Queso.This creamy, cheese sauce is made with REAL cheese! Enjoy the classic Tex Mex Queso at home with this easy to make recipe!
How do you make Queso with real cheese?
The trick to making Queso with real cheese is to use a combination of cornstarch and evaporated milk. NOT CONDENSED MILK. This is a trick I learned from the food geniuses at Serious Eats. If you’re into the science behind it you can check out the article on Smooth, Stable Cheese Sauces.
To make homemade queso:
Shred cheese of choice.
Coat with cornstarch.
Saute diced onion in medium size skillet. Add in minced garlic, diced tomato and diced green chiles.
Add in the evaporated milk. Stir.
Add the cheese, stir until melted.
What cheese do you use to make queso?
The best cheeses to use are cheeses that melt nicely. Which are mild cheddars, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack. I have found that sharp cheddars are tasty, but they give a slightly gritty texture. It’s not overpowering, but it is noticeable. If you don’t mind that then go for the sharp cheddar!
Use cheese that you have to shred yourself since the bagged pre-shredded cheeses come with powder on them that can give a gritty texture to your end result.
What to serve with Queso?
The best choice is going to be some tortilla chips! Dipping chips in Queso served with a margarita is my idea of a perfect meal!
Chips and Queso are also a great appetizer for any classic Tex Mex meal like these Ground beef tacos. OR these slow cooker(affiliate link)carnitas.
Want to add some extras to this Queso dip? Here’s some ideas:
Ground beef
Cooked Mexican chorizo
Jalapeños (dice some up and saute with the onions in the first step)
Don’t use pre-shredded cheese, this cheese will have a powder on it that creates a gritty texture.
Some cheeses like sharp cheddar or sharp white cheddar will give a gritty texture also. If you have bad luck with a particular cheese take note and let us know in the comments.
Evaporated milk is necessary since it has less water content to it and more milk proteins.
To reheat: add leftover queso to a skillet and heat over low heat, once it starts to melt, add a bit more milk to it. You can adjust the amount needed to get the desired consistency.
I have lived in the south since I was 2, but my parents are from the midwest and I STILL feel like a fraud when I say ‘ya’ll’. If you can pull it off you are doing better than me!! Also. This dip looks amazing. You certainly pulled queso off!
I’m so glad I’m not the only one Heather! I feel like a complete fraud when I try it out. I’m waiting for someone to tell me to just give up. And thanks so much 🙂 At least I can do my best to master southern cooking if I can’t pull off the accent and phrases right?
Oh my goodness, that is so funny and yet so wrong at the same time! You will definitely show them who knows their queso when you bring this. That pork chorizo really does complete it!
Making recipe today an see that it calls for minced garlic, but there is no listing of how much. Could you please post how much? I’ll wing-it this time. Thank you!
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Librarian Lavender says
That looks so delicious, I can’t believe I’ve never tried it… Delicious food always makes a great party even better :).
★★★★★
Serene says
I hope you give it a try! Possibly a better snack than chips and salsa!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Can I just eat this for breakfast? I am hungry and this looks incredible!
Serene says
Absolutely! And thanks so much Ashley 🙂
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
I have lived in the south since I was 2, but my parents are from the midwest and I STILL feel like a fraud when I say ‘ya’ll’. If you can pull it off you are doing better than me!! Also. This dip looks amazing. You certainly pulled queso off!
Serene says
I’m so glad I’m not the only one Heather! I feel like a complete fraud when I try it out. I’m waiting for someone to tell me to just give up. And thanks so much 🙂 At least I can do my best to master southern cooking if I can’t pull off the accent and phrases right?
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I agree…cheese is a necessity at parties! This looks fab. 🙂
Serene says
Thank you so much Tina! I agree, cheese is a necessity!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Ahh….that look so good! Could totally go for a bite right now. Pinning!
Serene says
Thank you so much Melanie!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
This has my name all over it! Yum!
Serene says
Thank you so much Serena!
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
I love me some queso dip! The pico and chorizo are the perfect addition to spice it up, perfect for bringing to parties!
Serene says
Thanks so much Danae!
Pam says
I love queso… this looks terrific.
Serene says
Thank you Pam 🙂
Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) says
Yep, we always have the cheese dip as one given app at every gathering here in Louisiana too! I’ve never put pico in mine, but I love this idea!!
Serene says
Thanks so much Jaren! I just love how fresh the pico is, I loved using it instead of the canned stuff. Definitely a winner for us!
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled says
WOW, this queso looks amazing! And the bowl is super cute, I think I need to make a trip to WorldMarket very soon! 🙂
Serene says
Thanks Jenn 🙂 WorldMarket is a dream for a food blogger! They have so many cute dishes!
Mary Frances says
Oh my goodness, that is so funny and yet so wrong at the same time! You will definitely show them who knows their queso when you bring this. That pork chorizo really does complete it!
Serene says
Thanks Mary Frances 🙂 And it was definitely funny! I’m hoping everyone loves it and I’m allowed to do the queso again!
Bri | Bites of Bri says
This looks so cheesy and delicious!
Serene says
Thank so much Bri xo
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Yes please, to everything about this! I could eat a whole thing of queso by myself. Seriously, melted cheese? THE BEST!
Serene says
Thanks so much Rachel, you’re too sweet! Melty cheese IS the best, I agree 😉
Kelly says
This queso looks incredible. Serene! Love the addition of pico and chorizo! This is totally worthy for any party in my book:) Pinning!
Serene says
Thank you so much Kelly! Thanks for the sweet comment 🙂
Amy | Club Narwhal says
Serene, you are doing Texas so, so right! This looks amazing–especially with the chorizo!
Serene says
Thanks so much Amy 🙂
Chloe Crabtree says
This sounds wonderful! So much more special than salsa and sounds better than just the cheese with some salsa mixed in!
Serene says
Thanks Chloe 🙂
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife says
I would totally allow you to provide me with this queso!! 😉 It looks and sounds crazy good!
Serene says
Thanks Jocelyn! 🙂
Anne says
Making recipe today an see that it calls for minced garlic, but there is no listing of how much. Could you please post how much? I’ll wing-it this time. Thank you!