What Is Queso? Here’s Everything You Need To Know About This Mexican Restaurant Favorite.

Cheese is a dairy by-product made from cows, sheep, goats, and buffalo. Queso is the Spanish word for cheese. However, in the United States, more often than not, queso refers to the delectable Tex-Mex appetizer consisting of melted cheese, chilies, and a variety of garnishes. It can be used as a dip, sauce, or whatever your heart decides to do with this tasty treat. The dish has become a staple at potlucks, sports games, and parties alike!

Various states and restaurants lay claim to being the inventor of the amazing appetizer that is queso. However, Lisa Fain, author of the book “Queso! Regional Recipes for the World’s Favorite Chile-Cheese Dip”, investigates the origins of this Mexican restaurant staple. She discovered the first print article referencing a similar dish in the American magazine Land of Sunshine in 1896, listed as ‘chili verdes con queso.’ Fain believes the 19th-century wildfire-like spread of the plate happened due to the prevalence of fondue and Welsh rarebit- a British dish consisting of melted cheese over toast.

In 1914, the Boston Cooking School Magazine featured a recipe for Mexican rarebit. This recipe consisted of melted yellow cheese, Mexican lager, and corn kernels. In 1918, queso could be found on a restaurant menu in Texas at the Martinez Cafe. Present day, the delicious dip is an essential standard to kick off any good time- whether it be a party, watching the game, or just treating yourself to a savory treat.

Queso Fundido, translated from Spanish, means ‘melted cheese.’ The dish is a dressed-up, spicier version of the classic queso. It begins with the original, but this exciting dish has an extra kick. It typically consists of chorizo or spicy breakfast sausage and poblano peppers. Queso fundido is often garnished with tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro and is served with a hot tortilla. 

Making homemade queso can be done with a variety of kitchen equipment, such as a dutch oven, large skillet, pot, a double boiler, or a slow cooker. Whatever you have on hand can get the job done. In this recipe, we’ll be using a pot.

In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, saute in butter: 1 shallot or 1 small onion, 3 cloves of garlic, and 1-2 jalapenos until softened. If you prefer less spice, de-seed the jalapenos before placing them in the pot. 

1- Dice 2 chipotle chilies- from a can in adobo sauce. Add them to the pot. 

2- Add 1 ½ cups of half & half or evaporated milk.

3- Lower the temperature to medium-low and stir in 12 oz. American White Cheese and 4 oz. Pepper Jack Cheese. 

4- Stir in 1 can of drained green chilies and ½ teaspoon of black pepper

5- Garnish with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and diced fresh jalapenos. 

Enjoy with a hot flour tortilla or tortilla chips! 

The Corner Taqueria in Smyrna offers savory queso to elevate any occasion. Our Mexican food menu offers two types of delicious, fresh homemade queso that satisfy any cheese-lover. Our chefs prepare tasty queso with melted white American cheese topped with fresh jalapenos. 

Suppose you desire something with a bit more kick. In that case, our menu has a delectable Queso Fundido- with melted chihuahua cheese, poblano peppers, chorizo sausage, and warm flour tortillas. Both appetizers pair perfectly with a cold handcrafted margarita from our bar! Join us in Smyrna for all your delicious queso needs because let’s be honest, there is no bad time for melty, mouthwatering queso.