Nothing beats a bowl of warm, cheesy queso with a kick, and this Spicy Chorizo Queso delivers on every level. Imagine dipping a crispy tortilla chip into a rich, creamy cheese sauce infused with the smoky, spicy flavors of chorizo. It’s the ultimate party snack or a decadent treat for a cozy night in. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer—you’ll find yourself making it over and over again. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or indulging in comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or a cozy snack.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in no time with straightforward steps.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients in Spicy Chorizo Queso
Here’s what makes this queso extra special:
- Chorizo: Adds a smoky, spicy depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
- Cheese: The melty, gooey star of the show. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works beautifully.
- Milk: Creates the perfect creamy consistency.
- Spices: Paprika, cumin, and chili powder bring warmth and complexity.
- Tomatoes and Green Chilies: For a tangy, zesty bite.
- Cilantro: A fresh, herbaceous finishing touch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
- Cook the Chorizo: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat milk over low heat. Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in the cooked chorizo, tomatoes with green chilies, and spices. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Simmer: Let the queso simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Spicy Chorizo Queso
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of that cheesy goodness.
- Vegetable Sticks: A great option for a lighter, crunchy pairing.
- As a Standalone: It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Cook the chorizo in advance to save time.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Dietary Adjustments: Substitute dairy-free cheese and plant-based chorizo for a vegan version.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Double the Batch: Perfect for larger gatherings or meal prepping.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chorizo with another protein? A1: Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles work well.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A2: Yes! Prepare it and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish? A4: Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish? A5: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
Q6: Can I double the recipe? A6: Definitely! It’s easy to scale up for larger gatherings.
Q7: Can I make it less spicy? A7: Use mild chorizo and reduce the chili powder.
Q8: What can I use instead of tomatoes with green chilies? A8: Substitute with diced fresh tomatoes and a can of mild green chilies.
Q9: Can I use pre-shredded cheese? A9: You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother texture.
Q10: Can I add other mix-ins? A10: Sure! Try black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Spicy Chorizo Queso is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors make it impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your favorite chips and get ready to dip into pure cheesy bliss!
Print
Spicy Chorizo Queso
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spicy Chorizo Queso is creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes! With no processed cheese, it’s the perfect appetizer for holiday entertaining, parties, or game days. Spicy chorizo and fire-roasted green chiles add the perfect kick!
Ingredients
- 1 (9-ounce) package chorizo, casings removed (pork or beef)
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 (10-ounce) package queso quesadilla, grated (Monterey Jack or American white cheese may be substituted)
- 1 (12-ounce) can full-fat evaporated milk (you likely won’t use all of it)
- 1 (4-ounce) can fire-roasted green chiles, undrained
- Fresh cilantro, for garnishing
- 1 jalapeño, sliced into thin rounds (optional, for garnishing)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chorizo:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook until fully browned and crumbled, stirring frequently.
- In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, add the garlic and stir to combine. Cook until the chorizo reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Remove the chorizo from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- Make the Queso:
- In a medium pot with high sides, add 6 ounces of evaporated milk and the grated queso quesadilla.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Combine:
- Stir in the fire-roasted green chiles and about 3/4 of the cooked chorizo (reserve the remaining 1/4 for garnishing).
- Add more evaporated milk as needed to achieve your desired queso consistency.
- Serve:
- Transfer the queso to a serving bowl. Top with the reserved chorizo, fresh cilantro, and optional jalapeño slices.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
Notes
- For a less spicy version, reduce or omit the jalapeños and use mild chorizo.
- Leftover queso can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin the consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 60mg