Costa Vida Queso Recipe - Quick & Easy
Transform simple ingredients into Costa Vida's legendary queso right in your kitchen, crafting an irresistibly creamy, flavorful dip that promises to be the highlight of any gathering.
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan For cooking the roux, melting the cheese, and combining all the dip ingredients.
- 1 Whisk Essential for stirring the roux and ensuring the cheese melts smoothly without clumps.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurately measuring ingredients such as butter, flour, milk, and spices.
- 1 Cheese Grater If you're using block cheese, you'll need a grater to shred the Monterey Jack cheese.
- 1 Microwave-safe Container (Optional) If you need to reheat leftovers, a microwave-safe container is handy.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces white American cheese cubed
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup green chiles diced (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Optional for garnish: chopped cilantro diced tomatoes, diced jalapeños
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Ensure it doesn't brown.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. This helps thicken the dip without clumps.
- Combine Milk: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cheese Time: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cubed white American cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Spice it Up: Stir in the diced green chiles, ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Season: Taste the queso and add salt to your liking. Adjust any seasonings if needed.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the queso dip to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and diced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy: Serve your homemade Costa Vida queso dip warm with your favorite tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a topping for nachos.
Notes
- Cheese Quality Matters: Opt for high-quality cheeses for a smoother, creamier dip. Cheeses that are pre-shredded often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Stir Constantly: To prevent the roux and cheese from burning or clumping, stir the mixture continuously throughout cooking.
- Adjust Thickness: The dip's consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk to thin it out or letting it cook a bit longer to thicken.
- Low Heat for Cheese: Melt cheese over low heat to avoid separating and becoming grainy. Patience is key for a smooth texture.
- Fresh vs. Canned Chiles: You can use fresh or canned green chiles depending on availability and preference. Fresh chiles might offer a brighter flavor, while canned chiles are more convenient and consistent.
- Season to Taste: The spices listed are a starting point. Feel free to adjust quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the queso dip warm for the best flavor and texture. If it cools down and thickens, gently reheat it, adding a splash of milk if necessary.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding milk to adjust consistency.
- Garnish Options: Enhance your queso dip with various garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños to add color and extra flavor.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as cooked chorizo, sautéed onions, or black beans for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 100gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 100mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 0.2mg
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