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Craving creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex goodness but short on time? Look no further than this White Queso recipe! Forget store-bought stuff – this homemade cheese dip whips up in minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have. So grab your chips and get ready for a flavor fiesta!
This cheese queso is so versatile! Enjoy it with crispy tortilla chips, lavishly drizzle it over loaded nachos, use it to crown beef tacos or chicken fajitas with a creamy touch, or generously spoon it over a fresh taco salad for an extra burst of flavor.
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Why You’ll Love This Queso Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Forget complicated dips! This white cheese dip comes together in a flash, with minimal prep and cleanup. Perfect for last-minute game day gatherings or anytime you need a quick comfort food fix.
- Flavor Burst: Creamy cheese meets salsa verde for a flavor explosion that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Adjust the spice level to your liking – mild, medium, or fiery hot, it’s up to you!
- Small Batch Perfection: No more leftover dip blues! This recipe makes just the right amount for a cozy night in or a small get-together. Want to feed a crowd? Simply double or triple the recipe – it scales beautifully.
- So Versatile: Queso isn’t just for dipping! Stir it into a scrambled egg bowl, dollop it on taco soup, or use it as a sauce for steak fajitas. Get creative and explore endless possibilities!
- Budget-Friendly Fiesta: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this queso won’t break the bank.
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What Is White Queso?
White Queso, commonly known as queso blanco, is a dreamy, melty cheese dip made with soft white cheese. Known for its creamy texture and mild flavor, it’s a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine. This recipe focuses on creating a small batch, perfect for when you want to enjoy a delightful snack without leftovers.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this queso recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Cheese: Use white American cheese to replicate that authentic Mexican restaurant-style queso. Its exceptional melting quality makes it ideal for a smooth, creamy dip. You can easily find white American cheese at your local market’s deli counter, available either in slices or as a block. Substitute with Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Half and Half: My preference leans towards half and half rather than cream or milk, as it strikes a perfect balance in richness and texture for the queso. Use extra half and half in Clam Chowder or Coconut Cream Pie.
- Salsa Verde: Choose a jarred brand that you enjoy. I personally recommend the Herdez brand for its flavor. Since this recipe is crafted for a small batch, using salsa verde is a convenient alternative to opening a can of peppers or chopping fresh ones. It adds the right amount of zest without the extra prep work. Consider using leftover salsa in Southwestern Black Bean Soup or Taco Casserole.
Recipe Variations
Experimenting with this white queso recipe can bring an exciting twist to your snack or meal. Here are some creative variations to try, each offering a unique flavor profile:
- Spicy Queso: For those who love a fiery touch, add extra green chilies or diced jalapeños. This will give your queso a more intense heat and a deeper flavor.
- Queso with Protein: Elevate your queso by stirring in cooked ground beef or chorizo. This addition transforms it into a hearty, meaty dip, perfect for a more substantial snack or meal accompaniment.
- Rich and Creamy Queso: Swap out the half and half for heavy cream. This small change will result in a richer, more indulgent dip, adding a luxurious texture to your queso.
- Herb-Infused Queso: Introduce fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness. This variation adds a layer of aromatic flavor that complements the creamy cheese beautifully.
- Smoky Queso: A dash of smoked paprika can infuse your queso with a subtle smoky essence. This is ideal for adding a new dimension of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and chilies.
How To Make White Queso
Creating this delicious white queso is easy and quick. Begin by gently combining the cheese, half and half, and salsa verde in a small pot. Place the pot on a low heat, allowing the ingredients to blend together seamlessly. Continuously stir the mixture until the cheese is completely melted and the dip reaches a smooth consistency.
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your personal taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of salsa verde to either increase the zest or keep it subtle. The great thing about using salsa in this recipe is its versatility; any leftover salsa can be conveniently stored in the fridge. Use it as a ready-to-go dip or incorporate it into other recipes for an extra burst of flavor.
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Expert Tips
- Storing Leftover Queso: If you find yourself with extra queso, simply store it in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container, and it will keep well for 3 days.
- Buying White American Cheese: You can find White American cheese in the deli section of most grocery stores. It’s a key ingredient for achieving the classic, creamy texture of this queso.
- Scaling Up the Recipe: If you’re catering to more people or just want a larger batch, this recipe can be effortlessly doubled. It’s a simple way to ensure there’s enough delicious queso for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Absolutely! Cooked ground beef or chorizo makes a great addition.
Tortilla chips, pita bread wedges, or even crudités like carrots and celery are all great options.
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Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this easy white queso recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Small Batch White Queso
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ pound White American cheese
- ¼ cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon salsa verde
Instructions
- Place the cheese, half and half, and salsa verde in a small pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storing Leftover Queso: If you find yourself with extra queso, simply store it in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container, and it will keep well for 3 days.
- Buying White American Cheese: You can find White American cheese in the deli section of most grocery stores. It’s a key ingredient for achieving the classic, creamy texture of this queso.
- Scaling Up the Recipe: If you’re catering to more people or just want a larger batch, this recipe can be effortlessly doubled. It’s a simple way to ensure there’s enough delicious queso for everyone.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Could I make this in the microwave?
Yes, you can make queso in the microwave. Microwave on high in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until the cheese is melted.
I did mine in the microwave. I did it at 45 seconds at 50% power. Stirred then ran it another 30. I have a 700-watt microwave.
Will this dip turn liquified after storing in the fridge, the day or two after? It happens to me with store bought queso dip…thank you!
It should not turn liquidy if stored in the fridge. I find that it thickens a bit – just stir it and when heated, the queso should return to the right consistency.
Can you use this to pour over cooked pasta for Mac&Cheese?
Is white American Cheese less processed than Velveeta, or are they about the same? And if you didn’t use the American Cheese, could you just use grated Cheddar? Thank you!
Kathy, pouring queso over cooked pasta is a wonderful idea. I’m sure it would be delicious.
White American cheese is not the same as Velveeta and I haven’t tested this recipe with Velveeta so I can’t tell you how it will turn out. I do not recommend using Cheddar cheese in this recipe because Cheddar does not melt well.
Hi from Australia, what is half and half?
Half and half is half cream and half milk.
I would love to try the Queso recipe, but what is white American cheese? By the way, I LOVE your cookbook!
Hi Jan, I’m so glad you are enjoying the cookbook and recipes – thank you!!
American cheese is a processed cheese that is smooth, creamy, and melts very well. If you can’t find White American cheese, use a good easy melting cheese. White American works best so if you use a different cheese, you might need to add more half and half and cook it longer.
A delicious recipe and so easy to whip up when I get a craving for my “chips and dip.” Thank you.
Hi Lynn,
I’m so happy you like the recipe. Thank you for letting us know.
Joanie
Easy, fast and so yummy! Thanks for the recipe.
Debra,
I’m so happy you enjoyed the queso. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know.
Joanie
I’ve been using White American cheese for years with a tad of chicken broth to thin and chopped Hatch Green Chili’s. Tomato, onion and/or piccadillo is nice too.
Such a great recipe!!
So simple with just three ingredients! Love it.