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Creamy, delicious, and fresh Green Chile Skillet Queso is full of flavor in just one skillet- and so easy to make with real, fresh cheese for a stretchy, addictive dip!
Table of Contents
Easy Cheesy Green Chile Queso
One of my favorite recipes ever is my green chile queso- we literally call it crack dip in our house because it is so addictive. My go-to recipe includes velveeta- which really only barely counts as cheese. It’s super delicious, but in addition to being loaded with calories (like any good dip should be), it is full of processed ingredients. I wanted to make something fresh, with more developed flavor and lots of ooey, gooey stretchy cheese just like a restaurant would serve.
Green chile skillet queso is a decadent and spicy cheese dip that perfectly melds the creamy richness of melted cheese with the distinctive, smoky flavor of roasted green chiles. Served warm straight from the skillet, it offers a comforting and communal dining experience, ideal for gatherings or a family snack night. The combination of gooey cheese and the zesty kick of green chiles makes it an irresistible appetizer that pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers, from crunchy tortilla chips to fresh vegetable sticks.
How to Make Green Chile Skillet Queso
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Olive oil (2 tbsp) – Olive oil provides a healthy, flavorful base for sautéing the onions, enriching the dish with its fruity notes.
- Onion (1) – Onion adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the queso, softening into a tender, flavorful base when sautéed.
- Green chile sauce (2 cups) – Green chile sauce infuses the queso with a vibrant, tangy heat, giving it a distinct Southwestern flair.
- Oaxca Cheese (1 pack) – Oaxaca cheese, known for its excellent melting qualities, lends a stringy, velvety texture to the queso, making it irresistibly smooth.
- Queso fresco (1/2 cup) – Queso fresco brings a mild, fresh flavor and crumbly texture, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy base.
- Tomato (1) – Tomato offers a hint of acidity and sweetness, complementing the spicy and savory elements with its fresh, juicy bursts.
- Garnish: Cilantro and green onions, diced
Use this Method
Cook Veg. In a large, heavy cast iron skillet, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and cook until browned- about 10 minutes. Add in green chile (be careful so it doesnt bubble up and spill over) Stir well.
Add Cheese. Tear oaxca cheese into chunks and add to green chile and onions. Stir to melt cheese, make sure to mix well. Add in one half of the queso fresco. When all cheese is melted, and the dip looks evenly mixed, remove from heat.
Garnish. Top with second half of queso fresco, tomato, cilantro and green onions. Serve with chips, celery, vegetables, and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Green Chile Queso
Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cheese that melts well, like a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a smooth and creamy texture.
Roast the Green Chiles: If using fresh green chiles, roasting them first can enhance their flavor and add a smoky depth to your queso.
Cook on Low Heat: Prepare the queso over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
Stir Constantly: Continuous stirring helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents the cheese from sticking to the skillet and burning.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet retains heat well, keeping the queso warm and melty while serving.
Season to Taste: Adjust the amount of green chiles based on your preferred spice level, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Add Creaminess: Incorporate a splash of cream or milk to achieve a luxuriously creamy texture, adding more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Stir in Fresh Ingredients at the End: Add fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, tomatoes, or green onions towards the end of cooking to maintain their color and freshness.
Keep it Warm: If serving over an extended period, consider keeping the queso warm in a low-temperature oven or on a warming plate.
Garnish Before Serving: Top with additional chopped green chiles, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and presentation.
FAQs
Yes, canned green chiles are a convenient and suitable alternative to fresh chiles. They’re already roasted and peeled, saving you time. Just drain them well before adding to your queso.
To prevent graininess, melt the cheese slowly over low heat and stir constantly. Avoid boiling the cheese mixture, as high heat can cause the proteins in the cheese to seize up, resulting in a grainy texture.
While queso is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead of time and gently reheat it over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk can help restore its creamy consistency.
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount and type of green chiles used. For a milder queso, remove the seeds and membranes from the chiles, or use milder chile varieties. For more heat, include the seeds or opt for spicier chiles.
Yes, adding cooked meats such as chorizo, ground beef, or shredded chicken can turn your queso into a heartier dish. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and drained of excess fat before adding.
If your queso is too thick, gradually stir in milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Add the liquid slowly and stir well to incorporate.
Freezing queso is not recommended, as it can cause the texture to become grainy and water-separated upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Reheat queso gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. You may need to add a little milk to thin it back to the desired consistency.
Serve your queso with a variety of dippers such as tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies. It also makes a great topping for nachos, tacos, or baked potatoes.
What to Enjoy with Green Chile Skillet Queso
Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up generous amounts of queso, offering a satisfying crunch. Try these keto tortilla chips!
Sliced Baguette: A toasted or grilled slice of baguette can be a delicious, sturdy vehicle for the queso.
Fresh Vegetables: Carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices offer a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy queso.
Pretzels: Both soft pretzels and pretzel sticks make for a salty, chewy pairing with the spicy queso.
Grilled Sausages: Sliced grilled sausages can be dipped into the queso for a meaty, flavorful bite.
Nachos: Layer the green chile skillet queso over crispy nachos and add your favorite toppings for a hearty snack.
Fajitas: Drizzle or spoon the queso over chicken or steak fajitas for added richness and flavor. Try this one pot steak fajitas ever!
Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with a generous helping of queso for a comforting and filling dish.
Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread alongside the queso for a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
Tacos: Spoon some of the queso into your tacos for a creamy, spicy kick.
Try these other Tex Mex favorites:
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Green Chile Skillet Queso
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cups green chile sauce
- 1 Oaxca Cheese
- ½ cup queso fresco, divided in half
- 1 tomato, diced
- Garnish: Cilantro and green onions, diced
Instructions
- In a large, heavy cast iron skillet, heat olive oil.
- Add diced onion and cook until browned- about 10 minutes.
- Add in green chile (be careful so it doesnt bubble up and spill over)
- Stir well.
- Tear oaxca cheese into chunks and add to green chile and onions.
- Stir to melt cheese, make sure to mix well.
- Add in one half of the queso fresco.
- When all cheese is melted, and the dip looks evenly mixed, remove from heat.
- Top with second half of queso fresco, tomato, cilantro and green onions.
- Serve with chips, celery, vegetables, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
