Are you craving the smooth, smoky, and slightly spicy queso from Chipotle? This chipotle queso recipe brings the creamy delight of the restaurant classic into your home with minimal fuss and ingredients you likely have on hand. With Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses, this chipotle restaurant queso recipe achieves a perfect melt and rich flavor, accented with real chipotle peppers in adobo. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Chipotle queso
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes15
minutes180
kcalSavor the rich, creamy taste of homemade Chipotle queso, a perfect blend of cheeses, spices, and a hint of smoky heat. This copycat Chipotle queso recipe is irresistibly good and easy to make, bringing the restaurant’s bold flavor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prep the Cheese: Toss the shredded cheeses with cornstarch in a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Create the Base: Add the whole milk and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer but avoid boiling.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the cheese mixture, a handful at a time, whisking constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the Chipotle Flavor: Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once smooth, transfer the queso to a serving bowl and enjoy warm with tortilla chips, veggies, or even drizzle it over nachos or burritos!
Notes
- Adjust the heat by using more or fewer chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Make sure to stir continuously while adding the cheese to avoid clumping.
- If queso thickens too much as it cools, add a little warm milk and stir to desired consistency.
Tips for the Perfect Chipotle Queso Recipe
- Choose Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese, ensuring a creamier consistency.
- Avoid High Heat: Melting the cheese at too high a temperature can cause it to separate. A gentle simmer helps achieve a smooth texture.
- Blend the Chipotles: If you want an even smokier flavor without the pepper chunks, blend the chipotle peppers with a bit of milk before adding.
- Serve Immediately: This queso is best enjoyed warm. Keep it in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting for parties.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and add salt or pepper as needed.
Using these tips will help you create an incredible, authentic chipotle restaurant queso recipe that’s sure to impress.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. If the queso thickens too much, add a splash of milk and stir until it reaches the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this queso warm as a dip with tortilla chips, soft pretzels, or crunchy veggies. For a fun twist, drizzle it over tacos, burritos, or nachos, or use it as a topping for baked potatoes and grilled meats. It’s versatile enough to enhance any dish with its creamy, spicy flavors!
Recipe Variants
- Spicy Jalapeño Queso: Swap the chipotle for finely diced fresh jalapeños.
- Queso Blanco: Omit the chipotle and adobo sauce for a classic white queso.
- Loaded Queso: Add cooked, crumbled chorizo or ground beef for a hearty twist.
- Vegetarian Black Bean Queso: Mix in black beans for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just add an extra chipotle pepper or a teaspoon of adobo sauce for a stronger smoky heat.
Yes, but Monterey Jack and white cheddar give the smoothest, creamiest texture. For a different flavor profile, try adding a bit of sharp cheddar or Colby.
Place it in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting and stir occasionally. This will keep the queso creamy and ready for guests to enjoy.
This chipotle queso recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into a creamy, crowd-pleasing dip that’s packed with the signature smoky kick of chipotle peppers. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or as a weeknight treat, this queso is bound to become a favorite. Try it once, and you’ll see why making chipotle restaurant queso at home is worth every bit of effort!
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