Description
Pappasito’s Queso Recipe is a creamy, cheesy dip featuring sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses combined with jalapeño and sautéed onions for a flavorful Tex-Mex appetizer. Perfectly smooth and garnished with fresh tomatoes and cilantro, this queso is ideal for serving with crunchy tortilla chips at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Queso Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk (plus more if needed)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Serving
- Salt to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Heat Butter: Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat to prepare the base for sautéing.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add finely diced yellow onion and chopped jalapeño to the melted butter. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, building a flavorful foundation for the queso.
- Add Cheese Gradually: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Gradually add sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses one handful at a time, stirring constantly to combine and melt evenly.
- Incorporate Dairy: Pour in 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Add more milk if necessary to reach the desired queso consistency.
- Season: Remove the saucepan from heat and season the dip with salt to taste, ensuring balanced flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the queso to a serving dish. Garnish with optional diced tomatoes and chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately with tortilla chips for a perfect party appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a milder queso, remove seeds from the jalapeño before chopping.
- If the queso is too thick, gradually add more milk to adjust the consistency.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- The dip is best served fresh but can be gently reheated over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Add more diced tomatoes and cilantro according to preference for garnish.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting texture.
