Restaurant-Style White Queso (Queso Blanco) Recipe

This Restaurant-Style White Queso (Queso Blanco) recipe is a creamy, rich dip made with white American cheese, perfect for serving with tortilla chips, nachos, and Mexican appetizers. With the addition of pickled jalapeños and jalapeño juice, this queso dip delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture and spicy flavor. Easy to make and perfect for parties, game day, or movie nights, this cheese dip will satisfy all your cravings. Make it in just a few simple steps for a delicious homemade version of your favorite Mexican restaurant queso.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup half and half
• 8 ounces white American cheese (sliced or shredded, approximately 2 ½ cups from the deli counter)
• 1-2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños (diced)
• 1-2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice (from jar)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, warm the half and half over low heat for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Gradually add the white American cheese in small increments, whisking well after each addition. Allow the cheese to melt almost completely before adding the next handful.
3. Once all the cheese has been added and melted, whisk the mixture vigorously over low heat until smooth.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of diced pickled jalapeños, 1 tablespoon of jalapeño juice, and a pinch of salt. Continue whisking until completely smooth.
5. Taste the queso and adjust the level of tang and spice by adding more jalapeños or jalapeño juice if desired. Stir well and constantly to prevent the queso from sticking or burning.
6. Once you reach your desired flavor, transfer the queso to a bowl and serve it hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Restaurant-Style White Queso is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. Made with white American cheese, it’s the perfect consistency for dipping and drizzling. The pickled jalapeños add a zesty heat, giving this queso an extra layer of tangy spice. It’s incredibly easy to make and tastes just like the cheese dip you love from your favorite Mexican restaurant. Ideal for nachos, chips, or as a topping for burritos, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to become a go-to recipe.

Tips

• Stir constantly: To ensure a smooth, creamy texture, whisk the queso continuously while heating it. This will prevent the cheese from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Low and slow: Keep the heat on low to avoid burning the cheese. Melting it gradually ensures a smooth texture without separation.
• Adjust spice levels: Taste the queso and adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños and jalapeño juice based on your desired spice level.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese variations: You can substitute white cheddar for a sharper flavor or use a mix of Monterey Jack and Mozzarella for a different twist on this classic dip.
• For extra creaminess: Add a bit more half and half or a dollop of sour cream to create an even creamier texture.
• For a smoky flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky variation of queso blanco.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese? While white American cheese gives the queso its signature smooth and creamy texture, you can use other white cheeses like Monterey Jack or white cheddar. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly.

How do I keep the queso from hardening? To keep the queso smooth, keep it warm on the stove over low heat or in a slow cooker on the warm setting. Stir occasionally to prevent it from forming a skin on top.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can make the queso in advance, but it may thicken as it cools. To reheat, add a splash of half and half or milk and heat it over low heat, whisking until smooth.

Serving Suggestions

This White Queso is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, nachos, or soft pretzels. It also makes an excellent topping for burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. You can drizzle it over grilled chicken, steak, or vegetables for a creamy finish. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Mexican street corn or use it as a dip for fresh veggies.