chipotle queso greets you with a whisper of smoky chiles mingled with velvety melted cheese, whisked into perfection with zesty lime and a splash of rich vegetable broth. Imagine gathering around a crackling fire or a bustling game night, dipping crisp tortilla chips into that gooey, warmth-infused treasure. Each spoonful delivers a dance of fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and a hint of garlic, balanced by a touch of dairy creaminess. It’s a playful, crowd-pleasing dip that turns any moment into a fiesta, inviting friends and family to share smiles, stories, and the sheer joy of comfort food.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This chipotle queso
- It’s creamy and dreamy, perfect for dipping or drizzling.
- Spicy chipotle flavor adds a kick that’s irresistible.
- Quick and easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
chipotle queso
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Melt the Butter – In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Step 2: Whisk in Flour – Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter. Whisk it in and cook for 1–2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This will help thicken your queso!
- Step 3: Pour in the Milk – Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. You’re doing great!
- Step 4: Add Cream Cheese – Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese. Keep stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated. This is where the magic happens!
- Step 5: Mix in the Cheeses – Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything is smooth and cheesy.
- Step 6: Spice it Up – Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped chipotle peppers, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
- Step 7: Add Freshness – Stir in the juice of 1 lime and a handful of chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh kick to your queso!
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! – Serve your chipotle queso immediately with tortilla chips or as a delicious topping. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbs | 15g |
Ingredients
Get ready to create a delectable chipotle queso that everyone will love!
- 2 tablespoons butter – for richness
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – for thickening
- 1 cup whole milk – for creaminess
- 4 ounces cream cheese – cubed for smooth texture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for sharp flavor
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – for meltiness
- 2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle in adobo – for smoky kick
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for depth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – for flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – for brightness
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro – for freshness
How to Make Chipotle Queso
Get ready to indulge in a creamy, spicy delight! This chipotle queso is perfect for dipping or drizzling. With a preparation time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, you’ll have this cheesy goodness ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 2: Whisk in Flour
Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter. Whisk it in and cook for 1–2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This will help thicken your queso!
Step 3: Pour in the Milk
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. You’re doing great!
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese
Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese. Keep stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated. This is where the magic happens!
Step 5: Mix in the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything is smooth and cheesy.
Step 6: Spice it Up
Mix in 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Step 7: Add Freshness
Stir in the juice of 1 lime and a handful of chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh kick to your queso!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your chipotle queso immediately with tortilla chips or as a delicious topping. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Appetizer |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | With tortilla chips or as a topping |
Pro Tips for Making chipotle queso
- Opt for fresh, high-quality cheese for a creamier texture.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle peppers.
- Incorporate a splash of vegetable broth for added depth of flavor.
- Serve with warm tortilla chips for the best experience.
- Experiment with toppings like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flair.
How to Serve this chipotle queso
- Serve warm with crispy tortilla chips for the ultimate dip experience.
- Drizzle over nachos for a cheesy, spicy twist.
- Use as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a flavorful kick.
- Pair with fresh veggies like bell peppers and carrots for a healthy crunch.
- Mix into scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos for a delicious morning boost.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a creamy sauce option.
- Incorporate into quesadillas for an extra cheesy filling.
- Use as a base for a spicy mac and cheese dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your chipotle queso later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Let the queso cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool the queso completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Add a splash of milk for creaminess if needed.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is Chipotle’s queso any good?
Chipotle’s queso has garnered mixed reviews, but many fans appreciate its creamy texture and bold flavor. It’s made with real cheese and spices, giving it a unique taste that pairs well with their chips and burritos. If you enjoy cheesy dips, you might find it quite satisfying!
2. Do you get charged for queso at Chipotle?
Yes, there is an additional charge for queso at Chipotle. It’s considered an extra topping, so be prepared to add a little extra to your bill if you want to indulge in this delicious dip with your meal!
3. Are Chipotle chips and queso healthy?
While Chipotle chips and queso can be a tasty treat, they are not the healthiest option due to their calorie and fat content. Moderation is key! Pairing them with a balanced meal can help you enjoy them without overindulging. Consider sharing with a friend!
4. Is Chipotle queso dairy?
Yes, Chipotle queso contains dairy as it is made with cheese and cream. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you might want to try making your own queso using plant-based ingredients!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for chipotle queso, it’s time to gather your friends and dive into this cheesy delight! Remember, making this dish is as simple as it is rewarding. So, grab some tortilla chips, and enjoy every gooey, spicy bite. Happy cooking, and may your queso adventures be delicious!