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Torchy's Queso Recipe

Torchy's Queso Recipe

Creamy green-chile queso inspired by Torchy’s, crowned with guacamole, pico, cotija, and a smoky hot sauce swirl. Perfect for chips or taco night.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 4 oz white onion, finely chopped
  • 3.5 oz poblano pepper, diced
  • 1.5 oz jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1.5 tsp minced garlic
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika optional
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1.25 cup evaporated milk well shaken
  • 12 oz white American cheese, chopped
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack, shredded
  • 4 oz diced green chiles, drained
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 0.25 cup whole milk as needed to thin
  • 0.75 cup prepared guacamole for topping
  • 0.25 cup pico de gallo for topping
  • 0.25 cup crumbled cotija or queso fresco for finishing
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Warm oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Sauté onion, poblano, and jalapeño until softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cornstarch. Cook 1 minute, stirring to coat.
  • Whisk in evaporated milk gradually and bring to a gentle simmer to thicken.
  • Lower heat. Add American and Monterey Jack in handfuls, stirring until smooth and melted.
  • Fold in green chiles, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed; keep heat low to prevent breaking.
  • Spoon guacamole into a shallow bowl. Pour queso around it and top with pico, cotija, and hot sauce.
  • Serve hot with warm tortilla chips. Hold on low heat or in a small slow cooker.

Notes

Try browning 6 oz of crumbled chorizo and stirring it in for a meaty twist, or swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack if you like extra heat. Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge; rewarm gently over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Torchy's Queso Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.