Andy Montoya
Queso is a Spanish word meaning cheese, but it is also used to refer to a Tex-Mex cheese dip. This dip is made with a combination of cheeses, typically including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and American cheese. The dip can also be spiced with green chiles, jalapenos, cumin, or chilli powder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, American, Cream Cheese |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, gooey |
| Flavour | Mild, sharp, spicy |
| Colour | White, yellow, orange |
| Add-ins | Green chillies, jalapenos, cumin, chilli powder, ground beef, spicy sausage |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar
Queso is a Spanish word meaning 'cheese', but it is also used to refer to a Tex-Mex cheese dip. This dip can be made with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and American cheese.
To make queso, cheddar can be combined with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or American cheese, to create a smooth, creamy dip. The type of cheddar used can also vary, with some recipes calling for white cheddar, which results in a thinner, less gooey consistency, while others use aged cheddar for a stronger flavour.
When making queso with cheddar, it is important to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can prevent it from melting properly. Additionally, some recipes recommend using a combination of sharp and mild cheddar to achieve the desired flavour and texture.
Overall, cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used to make a delicious and creamy queso dip. By adjusting the type of cheddar, the amount used, and combining it with other cheeses, the flavour and texture of the queso can be customised to suit individual tastes.
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Monterey Jack
Queso is a Spanish word for 'cheese', but it is also a Tex-Mex cheese dip that can be made with a variety of cheeses. Some recipes call for a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, while others use American cheese or cream cheese. For a thinner, less gooey consistency, white cheddar can be used, and some recipes also include green chillies, jalapenos, cumin, or chilli powder. For a dairy-free option, cashews can be used as a base.
To make queso with Monterey Jack, the cheese is shredded and melted, often with the addition of milk or cream to create a smooth, creamy texture. This can be done on the stovetop or in the microwave. The melted cheese is then combined with other ingredients such as chillies, spices, or meat to create a flavourful dip.
When purchasing Monterey Jack for queso, it is best to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect its melting properties. Freshly grated cheese will ensure a smooth, creamy texture in the final dish.
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American cheese
Queso is a Tex-Mex cheese dip that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including American cheese. For a smooth, creamy queso, it is recommended to use a combination of mild or sharp cheddar cheese and American cheese. The cheddar cheese can be white or yellow, and the American cheese can be in slices or grated from a block. If you don't want to use American cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese to achieve a similar texture.
Some recipes suggest using extra sharp cheddar, but this can make the queso a little grainy. Other cheeses that can be used in queso include Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and aged cheddar. The type of cheese you choose will affect the consistency of the queso, with white cheddar resulting in a thinner, less gooey dip.
Queso can also include additional ingredients such as green chiles, jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, and even meat like ground beef or spicy sausage. The combination of ingredients gives queso its unique flavour and texture.
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Cream cheese
Queso is a Spanish word that means "cheese". However, it is more than just cheese. It is a Tex-Mex cheese dip that can be made with a variety of cheeses. For example, some recipes call for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or American cheese. The type of cheese used can affect the consistency of the dip, with white cheddar resulting in a thinner, less gooey texture. To achieve a smooth and creamy queso, it is recommended to use a mild or sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese should be avoided as it contains additives that prevent it from melting properly.
One of the key ingredients in queso is cream cheese. It is often used as a substitute for American cheese to achieve a creamy and stabilised texture. Cream cheese is a soft, mild-tasting cheese that is made from a combination of milk and cream. It has a high fat content, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. The milk and cream are combined with a bacterial culture, which helps to thicken the mixture and give it a tangy flavour.
There are different types of cream cheese available, including regular, low-fat, and whipped varieties. Regular cream cheese has a higher fat content and a denser texture, while low-fat cream cheese has a lighter texture and a slightly tangier flavour due to the reduced amount of fat. Whipped cream cheese has air incorporated into it, resulting in a fluffier texture.
When purchasing cream cheese, it is important to check the ingredients list to ensure that it contains real milk and cream. Some lower-quality cream cheeses may contain fillers or artificial ingredients, which can affect the taste and texture. It is also important to store cream cheese properly to maintain its freshness and quality. It should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks of opening.
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Velveeta
Queso can be made with a variety of cheeses, but one of the most popular is Velveeta. This is a brand name for a processed cheese similar to American cheese. It was invented in 1918 by Emil Frey of the Monroe Cheese Company in Monroe, New York. Frey created Velveeta by mixing cheese byproducts with broken cheese bits to form a velvety smooth cheese blend. In 1923, The Velveeta Cheese Company was incorporated as a separate company and began advertising two varieties: Swiss and American. In 1927, the firm was purchased by Kraft Foods Inc., which now markets Velveeta as an ingredient for chile con queso and grilled cheese sandwiches.
While Velveeta is a well-known and beloved brand, it has faced some controversy. In 2002, the FDA issued a warning letter to Kraft Foods, stating that Velveeta was being sold with packaging that falsely described it as a "pasteurised process cheese spread". This was due to the product listing milk protein concentrate (MPC) in its ingredients, which meant it no longer fit any of the FDA's cheese-related definitions. As a result, Velveeta is now sold in the US as a "pasteurised prepared cheese product", a term not defined by the FDA.
Despite this, Velveeta remains a favourite among queso enthusiasts and has even launched a ready-to-eat queso in a jar. The brand has a strong following, with fans considering it more than just cheese but a "lifestyle of indulgence" and a "celebration of outrageous pleasure".
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Frequently asked questions
Queso is made from a combination of cheeses, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, American cheese, and cream cheese.
For a smooth queso, use a mild or sharp white or yellow cheddar cheese.
Queso can also contain green chillies, jalapenos, cumin, chilli powder, ground beef, or spicy sausage.
