Cinco de Mayo Loaded Queso (Printable Version)

Creamy cheese dip with spicy chorizo, fresh pico de gallo, jalapeños, and cilantro, perfect for festive gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Cheese Sauce

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1.5 cups whole milk
04 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
06 - 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 0.25 teaspoon salt
10 - 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Toppings

11 - 6 ounces fresh Mexican chorizo, casing removed
12 - 0.5 cup pico de gallo
13 - 0.25 cup sliced jalapeños
14 - 0.25 cup sour cream
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 0.25 cup sliced green onions
17 - 0.25 cup diced ripe avocado
18 - 1 bag tortilla chips for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat medium skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo, breaking into small pieces with spoon, cooking until browned and cooked through for approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
02 - Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth and bubbling, approximately 1 minute.
03 - Gradually whisk milk into roux while stirring constantly until slightly thickened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Incorporate cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.
05 - Pour hot queso into serving dish or cast iron skillet.
06 - Immediately top queso with cooked chorizo, pico de gallo, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, and avocado.
07 - Present warm with tortilla chips on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes with simple, accessible ingredients
  • Creamy, smooth cheese sauce made from scratch without processed cheese
  • Loaded with bold toppings like chorizo, pico de gallo, and jalapeños for maximum flavor
  • Perfect for parties, game day, or any celebration
  • Easily customizable for dietary preferences and spice levels
  • Gluten-free when served with appropriate chips
02 -
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest texture—pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent proper melting
  • Keep the heat low once you add the cheese to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy
  • Prepare all toppings before making the queso so you can assemble and serve immediately while hot
  • For parties, transfer to a slow cooker on the warm setting to keep the perfect consistency for hours
  • Drain the chorizo thoroughly on paper towels to prevent excess grease from pooling on top of your queso
  • If the queso thickens as it sits, simply whisk in warm milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached
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