Authentic Mexican Chile con Queso
Experience the rich, creamy flavor of Authentic Mexican Chile con Queso, a classic dip that perfectly balances the smokiness of roasted green chilies with the indulgent melt of Monterey Jack cheese. This delectable dish is ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying as a comforting snack. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a flavorful topping for nachos. This recipe captures the essence of Mexican cuisine and is sure to become a favorite in your household!
N/A
Servings
407
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh green chilies
6 (roasted, peeled, and cut into lengthwise slices)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Manteca or bacon drippings
2 tablespoons (melted)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Fresh tomatoes
2 large (peeled and finely chopped)
Monterey Jack cheese
2 1/2 cups (shredded)
Salt
to taste (to season)
Instructions
1
Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the manteca (Mexican lard) or bacon drippings to the skillet.
3
Once hot, add the roasted and peeled green chilies along with the chopped onion. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.
4
Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5
Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine, and cook for about 3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
6
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring gently until completely melted and creamy.
7
Season with salt to taste and serve immediately with your favorite dippers!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
12g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Mexican Chile con Queso?
It is a classic, creamy Mexican dip featuring roasted green chilies, onions, tomatoes, and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Monterey Jack cheese is recommended because of its superior melting qualities and mild flavor.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can use other melting cheeses like Asadero, Chihuahua, or even a mild Muenster cheese.
How do I prepare the green chilies?
The chilies should be roasted, peeled, and then cut into lengthwise slices before being added to the skillet.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written it uses manteca or bacon drippings, but you can make it vegetarian by substituting with vegetable oil or butter.
What is manteca?
Manteca is Mexican lard, which adds a traditional rich flavor to the sautéed vegetables.
Can I use canned green chilies instead of fresh?
While fresh roasted chilies provide the best flavor, you can use canned whole green chilies if fresh ones are unavailable.
How many calories are in this dish?
The recipe contains approximately 407 calories per serving.
What should I serve with Chile con Queso?
It is traditionally served with corn tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or used as a topping for nachos.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery?
Ensure you reduce the heat to low before adding the cheese and stir gently until it is just melted.
Can I add meat to this dip?
Yes, you can stir in cooked chorizo or ground beef for a heartier version of the dip.
Do the tomatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling and finely chopping the tomatoes for a smoother texture.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and chilies?
The onions and chilies should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can transfer the cooked mixture to a slow cooker on the 'warm' setting to keep it melted during a party.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the variety of green chilies used; use mild chilies like Anaheim or spicy ones like Hatch depending on preference.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are approximately 30 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many grams of protein are in this dip?
This recipe provides about 26 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh minced garlic is preferred for aroma, but 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How should I reheat the dip?
Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.
What happens if the cheese separates?
If the cheese separates, it is likely due to high heat; try stirring in a splash of milk or cream to bring it back together.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your cheese and lard labels for additives.
Can I add cilantro to this recipe?
Yes, fresh chopped cilantro makes an excellent garnish for added brightness.
What kind of onion is best?
A white or yellow onion works best for the traditional flavor profile of this dip.
How many green chilies are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 fresh green chilies.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use bacon drippings?
Yes, bacon drippings are a great alternative to manteca and add a smoky flavor.
Should I use high heat for the cheese?
No, you must reduce the heat to low to ensure the cheese melts smoothly without burning.
Can I add jalapeños for more heat?
Yes, you can sauté minced jalapeños with the onions if you prefer a spicier dip.
Can I freeze Chile con Queso?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cheese and vegetables may become grainy upon thawing.