Description
This Pappasito’s Queso Recipe recreates the beloved creamy, cheesy dip known for its rich blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, enhanced with sautéed onions and jalapeños for a perfect balance of flavor and mild heat. Ideal for parties or casual snacking, it’s served warm with tortilla chips and garnished with fresh tomatoes and cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy
- 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
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Other
- Salt to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Heat Butter: Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until melted to prepare the base for sautéing flavors.
- Sauté Onions and Jalapeños: Add the diced onion and chopped jalapeño to the melted butter; sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma, building the dip’s flavor foundation.
- Add Cheeses Gradually: Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in handfuls, stirring constantly to ensure cheese melts evenly without clumping.
- Incorporate Milk and Cream: Pour in the milk and heavy cream while continuously stirring to create a smooth, creamy queso. Adjust with additional milk if the dip is too thick.
- Season: Remove the saucepan from heat and season the queso with salt according to taste.
- Garnish: Transfer the queso to a serving dish and top with diced tomatoes and chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve the warm queso immediately with tortilla chips for dipping and enjoy the rich, decadent flavors.
Notes
- For milder queso, remove jalapeño seeds before chopping.
- If the queso thickens upon standing, gently reheat and stir in a splash of milk to loosen.
- Using freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded for a smoother texture.
- Diced tomatoes are optional but add a nice color and freshness contrast.
- Can be kept warm in a small slow cooker or double boiler for parties.
