Costa Vida Queso Recipe
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner? This Costa Vida Queso Recipe is the answer! Whether you're craving a cheesy dip for a family gathering or a flavorful topping for your tacos, this creamy and savory queso will hit the spot. Inspired by the popular dish served at Costa Vida, it’s easy to make and sure to become a staple in your household.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese for that perfect melt and flavor
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese for creaminess
- ½ cup milk adjust for desired consistency
- ¼ cup diced green chilies for a mild kick
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour for thickening
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 01: Melt the Butter
- Start by placing your saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 02: Add the Flour
- Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk it into the butter. This will create a roux that will thicken your queso. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 03: Add the Milk
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to keep the mixture smooth. Allow it to heat up and start to thicken. You can adjust the milk quantity depending on how thick or runny you prefer your queso.
Step 04: Stir in the Cream Cheese
- Add the cream cheese and stir until it completely melts into the mixture. The cream cheese gives the queso its signature creaminess and smooth texture.
Step 05: Add the Cheese
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly to prevent any clumping. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
Step 06: Add the Spices
- Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Step 07: Add the Green Chilies
- Stir in the diced green chilies. They’ll add just the right amount of spice and flavor to your queso. If you like your queso spicier, feel free to use diced jalapeños or a bit of chili powder.
Step 08: Simmer and Stir
- Let the queso simmer on low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together and ensures a perfectly smooth consistency.
Step 09: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once your queso is velvety smooth and creamy, remove it from the heat. Serve it immediately with tortilla chips, over nachos, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or anything else that could use a cheesy boost.
Notes
This Costa Vida Queso Recipe is designed to be as delicious as the queso served at the popular Costa Vida restaurant. With a rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavors, it's sure to become a hit in your home. This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings, and it’s versatile enough to be used as a topping for tacos, nachos, or burritos.
For the best results, make sure to use freshly shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly compared to pre-shredded versions. You can also adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or fewer chilies or spicing it up with jalapeños. If you’re making it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.