chili’s introduces southwestern queso with improved recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chili's introduces southwestern queso with improved recipe
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The Best chili’s introduces southwestern queso with improved recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my latest obsession – Chili’s new and improved Southwestern Queso recipe! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy meals that my family will love.

And let me tell you, this queso delivers. I first tried it on a weekend when my kids were home from school, and they absolutely devoured it.

I made a big batch of the queso and served it with some crispy tortilla chips, and we all had a blast munching away. The best part is that this recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.

Just combine some shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and spices in a saucepan, heat it up until it’s melted and bubbly, and serve. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack for your family.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, so we often make this queso together as a fun activity. They get to stir the pot and watch as the cheese melts into a gooey, stringy mess (in the best way possible!)

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – this queso is packed with protein and calcium from the cheese, making it a great option for those looking for a more nutritious snack option. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can serve it with tortilla chips, use it as a dip for veggies or crackers, or even add some cooked chicken or beef to make it more substantial.

Chili's Southwestern Queso with Improved Recipe

Chili’s Southwestern Queso with Improved Recipe

4.6 from 1256 votes

This creamy, cheesy queso dip is loaded with bold Southwestern flavors like roasted green chiles, cumin, and a hint of lime. Perfect for parties or game day, it pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Queso

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
8 ounces white American cheese, torn into pieces
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), drained
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, about 1 minute.
2Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3Stir in the minced garlic, diced green chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
5Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6Cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 to 3 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to low and add the torn American cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and smooth.
8Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles and the lime juice, then season with salt to taste.
9Continue cooking over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until the queso is hot and creamy.
10Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the queso to a serving bowl.
11Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.
12The queso will thicken as it cools, so stir in a splash of warm milk if needed to restore creaminess.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 16g

📝Notes

For a spicier queso, add an extra pinch of cayenne or use hot diced tomatoes with green chiles. If the queso becomes too thick upon standing, reheat gently over low heat and stir in a tablespoon of milk at a time until smooth.

Watch Video Of How Chili’s Southwestern Queso with Improved Recipe Works

I’ve already made this Southwestern Queso recipe multiple times since discovering it at Chili’s – it’s that good! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – you can easily make a big batch on the weekend and then reheat individual portions throughout the week as needed.

Serve it with some fresh veggies or whole grain crackers for an added crunch factor. For parties or gatherings, consider making individual servings of queso in small bowls or cups so everyone can dig in without having to worry about portion sizes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chili’s Southwestern Queso with Improved

Q: What makes Chili’s Southwestern Queso recipe so special?

This recipe is truly one-of-a-kind. The combination of shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and spices creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting at the same time.

Q: Can I customize this recipe to suit my tastes?

Of course! Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to give this queso an extra kick of flavor.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Nope – traditional queso recipes rely heavily on dairy products like cheese. However, you can easily substitute vegan alternatives like soy cheese or nutritional yeast to create a similar taste experience.

Q: How long does this queso take to prepare?

Less than 10 minutes! This recipe is lightning-fast and can be whipped up in no time.

Q: Can I store leftover queso in the fridge?

Sure thing! Leftover queso will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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