The Best Queso Recipe

• servings: 8 servings
• active time: 5 minutes
• total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

⅓ cup finely diced white onion

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

4 oz can fire roasted diced green chilis (drained)

¼ cup diced roma tomato or canned petite diced tomatoes (juices drained)

2 teaspoons cornstarch

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder

⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika

Dash of cayenne pepper (for a spicier queso, optional)

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon table salt (plus additional to taste as needed)

12 oz can full-fat evaporated milk

8 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (see note)

Corn chips (for serving)

Directions

Melt butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

Add onion and cook until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).

Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add tomatoes and chilis and cook until well-combined.

Sprinkle cornstarch over the ingredients and use a spatula to stir and cook until absorbed and no lumps remain.

Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), pepper, and salt.

Gradually drizzle evaporated milk into the pot while whisking. Cook, stirring or whisking, until milk is completely combined, warmed, and slightly thickened.

Turn stovetop heat to low and add shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and completely combined. Taste-test and add salt and pepper (and additional cayenne pepper if you like some heat!) as needed.

Nutrition

• Calories: 208 kcal
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Sodium: 352 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Total Sugars: 5 g
• Protein: 10 g