Chef John's Queso Dip

Minimal time and effort go into making this silky, addictive queso dip that melds green chiles, tomatoes, and scallions with your favorite melty cheese.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 136 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, dark green parts set aside
• 1 (4 ounce) can fire-roasted diced green chiles
• 1 tablespoon diced Roma tomato
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
• 0.25 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 0.5 pound sharp white Cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup seeded and diced Roma tomatoes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Grate Cheddar cheese into a bowl. Sprinkle in cornstarch and toss to coat.

Step 2

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and light parts of the scallions. Sprinkle in salt, chipotle, and cumin. Cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add green chiles and 1/2 cup tomatoes; cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Pour in evaporated milk and bring to a boil. Add the Cheddar cheese and stir just until melted; immediately remove from heat.

Step 3

Stir in cilantro. Season to taste, adding cayenne if desired. Garnish with reserved green onion parts and 1 tablespoon diced tomato.