Moe's Queso:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather and measure all the ingredients, which include:

• White American cheese
• Pepper jack cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chilies
• Jalapeños (optional)
• Milk
• Cumin (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Melt the Cheese

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the cheddar and cream cheese together, stirring frequently. You can also use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.

Step 3: Add Milk

Gradually add milk to the melted cheese, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth consistency. You can use evaporated milk for extra creaminess or regular milk. If you prefer a thinner dip, you can also add water.

Step 4: Incorporate Flavors

Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, and jalapeños (if using). Add in the spices, including cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir and cook the mixture until all the flavors are well combined.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

If the queso is too thick, you can add more milk to reach your desired consistency. Keep in mind that if you are using evaporated milk, your queso may already be creamier and thicker.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the queso to a serving bowl or dish and garnish with fresh cilantro or additional diced jalapeños if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, or pair with sliced vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a lighter option. You can also use it as a topping for nachos, tacos, or baked potatoes.

Storage and Reheating:

To store Moe's queso, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Make-ahead and storage

Moe's queso can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. This is a great option if you're planning to serve it at a gathering, as it allows you to focus on other dishes or tasks. Here are some detailed instructions on how to make ahead and store Moe's queso:

Make-Ahead Instructions:

The cheese mixture, which includes grated white American cheese and pepper jack cheese, can be prepared a day in advance. Store the grated cheese mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This will save you time and streamline the cooking process when you're closer to serving.

Storage Instructions:

Once you've cooked Moe's queso, it can be stored and enjoyed later. At room temperature, the queso will maintain its consistency and flavor for up to two hours, making it ideal for serving at gatherings or meals. However, if you want to store it for longer, transfer the queso to an airtight container and refrigerate it. Properly stored, Moe's queso will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating Instructions:

To reheat refrigerated queso, use a stovetop or a microwave. Warm it over low heat, stirring constantly, to prevent the cheese from separating. If the consistency becomes too thick during reheating, you can add a small amount of milk to adjust it. It is important to note that freezing Moe's queso is not recommended, as the texture and consistency may change upon thawing and reheating.

By following these make-ahead and storage instructions, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Moe's queso at your convenience. It's a great option for entertaining guests, as well as for quick meals or snacks throughout the week.

Frequently asked questions