Mom's Chile Con Queso Cheese with Peppers

Creamy, bold, and irresistibly zesty, Mom's Chile Con Queso Cheese with Peppers is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dip for any gathering. Featuring a savory blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melted to silky perfection, this queso gets its signature kick from fresh jalapeños, poblano peppers, and tangy diced tomatoes with green chilies. A touch of evaporated milk creates an ultra-smooth texture, while sautéed onions and garlic enhance the rich, layered flavors. Perfectly spiced and endlessly dippable, this homemade queso pairs beautifully with crispy tortilla chips and can be customized with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a bright finishing touch. Ready in just 30 minutes and ideal for parties, game day, or family movie nights, this recipe is a must-try for queso lovers everywhere.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium Fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 medium Fresh poblano pepper, seeded and finely diced
• 1 can (10 ounces) Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• 1 can (12 ounces) Evaporated milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 bag Tortilla chips (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large saucepan or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, chopped jalapeños, and poblano pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the peppers have softened slightly.

Step 4

Add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 5

In a small bowl, toss the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with the cornstarch to evenly coat the cheese. This will help prevent clumping when melted.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually stir the evaporated milk into the skillet. Slowly add the cheese mixture, one handful at a time, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 7

Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the queso is smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 8

Taste the queso and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed. For extra spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.

Step 9

Transfer the queso to a serving dish or a slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1628.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3442.7

Total Fat 218.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 108.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 520.0mg	0%
Sodium 4934.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 236.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.4g	0%
Total Sugars 57.6g
Protein 159.0g	0%

Vitamin D 383.7IU	0%
Calcium 4481.4mg	0%
Iron 8.0mg	0%
Potassium 2937.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.4%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 26.6%