Chips & Queso Recipe

Prep

Grate the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and set them in a bowl. Drain the canned diced tomatoes with chiles and set aside. Finely dice the onion and jalapeño; mince the garlic. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it melts evenly.

Sauté aromatics

In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the diced jalapeño and cook 1–2 more minutes until fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until aromatic, taking care not to burn it.

Make roux and add liquids

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps, then whisk in the half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.

Incorporate cheeses

Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese cubes and whisk until mostly smooth. Gradually add the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack, a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth before adding more. Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from seizing.

Season and finish

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with chiles, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. If the queso is too thick, thin with 1–2 tablespoons of milk as needed until desired consistency is reached.

Transfer and keep warm

Pour queso into a serving bowl or small crock. Keep warm set over a double boiler or in a 200°F (95°C) oven if serving later; stir occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.

Arrange tortilla chips on a large serving platter or in a bowl around the queso. Place pickled jalapeños, extra chopped cilantro, and lime wedges in small dishes alongside for guests to add as desired.

Serve immediately while the queso is warm. Reheat gently if it cools and thickens: microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between, or warm over low heat with a splash of milk.