That Restaurant-Style Queso You've Been Looking For

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Nutritional Info
  • Servings Per Recipe: 10
  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 187.8
  • Total Fat: 15.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 47.5 mg
  • Sodium: 653.6 mg
  • Total Carbs: 1.7 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 10.4 g

View full nutritional breakdown of That Restaurant-Style Queso You've Been Looking For calories by ingredient


Introduction

I spent two years trying to imitate restaurant-style queso. I used all different kinds of special Mexican cheeses and combinations of cheeses to no avail. Finally, it dawned on me - a restaurant isn't going to spend big money to get an authentic Mexican cheese. So I bought a block of Land o Lakes American Cheese from the deli counter at Walmart (other brands work too - as long as it's the block version, not sliced, American cheese - white or yellow, they taste the same!). This simple ingredient made all the difference. As much as I hate giving away my secret to the world, I know there are others who want that great restaurant-style queso at home. You can add other ingredients as you like ... cilantro is great, as well as tomato after the queso is done cooking. All kinds of ways to make this your own. Have fun! I spent two years trying to imitate restaurant-style queso. I used all different kinds of special Mexican cheeses and combinations of cheeses to no avail. Finally, it dawned on me - a restaurant isn't going to spend big money to get an authentic Mexican cheese. So I bought a block of Land o Lakes American Cheese from the deli counter at Walmart (other brands work too - as long as it's the block version, not sliced, American cheese - white or yellow, they taste the same!). This simple ingredient made all the difference. As much as I hate giving away my secret to the world, I know there are others who want that great restaurant-style queso at home. You can add other ingredients as you like ... cilantro is great, as well as tomato after the queso is done cooking. All kinds of ways to make this your own. Have fun!
Number of Servings: 10

Ingredients

    16 oz American Cheese
    3 slice, medium (1/8" thick) Onions, raw
    .5 cup Half and Half Cream
    1 pepper Jalapeno Peppers

Directions

You'll need to set up a double boiler for this. If you don't have one, just use a pot to boil water in and a good glass bowl that will fit on top of the pot (preferably pyrex).

Cut the cheese into small squares or shred it. Cut the onion into your desired size (I do small chunks). Cut the jalapeno into your desired size (or you can use sliced jalapenos from the jar, just make sure you pat them dry first).

Add cheese, onions, half and half, and jalapeno (if using fresh) to the glass bowl and boil the water that's in the pot below. (If using jarred jalapenos, wait to add them until the cheese is partially melted).

Using an oven mitt on one hand and a spoon in the other, carefully hold the glass bowl and stir the queso mixture occasionally until fully melted. You may add small amounts of water towards the end to thin the mixture if it is too thick for your taste. (Start with about 1 tbsp of water at a time).

Once the cheese is melted, serve hot. Cilantro and/or finely chopped tomatoes make an attractive garnish on top.

Serving Size: Makes about 10 servings - enough for about 5 chip-dips per serving

Number of Servings: 10

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user ROSEBOMB.