appetizers and snacks, cheese/meat appetizers, sides

Queso Blanco

Sometimes you just need a little junk food, right? Whip up this zippy queso blanco with jalapeños and white cheese. No fast food drive-through needed!
Okay, so I am pretty much a self-proclaimed foodie. So is Sarah! I simply love good food, and I am very picky about what I will and won’t eat. For example, I don’t do fast food. Pretty much ever. When we go on a road trip and stop for a quick meal along the way, I am known to do one of two things: a) pack my own food in a cooler or b) run into a local grocery store for gourmet cheeses, fruit and bread. Life is too short to eat bad food! There are a million new tastes to try…Moroccan spices, Indian curries, Spanish chorizo, Peruvian ceviche…and I don’t want to miss any of them. Andrew Zimmern, bring it on!

However….I’m about to reveal a deep, dark secret that only my family has known about me. Yes, it’s a big risk, and yes, I might be mocked and ridiculed, but I’m willing to chance it. There are two “foods” that you can get at any gas station that I absolutely, positively love to eat. I don’t indulge that often, and let’s just say, each time I hit a gas station, I have to avert my eyes and hurry out before I succumb to temptation. What are they??? Please don’t judge. Queso and Hostess cupcakes. Don’t worry…I don’t eat them together. But wow! For some reason, those are my go-to snacks if I really feel the need for a crash-and-burn junk food feast.  Okay, I’ve said it. My deep, dark secret is out. Phew! I feel better.

Sometimes you just need a little junk food, right? Whip up this zippy queso blanco with jalapeños and white cheese. No fast food drive-through needed!
Since queso is often made with bizarre, unpronounceable ingredients, I decided to create my own version. Notice I didn’t say “healthy.” Queso isn’t healthy. But this easy Queso Blanco is made from ingredients you can spell and recognize, and it tastes even better than the gas-station version. (Ha ha ha…I can’t believe I just said that! Please forgive.) Cinco de Mayo party? Movie night? Or just a craving for nachos? We gotcha covered.

Queso Blanco

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: Approx. 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. deli-counter good quality white American cheese
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1-2 jalapeños
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • Dash chili powder
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • White or black pepper

Instructions

  1. Grate cheese.
  2. Dice jalapeños.
  3. In double boiler, add cheese and half of the half-and-half. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often.
  4. Add jalapeños and spices to taste.
  5. Add half-and-half in small amounts until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and completely melted.

Notes

*To keep the smooth texture, serve in fondue pot over heat.

*Add extra half-and-half as needed to retain smooth texture.

*Leftovers can be kept, refrigerated, for two to three days. To reheat, add half-and-half or milk, and heat in microwave or on the stove.

https://www.kiwiandcarrot.com/queso-blanco/

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10 Comments

  • Reply Kari April 28, 2016 at 11:04 am

    I’m saving this for a cheap meal because it looks worth it!
    Kari
    http://www.sweetteasweetie.com

    • Reply Elizabeth April 29, 2016 at 7:57 am

      Kari, sometimes you need cheap, easy and fun….this fits! Hope you like it!

  • Reply Jenn May 2, 2016 at 10:38 am

    Definitely making this!

    • Reply Elizabeth May 2, 2016 at 7:49 pm

      Jenn, hope you love it! I’m addicted:)

  • Reply Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple May 2, 2016 at 11:10 am

    LOVE queso dip! This looks so delicious!

    • Reply Elizabeth May 2, 2016 at 7:49 pm

      I’m with you, Liz. Queso is the best! Hope you like it.

  • Reply Elsa | the whinery May 2, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    Homemade queso dip sounds fantastic, it’s one of those things you don’t think about making at home, but it’s so worth it! Looks delicious!

    • Reply Elizabeth May 2, 2016 at 7:51 pm

      Elsa, so much better than store-bought! And super easy. Win win:) Happy cooking!

  • Reply Hannah May 4, 2016 at 12:01 am

    Sounds divine, I’m definitely adding this recipe to my ‘to make’ list!

    We are Dannah | Australian lifestyle blog

    • Reply Elizabeth May 4, 2016 at 8:09 am

      Hannah, hope you think it tastes divine! Enjoy:)

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