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Qdoba Queso Recipe

Qdoba Queso Recipe

Joe Williams
I remember the first time I tasted Qdoba queso. It was a casual Friday night, and I found myself at a Qdoba restaurant, eyeing the menu like a kid in a candy store.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 444 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Poblano Peppers diced
  • 2 Roma Tomatoes chopped
  • 8 oz American Cheese cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz White American Cheese broken into small chunks
  • 8 oz Shredded White Monterey Jack Cheese
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup Corn Kernels
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of crafting this cheesy delight. Follow these steps, and you’ll be tasting creamy queso in no time!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the poblano peppers and chop the Roma tomatoes. Have your cheeses ready. It’s much easier if everything is within reach.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

  • In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced poblano peppers and cook them until they soften, around 5 minutes. Toss in the chopped tomatoes and stir them together for an additional 2 minutes. This step intensifies the sweetness of the tomatoes and adds depth.

Step 3: Add the Spices

  • Sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cayenne pepper, and onion powder into the mixture. Stir well. You’ll immediately notice how the flavors complement each other. This seasoning is the secret weapon in your queso repertoire!

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

  • Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the American cheese, White American cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. The key here is to keep stirring until all the cheese has melted smoothly. It will get thick and creamy, like a hug for your taste buds.

Step 5: Pour in the Cream

  • Slowly add the heavy cream, continuing to stir until fully combined. This will give your queso that luxurious, creamy texture we all crave. Don’t rush this step! Allow the mixture to heat through, but avoid boiling.

Step 6: Add Extras

  • Stir in the corn kernels and chopped cilantro. The corn adds a pops of sweetness, while the cilantro provides freshness. Let the queso simmer for a few minutes to meld those delicious flavors together.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Once everything is mixed and heated through, transfer your queso to a serving bowl. Grab those tortilla chips, and you’re ready to dig in!

Notes

  • Shred Your Cheese: If you want a super creamy texture, shred your cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can cause the queso to be grainy.
  • Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. If you like it mild, you can cut back.
  • Keep It Warm: Use a slow cooker for parties. It keeps the queso warm and melty without drying it out. Just set it to low after preparing.
  • Mix It Up: Try adding black beans or chorizo for a different twist. It turns the queso into a heartier dish.
  • Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro and ripe tomatoes. This makes a noticeable difference.

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcal
Keyword Qdoba Queso Recipe
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