This is the smoothest, most flavorful, BEST queso recipe you'll find! It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish and uses only one pot for easy clean up. Recipe includes a how-to video!
Melt butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Add onion and cook until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).
⅓ cup finely diced white onion
Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add tomatoes and chilis and cook until well-combined.
1 Tablespoon minced garlic, ¼ cup diced roma tomato or canned petite diced tomatoes, 4 oz can fire roasted diced green chilis
Sprinkle cornstarch over the ingredients and use a spatula to stir and cook until absorbed and no lumps remain.
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), pepper, and salt.
¼ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika, Dash of cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon table salt
Gradually drizzle evaporated milk into the pot while whisking. Cook, stirring or whisking, until milk is completely combined, warmed, and slightly thickened.
12 oz can full-fat evaporated milk
Turn stovetop heat to low and add shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and completely combined. Taste-test and add salt and pepper (and additional cayenne pepper if you like some heat!) as needed.
8 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, Corn chips
Video
Notes
Chilis
If you can’t find fire roasted, regular canned green chilis will work instead. You may alternatively substitute 1 small jalapeno pepper (ribs and seeds removed), if you don’t mind the heat. If using fresh pepper, toss them in to cook and soften along with the onion.
Tomatoes
You can substitute ¼ cup of drained petite diced canned tomatoes instead.
Cheese
You can use yellow or white cheddar cheese. Mild, sharp, or extra sharp will work but I prefer sharp for the best taste and smoothest texture (sometimes extra sharp can seem a bit grainy). Do not use pre-shredded cheese as it often contains additives that will keep the cheese from melting smoothly. I have successfully made this recipe with 8 oz of white or yellow American cheese, too, as I know some of you have asked about that and wanted to test if it would work or not.