The New Queso Recipe

This creamy The New Queso recipe is made with white American cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, heavy cream, and canned jalapeños. The result is a smooth, velvety, and savory dip that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a perfect crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers and serves as a delicious snack or appetizer for 6-8 people.

The New Queso Ingredients

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb white American cheese, shredded or cubed
• 1/2 lb Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 (4 oz) can diced jalapeños, drained
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

How To Make The New Queso

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a medium saucepan or a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. If using, stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cumin.
2. Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly add the shredded white American cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly with a whisk or a wooden spoon. This gradual process ensures the cheese melts smoothly without clumping.
3. Combine the ingredients: Once the cheese is completely melted and the dip is smooth, stir in the drained diced jalapeños. Continue to stir until they are fully incorporated and the dip is heated through.
4. Serve: Transfer the queso to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with tortilla chips, cut-up vegetables, or warm tortillas.

Recipe Tips

• Low and Slow: The key to a silky-smooth queso is melting the cheese over low heat. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy. Patience is a virtue here!
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best result, buy block cheese and shred it yourself.
• Control the Heat: The canned jalapeños provide a mild heat. If you want more spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a finely chopped fresh serrano pepper.
• Keep It Warm: Queso is best served hot. For parties, you can keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting. Simply transfer the finished dip to the slow cooker and stir occasionally.

What To Serve The New Queso

The New Queso is the perfect dip for so many things. Classic tortilla chips are a must. For a heartier meal, serve it over nachos, on top of burritos, or as a sauce for tacos. It also pairs wonderfully with crisp vegetables like bell pepper strips, carrots, and celery.

How To Store The New Queso Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over very low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help it loosen up and become creamy again. Stir constantly until heated through.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the dairy and cheese will separate and become grainy upon thawing, ruining the texture.

The New Queso Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 5g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of cheese? For the best texture, white American cheese is crucial as it melts incredibly smoothly. However, you can substitute the Monterey Jack with pepper jack for more heat, or Colby Jack for a slightly different flavor.
• Why did my queso turn out grainy? The most common reason for grainy queso is high heat. The cheese has a tendency to separate and clump when heated too quickly. Always cook over low heat and add the cheese in small batches, stirring constantly.
• How can I make this a meat queso? To make a heartier dip, you can add browned ground beef or crumbled chorizo. Simply brown the meat after sautéing the onions, drain the fat, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

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• Thin and Crispy Waffle Fries Recipe
• Thin Fries Recipe
• Tiny Tomato Tarts Recipe