Craving that unbelievably creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy queso from Torchy's Tacos? You don't have to drive to your nearest location anymore! This copycat recipe brings the deliciousness right to your kitchen. It's an easy, healthy-ish, and incredibly satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, game day snack, or a fun get-together with friends. Prepare for queso bliss!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Items
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, if you like it extra spicy)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: ½ cup chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions: Let's Make Some Queso!
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the flavor base: Add the undrained Rotel, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the flavors to meld.
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Create the creamy sauce: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
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Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes.
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Serve and enjoy: Pour your Torchy's-inspired queso into a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for tacos, nachos, or baked potatoes.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Queso
- Don't overheat: Keep the heat low to prevent burning the cheese or the sauce from becoming too thick.
- Stir frequently: Constant stirring is key to preventing the cheese from clumping and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Cheese choice: While Monterey Jack and cheddar are traditional, you can experiment with other Mexican cheeses like queso quesadilla for a different flavor profile.
Variations to Explore
- Chorizo Queso: Add ½ pound of cooked and crumbled chorizo to the sauce for a richer, spicier queso.
- Vegetarian Queso: Omit the chorizo and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Queso: Increase the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper, or add a pinch of chipotle powder for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Always consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy-to-make Torchy's taco queso recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Its versatility and incredible flavor make it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy!