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Game Day Queso

This queso is rich and creamy, blending melty American and Monterey Jack cheeses with pickled jalapeños, cumin, and a hint of cayenne. It’s smooth, mildly spicy, and perfect for dipping with tortilla chips.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 small yellow onion about 6 oz, finely chopped
  • 3  garlic cloves minced (about 1 Tbsp)
  • 1  tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ½ tsp Morton kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ⅓  cup chopped pickled jalapeños undrained, plus 1 Tbsp pickle juice
  • 8  oz American cheese thinly sliced (about 8 slices)
  • 8  oz Monterey Jack cheese shredded (about 2 cups)
  • 2  Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2  tsp ground cumin
  • ½  tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2  cups whole milk divided
  • 1  Tbsp cornstarch
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

  • Sauté onion, garlic, cumin, cayenne, and salt in butter until fragrant, 4 min.
  • Simmer 1¾ cups milk; whisk in cornstarch slurry (¼ cup milk + cornstarch) and cook 1 min.
  • Melt American cheese over low heat, 3 min; stir in Monterey Jack gradually, 4 min.
  • Off heat, stir in jalapeños and pickle juice; season to taste.
  • Serve warm with tortilla chips.