Description

Ditch the Velveeta—this ultra‑silky queso uses real shredded cheese and a medley of fresh veggies and spices for unbeatable flavor. It’s loaded with green onions, garlic, spicy chilies, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant cilantro.

Ingredients

Scale

225 g shredded cheddar (smoked, sharp, or American style)
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
¾ cup finely chopped green onions (whites and greens separated)
2 garlic cloves, minced
100 g diced tomatoes (Roma, cherry, or grape)
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
1 Tbsp cornstarch
375 ml evaporated milk (full‑fat)
115 g fire‑roasted green chiles or jalapeños, chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook the white parts of the green onions until tender, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir until it becomes fragrant, roughly 30 seconds.
Build the Base:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chopped chiles. Sprinkle in cumin, onion powder, and cayenne. Cook, stirring now and then, until the tomatoes soften and the spices bloom, about 2 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the vegetables and stir to coat. Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
Melt the Cheese:
- Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, stirring constantly until fully melted into a smooth sauce—remove from heat as soon as the cheese is completely incorporated.
Finish & Serve:
- Fold in the cilantro and the green parts of the onion. Taste and season with salt if needed. Serve immediately while warm. (Keep in mind the queso will firm up slightly as it cools.)

Notes

Storage & Reheating:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in 30‑second bursts in the microwave, stirring and thinning with a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 237mg
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 36mg