Costa Vida Queso Recipe
Dive into the cheesy goodness of the Costa Vida Queso recipe, a staple that delights everyone who tries it at the vibrant Costa Vida restaurants.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Stovetop
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green chiles
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine Cheeses and Cornstarch: In a bowl, toss both cheeses with cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps in thickening the queso and prevents it from becoming gritty.
- Heat Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk and cream until warm but not boiling.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the cheese mixture to the warm milk, stirring constantly with a whisk over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Spices and Chiles: Stir in the green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly to enhance the flavors.
- Season and Serve: Taste and add salt if needed. Serve warm with your favorite chips or drizzled over nachos.
Notes
- Spicy Queso: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Meaty Version: Brown some chorizo or ground beef and stir it into the queso for added heartiness.
- Veggie-Laden: Toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes for a fresher, chunkier version.
- Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika can add a deep, smoky essence.
- Extra Creamy: For an even richer texture, replace the milk with half-and-half or increase the cream proportion.