Chips and Queso Blanco from Chipotle feature warm, crispy tortilla chips paired with creamy, smooth white cheese queso, delivering a rich and comforting blend of salty and cheesy flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer or countertop fryer
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- Corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil
- Kosher salt
- White American cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Jalapeño pepper
- Poblano pepper
- Tomato
- Onion
- Garlic
- Lime juice
When selecting ingredients for your Chips and Queso Blanco, use fresh corn tortillas for authentic crispiness, and opt for a blend of white American and Monterey Jack cheese to achieve the signature creamy texture. Whole milk and heavy cream balance the richness without overpowering the queso's smoothness, while a touch of butter adds depth to the flavor. Choose fresh jalapeno and poblano peppers to create the mild heat and smoky undertones essential to the dish. Be sure to season with kosher salt and lime juice to enhance and brighten the tastes. Your Chips and Queso Blanco copycat menu will capture the iconic, comforting blend of salty, cheesy flavors that Chipotle fans love.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cut corn tortillas into triangle-shaped chips using a chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or countertop fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry tortilla triangles in batches until crispy and golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove chips and drain on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Sprinkle chips with kosher salt while still warm.
- Seed and finely dice jalapeño, poblano pepper, tomato, onion, and garlic.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add diced jalapeño, poblano, onion, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in diced tomato and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Lower heat to medium-low and add whole milk and heavy cream to the saucepan; whisk to combine.
- Gradually add shredded white American cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth.
- Add lime juice and whisk to combine.
- Ladle queso blanco into serving bowls.
- Serve warm queso blanco with freshly fried chips.
Substitution
Chips and Queso Blanco from Chipotle's copycat menu offer a satisfying combination of warm, crispy corn tortilla chips and a creamy white cheese queso made from White American and Monterey Jack cheeses. If you don't have a deep fryer, you can bake the tortilla chips on a baking sheet at 375degF until crisp, turning once for even cooking. When making the queso, feel free to substitute whole milk with half-and-half for a richer texture, or use mild cheddar if Monterey Jack is unavailable. To adjust the spiciness, control the amount of jalapeno and poblano peppers, and remove seeds for a milder flavor. Your queso may thicken as it cools, so keep it warm over low heat and stir occasionally to maintain smoothness.
Tips
Ensure your vegetable oil reaches a stable temperature of 350degF (175degC) before frying to achieve perfectly crispy tortilla chips without absorbing excess oil. Avoid overcrowding the fryer; frying in small batches allows even cooking and maintains oil temperature. While melting cheeses, maintain medium-low heat to prevent the queso from curdling or becoming grainy, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy texture. Remember to season your chips with kosher salt immediately after frying to enhance flavor--you'll notice the difference in every bite.
Nutritions
Chips and Queso Blanco from Chipotle consist of corn tortilla chips fried in vegetable oil and sprinkled with kosher salt, providing a crunchy source of carbohydrates and fats. The queso blanco sauce combines white American cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, and butter, delivering a creamy texture rich in calcium, protein, and saturated fats. Vegetables like jalapeno, poblano pepper, tomato, onion, and garlic contribute vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber to the dish. Your portion size significantly affects the calorie content, so enjoy this flavorful snack mindfully.
Storage
Store your chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness and prevent sogginess. Keep the queso blanco refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days, reheating gently over low heat while stirring to restore its creamy texture. Avoid freezing the queso blanco as it can cause separation and affect the smooth consistency.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap out the white American and Monterey Jack cheeses for a blend of queso fresco and mozzarella to add a milder, creamier texture to your queso blanco. Baking the tortilla chips at 375degF for 10-12 minutes offers a healthier alternative to frying while still achieving crispiness. Incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the queso base to introduce a smoky depth that complements the peppers' heat. You can also substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk for a lighter sauce without compromising creaminess.
Allergies
Chips and Queso Blanco from Chipotle contain dairy ingredients such as white American cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, and butter, which may trigger allergic reactions for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The vegetable oil used in the chips can vary and may sometimes be a source of allergens if cross-contaminated. If you have food allergies, carefully check the ingredient list and inform the staff to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Chips and Queso Blanco from Chipotle feature a perfectly balanced blend of creamy, melted white cheddar cheese with subtle hints of jalapeno, creating a rich and flavorful dip that complements the crispy corn chips. The queso's smooth texture and mild spiciness offer a satisfying taste experience that appeals to a wide range of palates. You can replicate this iconic combination at home using simple ingredients, making your copycat version both cost-effective and customizable to your spice preference. Recreating this popular Chipotle dish allows you to enjoy the restaurant-quality snack anytime with fresh, high-quality ingredients.