Green Chile Queso Blanco

Indulge in the creamy, zesty goodness of our Green Chile Queso Blanco, a mouthwatering twist on the classic cheese dip. This recipe combines the smooth richness of melted white American cheese with the bold flavors of diced green chiles, creating a dip that’s perfect for dipping your favorite tortilla chips. Sauteed onions and garlic add depth and sweetness, while a hint of salt and pepper brings everything together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a delicious snack, this queso blanco is sure to be a hit. Garnish with vibrant diced tomatoes and jalapeños for a burst of freshness and heat. Get ready to dip, enjoy, and savor every cheesy bite!

Green Chile Queso Blanco

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

¼ medium white onion, finely diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 ½ cup whole milk, plus more as needed

1 pound white American cheese, cut into small cubes

1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground ground pepper

diced tomatoes and jalapeños, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1:

Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for 5-8 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize.

Add the garlic and stir, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 2:

Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form on the edges of the saucepan.

Reduce the heat to low.

Step 3:

Add the cheese cubes ½ cup at a time and continuously stir into the heated milk with a whisk until they are fully incorporated and melted.

Continue this process until all the cheese cubes are melted, making sure to gently and continuously whisk the queso dip until it is smooth and silky.

Step 4:

Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the cooked onions and garlic, the diced green chiles, salt, and black pepper.

Stir in any additional milk as needed if the queso becomes too thick.

Step 5:

Garnish with chopped tomatoes and jalapeños, and serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

Notes:

Continuously whisking the queso dip can be tedious, but this is an important step so that the queso doesn’t become grainy and lumpy. Slowly and gently melting the cheese is what gives you a smooth consistency.

If you prefer your queso a little more runny, add more milk. You could also stir in some salsa at the end to thin it out.

Cheese Selection: White American cheese is the star ingredient here, known for its creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the zesty green chiles. Opting for a high-quality cheese ensures a smooth and silky queso dip.

Onion and Garlic: Sauteeing the onion and garlic adds aromatic depth to the queso, enhancing its overall flavor profile. Take care not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Milk Temperature: Heating the milk until small bubbles form on the edges helps to create a smooth base for melting the cheese. Be cautious not to let the milk boil, as this can cause it to scald.

Cheese Melting Technique: Adding the cheese cubes gradually and stirring continuously ensures that the cheese melts evenly and prevents clumping. This process may take some time, but it’s essential for achieving a smooth and velvety texture.

Adjusting Consistency: If the queso becomes too thick, simply stir in additional milk until it reaches your desired consistency. This allows for customization based on personal preference.

Garnish: Freshly diced tomatoes and jalapeños add a pop of color and flavor to the queso blanco, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese. Feel free to adjust the garnishes to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions: This Green Chile Queso Blanco is best enjoyed warm, served alongside your favorite tortilla chips for dipping. It makes for a delicious appetizer or party snack that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

While white American cheese is traditionally used for its creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or white cheddar for different flavor profiles.

Is it okay to use skim milk instead of whole milk?

Whole milk contributes to the creamy texture of the queso, but you can use skim milk if you prefer a lighter option.

Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

Can I substitute fresh green chiles for canned ones?

Absolutely! Fresh green chiles can be used instead of canned ones for a fresher flavor.

Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference and the heat level of the chiles.

How long does this queso blanco stay good for?

This queso blanco is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain the creamy consistency.

Can I make this queso ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the queso blanco ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Keep it warm in a slow cooker or a fondue pot to maintain its creamy texture.

Is there a way to make this queso blanco spicy?

Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.

Alternatively, use spicy green chiles or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Can I freeze leftover queso blanco?

While it’s technically possible to freeze queso blanco, the texture may change upon thawing, becoming grainy or separated.

It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Can I omit the onions and garlic from the recipe?

While onions and garlic add flavor to the queso blanco, you can omit them if preferred.

Adjust the seasoning accordingly to compensate for the absence of these ingredients.

How can I adjust the consistency of the queso blanco if it’s too thick?

Simply stir in additional milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Be careful not to add too much at once to avoid making the queso too thin.

What are some alternative garnishes for this queso blanco?

Along with diced tomatoes and jalapeños, you can garnish the queso blanco with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and freshness.