Qdoba's 3-Cheese Queso blends melted cheddar, Monterey Jack, and white queso cheeses into a creamy, gooey dip, perfect for pairing with fresh tortilla chips or drizzling over your favorite Mexican dishes.
Equipments
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded white American cheese (or white queso cheese)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, diced (optional)
Use shredded cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and white American or white queso cheese for the best creamy and gooey texture in your queso dip. Whole milk and heavy cream add richness while cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a smooth consistency. Diced green chiles and tomatoes bring mild heat and fresh flavor, balanced by garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a well-rounded spice profile. Pickled jalapenos can be added for extra heat, depending on your preference. Your 3-Cheese Queso from the Qdoba copycat menu will deliver the perfect creamy dip or topping for Mexican dishes, closely mimicking the restaurant's signature flavor.
Instructions
- Grate cheddar, Monterey Jack, and white American cheeses.
- In a mixing bowl, toss shredded cheeses with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and heavy cream; heat until steaming (do not boil).
- Gradually add the cornstarch-coated cheeses to the saucepan, whisking constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in drained green chiles, drained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and diced pickled jalapeños (if using).
- Reduce heat to low and continue stirring with a rubber spatula until thick and creamy.
- Pour finished queso into a serving bowl.
- Serve warm with fresh tortilla chips or as desired.
Substitution
Qdoba's 3-Cheese Queso is a creamy, gooey dip made by blending cheddar, Monterey Jack, and white queso cheeses, ideal for dipping or topping Mexican dishes. When substituting cheeses, you can use any mild, melty cheese like Colby or mozzarella if the exact types aren't available, but keep the texture creamy by finely shredding and ensuring even melting. If whole milk or heavy cream is not on hand, you can replace them with evaporated milk or half-and-half to maintain richness without compromising flavor. In case you prefer less heat, omit the pickled jalapenos or swap them for a mild green bell pepper to suit your taste preferences. Be sure to whisk constantly over low heat to prevent the cheese from clumping and achieve a smooth queso consistency.
Tips
Make sure to coat the shredded cheeses evenly with cornstarch to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth queso texture. When heating the milk and cream, keep the temperature below boiling to avoid curdling. Constantly whisk the cheese mixture as you add it to the heated milk and cream for an even melt and creamy consistency. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding diced pickled jalapenos according to your taste preferences.
Nutritions
Qdoba's 3-Cheese Queso is rich in calcium and protein, thanks to the blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and white queso cheeses. The addition of whole milk and heavy cream contributes healthy fats and vitamin D to support bone health. Spices like ground cumin and smoked paprika add antioxidants without extra calories, enhancing the nutritional profile. Your serving of this creamy dip pairs well with fresh tortilla chips, providing a satisfying combination of flavors and nutrients.
Storage
Store your 3-Cheese Queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy texture without separating the cheese. Avoid freezing, as the cheese blend may become grainy and lose its smooth consistency upon thawing.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap whole milk and heavy cream with evaporated milk for a slightly thicker and richer queso texture without increasing fat content. You can replace white American cheese with queso fresco or cotija for a more authentic Mexican flavor profile. For a smoky twist, roast the diced tomatoes and green chiles before adding them to the queso mix. Consider using a slow cooker on low heat to melt the cheese gently, ensuring a smoother, lump-free dip.
Allergies
Qdoba's 3-Cheese Queso contains multiple dairy ingredients, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and white American cheese, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The presence of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin could also pose sensitivity issues for some people. It's important to review the ingredient list carefully to ensure your safety if you have known food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Qdoba's 3-Cheese Queso menu stands out for its rich blend of melted cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso blanco, delivering a creamy and flavorful experience. The combination of these cheeses creates a smooth texture that perfectly complements a variety of dishes, appealing to cheese lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Trying to make the copycat recipe at home allows you to customize the flavors and control the quality of ingredients while enjoying a taste that rivals the restaurant's iconic queso. Your homemade version can save money and bring the comforting, indulgent taste of Qdoba's queso directly to your kitchen.