I can't think of a more quintessential Tex-Mex staple than queso (okay, maybe margaritas), and I miss having quick access to good queso immensely. For the uninitiated, queso is a delicious combination of melted cheese and veggies served all across Texas.
All queso is different, but no matter where you get it, it needs to be creamy, glossy, and almost impossible to stop eating. I find that lots of queso recipes don't quite have the texture I'm looking for, so I felt like I needed to formulate a recipe that demystifies how to land the perfect consistency. Be prepared to make this for your next potluck or just for yourself when you need a crazy good dip! I really hope you try this one out!
Ingredients
140g evaporated milk
65g American cheese
75g Monterey jack cheese
¼ yellow onion
1 seeded jalapeño
1 clove garlic
½ serrano
40g green chile
30g salsa verde
1 tbsp butter
Lots of salt
Optional
Chorizo
Cotija
Guacamole
You'll start by dicing your onion and jalapeño, no need to go too fine here. Along with that, mince your garlic and serrano. Measure out the green chiles, salsa verde, and the evaporated milk. Grate your cheeses and you are all set on prep.
Place a saucepan over medium heat and add your butter along with the onion, jalapeño, serrano, garlic, and green chile. You need to sauté these until well softened, usually 3-5 minutes. Add your evaporated milk directly to the vegetables and tear in your American cheese (if using slices). Let the American cheese melt completely while stirring.
Once melted, slowly add your jack cheese one handful at a time. Let that melt slowly and continue adding cheese until completely smooth. Turn down the heat and stir in your verde sauce. Taste this for seasoning and add salt, usually a few heavy pinches.
If you are going to be devouring this immediately, serve this in a bowl alongside some tortilla chips. If you plan on eating this a little more slowly, or serving with people over, a preheated small cast iron pan is perfect because it keeps the queso warm for much longer. Top with guac, cotija, and crispy chorizo if desired!
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