Chile con Queso Recipe

Chile con queso could also be synonymous with soccer video games and household gatherings, however this model makes the basic really feel recent once more. The key? Steadiness and texture. As a substitute of utilizing processed cheese, this queso depends on a duo of Monterey Jack and Oaxaca cheeses, each identified for his or her {smooth} soften and gentle taste. The result’s an ultra-creamy dip that stays luscious with out separating or changing into oily.

To construct depth, recent chorizo is browned first, releasing its smoky paprika- and chili-spiced drippings, which then taste the onions and aromatics. A can of diced tomatoes with inexperienced chiles (corresponding to Rotel) provides the signature tang and mild warmth that outline nice queso. Jalapeño brings an additional kick, whereas chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder spherical out the seasoning. The combination thickens rapidly with a contact of cornstarch and cream, forming a shiny base able to obtain beneficiant handfuls of cheese.

As soon as the queso is silky-smooth, it’s topped with extra cheese and a scatter of chorizo earlier than hitting the broiler for a couple of minutes — simply lengthy sufficient to show golden and effervescent. Cilantro and sliced jalapeños give it a recent end. Serve it piping scorching with tortilla chips or tender flour tortillas, and watch it disappear quick. That is get together meals at its finest: straightforward, indulgent, and unapologetically tacky.

What is an efficient melting cheese?

An excellent melting cheese has simply the precise steadiness of moisture, fats, and protein construction to show {smooth} and gooey when heated. Cheeses like mozzarella, Fontina, Gruyère, and cheddar soften properly as a result of their proteins break down evenly with out separating into oil. They preserve a creamy, stretchy texture with a gentle taste that enhances many dishes. The perfect melting cheese ought to move simply, create a cohesive pull, and add richness with out changing into grainy or greasy.

How do you make this queso vegetarian?

Skipping the chorizo will make this vegetarian, after all, however to nonetheless get some umami taste, add sautéed mushrooms or onions for further savoriness. 

Notes from the Meals & Wine Check Kitchen

• Hold the combination just under a simmer when including cheese; boiling will trigger it to grab or break.
• The broil step is non-compulsory, however it provides a crowd-pleasing bubbly crust.
• Cornstarch retains the queso steady and silky even because it cools barely.

This recipe was developed by Anna Theoktisto; the textual content was written by Breana Killeen.