Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe to impress your friends and family? Look no further! This Jenna Bush Hager inspired queso recipe is unbelievably simple, yet delivers a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for more. Perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or a cozy night in, this delicious queso is the ultimate comfort food. It's one of those easy recipes that's guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. This healthy-ish appetizer is also a great quick dinner idea, especially when paired with some tortilla chips and a fresh salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 16 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the chilies: Pour in the undrained canned diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) and the undrained diced green chilies. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Season and serve: Stir in the cumin and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Queso:
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Cheese choice: For a truly authentic flavor, try using a blend of Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca or Asadero.
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Spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder queso, omit it altogether.
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Keep it warm: To keep your queso warm, transfer it to a slow cooker on low or use a chafing dish.
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Garnish ideas: For an extra touch, garnish your queso with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of your favorite Mexican spice blend.
Variations:
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Spicy Queso: Add a pinch of chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
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Vegetarian Queso: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
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Breakfast Queso: Add some crumbled bacon or chorizo for a savory breakfast queso.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. A reasonable estimate, assuming 6 servings, would be approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 18-22g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy queso recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can master it. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful appetizer – or perhaps even a satisfying quick dinner – and watch it disappear in a flash!