Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Beer-Infused Chorizo Queso Dip?
It is a creamy Mexican-inspired fondue featuring a blend of Monterey Jack cheese, zesty chorizo, and tangy Mexican lager beer.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups (about 1 pound) of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a smooth and creamy texture.
What type of beer should I use?
A 12-ounce Mexican lager beer is recommended to provide a tangy essence to the cheese sauce.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the dip?
You can customize the heat level by choosing whether or not to include the seeds from the diced jalapeo.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables?
The onion, jalapeo, and garlic should be sautยed for approximately 20 minutes until they are soft and caramelized.
How much chorizo is needed for this dip?
The recipe requires 1/4 pound of fresh chorizo sausage with the casing removed.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
Three tablespoons of all-purpose flour are whisked with butter to create a roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
Can I use whole milk in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of whole milk whisked into the beer mixture to enhance the creaminess.
How should I serve this queso dip?
Serve the dip warm with crispy tortilla chips, ideally in a fondue pot or a small slow cooker to keep it melted.
What spices are added to the cheese sauce?
The dip is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
When should I add the cilantro?
Stir 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro into the chorizo mixture before dolloping it on top of the cheese dip.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided across different cooking steps.
Should the chorizo be cooked before adding it to the cheese?
Yes, the chorizo should be browned and cooked through for about 5 minutes before being mixed with the vegetables and added to the dip.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
Whisk the flour into the melted butter until smooth, then gradually whisk in the liquids and stir in the cheese off the heat until melted.
Is this dip suitable for game day?
Yes, it is described as a perfect party pleaser and gameday snack that pairs well with your favorite brews.
What garnish is recommended for the dip?
You can garnish the final dish with additional fresh cilantro leaves for a fresh touch.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one large onion, which should be thinly sliced.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
Do I need to keep the dip on heat while adding cheese?
No, you should remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
What can I use to keep the dip warm during a party?
A small slow cooker set on warm or low is recommended for keeping the dip at the ideal serving temperature.
Is the jalapeo cooked with the other vegetables?
Yes, the diced jalapeo is sautยed along with the onion and garlic.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this Spicy Beer-Infused Chorizo Queso Dip.
Is the chorizo mixed directly into the cheese?
The chorizo mixture is dolloped on top of the cheese dip rather than being fully stirred in.
What texture should the vegetable mixture have?
The vegetables should be soft and caramelized before being combined with the chorizo.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter, but salted could be used if you adjust other salt levels.
How long does it take to thicken the beer and milk mixture?
It typically takes about 5 minutes of frequent stirring at a simmer to thicken the liquid.
What is the inspiration for this dip?
This recipe is inspired by traditional Mexican fondue.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Should I drain the chorizo grease?
The instructions suggest using a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo, which helps leave excess grease behind.
What kind of flour is used for the roux?
The recipe uses standard all-purpose flour.