Chef John's Queso Dip

Prep time: 20 min

Cook time: 10 min

Servings: 12

Yield: 12 servings

Description

Minimal time and effort go into making this silky, addictive queso dip that melds green chiles, tomatoes, and scallions with your favorite melty cheese.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound sharp white Cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, dark green parts set aside

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 (4 ounce) can fire-roasted diced green chiles

• 1/2 cup seeded and diced Roma tomatoes

• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk

• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

• 1 tablespoon diced Roma tomato

Directions

1 Grate Cheddar cheese into a bowl. Sprinkle in cornstarch and toss to coat.

2 Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and light parts of the scallions. Sprinkle in salt, chipotle, and cumin. Cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add green chiles and 1/2 cup tomatoes; cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Pour in evaporated milk and bring to a boil. Add the Cheddar cheese and stir just until melted; immediately remove from heat.

3 Stir in cilantro. Season to taste, adding cayenne if desired. Garnish with reserved green onion parts and 1 tablespoon diced tomato.