Description
This Chipotle Queso Recipe delivers a smooth, creamy cheese dip with a smoky, spicy kick. Made with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, the dip is elevated by the addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Whether you’re serving it with tortilla chips, drizzling it over tacos or nachos, or using it as a party appetizer, this queso is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (sharp for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded (for creaminess)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened (for velvety texture)
- 2 tbsp Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, chopped (for smoky heat)
- 2 tbsp Butter (for making the roux)
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 1 ½ cups Whole Milk (for a creamy base)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin (for earthy undertones)
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder (for additional flavor)
- ½ tsp Onion Powder (to complement the garlic)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Roux
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until smooth but not browned. This forms the roux, which thickens the dip.
- Add the Milk
- Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps.
- Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Melt the Cheeses
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, one handful at a time, whisking constantly to melt evenly.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Chipotle Flavor
- Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Adjust the amount of chipotle for desired spice level.
- Season
- Add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste. Stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer
- Lower the heat and let the queso simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve
- Transfer the chipotle queso to a serving bowl and enjoy with tortilla chips, tacos, nachos, or other dishes.
Notes
- Customizing the Spice: You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers. For extra heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheese Tip: Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can make the queso less smooth. Freshly shredded cheese will yield the best texture.
- Vegan Option: Swap the dairy products for vegan alternatives (such as cashew cheese or plant-based milk) for a vegan-friendly version of this queso.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slowly on the stove, adding a splash of milk if the queso becomes too thick.
- Serving Ideas: Chipotle queso is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, drizzling over nachos, or using as a topping for tacos, burritos, or baked potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dip
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg