Moe's Famous Queso from Moe's Southwest Grill features a creamy blend of melted cheeses, diced tomatoes, and green chilies, served warm with a smooth, velvety texture that's perfect for dipping crispy tortilla chips.
Equipments
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving bowl
- Ladle or dipping spoon
- Tortilla chip basket or serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded white American cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (canned, drained)
- 2 tablespoons diced green chilies (canned, drained)
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Tortilla chips
Using whole milk is essential to achieve the creamy consistency characteristic of Moe's Famous Queso. Make sure to drain canned diced tomatoes and green chilies thoroughly to prevent the dip from becoming too watery. Shredding the white American and Monterey Jack cheeses yourself helps the mixture melt more smoothly and evenly. Carefully measure the spices like cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder to balance the flavor notes without overpowering the queso. Your homemade copycat version of Moe's Famous Queso from Moe's Southwest Grill will deliver the perfect warm, velvety dip experience for your tortilla chips.
Instructions
- Grate white American cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Dice tomatoes and drain; dice and drain green chilies.
- Measure out all remaining ingredients and spices.
- Preheat medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add butter to the saucepan; melt completely.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, making a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk; cook until slightly thickened.
- Gradually add shredded white American cheese, stirring to melt.
- Add shredded Monterey Jack cheese, continue stirring until smooth.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Stir until queso is creamy and velvety.
- Transfer queso to a serving bowl using the ladle or spoon.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips in a basket or serving dish.
Substitution
Moe's Famous Queso from Moe's Southwest Grill copycat menu delivers a creamy and cheesy dip that perfectly blends diced tomatoes and green chilies for authentic Southwest flavor. If you don't have white American cheese, you can substitute with a mild cheddar or Colby cheese to maintain the smooth texture and flavor. Whole milk can be replaced with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a richer dip, but be sure to adjust cooking time to prevent scorching. Fresh diced tomatoes can be used instead of canned for a fresher taste, but reduce added liquid to keep the queso thick. You can also tweak the level of heat by adjusting the green chilies or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper based on your preference.
Tips
Grating the cheeses yourself ensures a smoother melt and prevents clumping in your queso. Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes and green chilies thoroughly to avoid excess liquid that can thin the dip. Stir the roux constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps and achieve a velvety consistency. You'll want to serve the queso warm immediately to preserve its creamy texture and enhance the flavor with your preferred tortilla chips.
Nutritions
Moe's Famous Queso provides a rich source of calcium and protein primarily from the white American and Monterey Jack cheeses, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance. The inclusion of diced tomatoes and green chilies adds vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that enhance immune function. The blend of spices offers negligible calories but contributes to flavor depth without added sodium or fat. Your serving of queso with tortilla chips delivers a satisfying balance of creamy textures and essential nutrients, making it a delicious and somewhat nourishing snack option.
Storage
Store Moe's Famous Queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor. When reheating, use a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent scorching and ensure even warming. Your queso will regain its smooth, velvety consistency if gently heated and stirred before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
To add a smoky depth to Moe's Famous Queso, you can substitute fire-roasted diced tomatoes and canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for the regular diced tomatoes and green chilies. For a dairy-free variation, using cashew cream in place of whole milk and nutritional yeast instead of cheese creates a creamy, cheesy flavor without compromising texture. Slow melting the cheese over low heat will prevent clumping and result in a smoother queso consistency. Experimenting with smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can also elevate the spice profile to match your personal taste.
Allergies
Moe's Famous Queso contains dairy products like shredded white American cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk or lactose intolerance. The presence of wheat-based all-purpose flour may also pose a risk for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Be sure to review ingredient labels carefully and consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Moe's Famous Queso from Moe's Southwest Grill is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced blend of melted cheeses and spices that deliver an authentic Southwest flavor. The queso's versatile nature makes it an ideal dip for chips, topping for burritos, or sidekick to tacos, enhancing any meal with its bold taste. You'll find that recreating this signature queso at home not only satisfies cravings but also allows customization of ingredients to match your preferred spice level and freshness. Making the copycat version ensures you enjoy this crowd-pleaser anytime without waiting in line or leaving your kitchen.