Queso is a popular appetizer and dip served at many Mexican restaurants like On The Border. The smooth, creamy cheese dip is made from different types of melted cheeses and spices. But what exactly are the ingredients that go into On The Border’s signature queso? Let’s take a closer look at the components that make this cheese dip so addictively delicious.
On The Border’s Queso Recipe
While restaurants rarely share their exact recipes, looking at similar queso recipes can give us clues into what ingredients On The Border uses to make their popular appetizer. Traditional queso recipes call for a blend of different melted cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, Asadero, and sometimes Velveeta. Milk or cream is also commonly added to give queso its signature smooth, creamy texture. Spices like cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are used to add delicious Tex-Mex flavor.
It’s likely that On The Border uses a similar blend of cheeses, dairy, and spices to make their queso. Their recipe probably contains:
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Asadero or Queso Quesadilla cheese
- Velveeta or other processed cheese
- Milk or heavy cream
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Oregano
Blending these ingredients together and cooking them while stirring constantly would result in the iconic smooth, liquidy queso that On The Border is known for. The mixture of cheeses provides rich, melty texture while the spices add a tangy, Mexican zest.
Key Queso Ingredients
While the exact recipe is a secret, we can explore some of the key ingredients that likely go into On The Border’s irresistible queso dip:
Cheddar Cheese
Aged, sharp cheddar is commonly used in queso for its bold, nutty flavor. When melted, cheddar provides a creamy base and adds a tangy bite. The aged flavor of sharp cheddar gives the queso complexity while the smooth melted texture helps the dip come together.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is another popular cheese used in queso blends. When melted, it becomes silky and creamy. Monterey Jack has a mild flavor that blends well with bolder cheeses like cheddar. Its meltability helps give queso a smooth, liquid texture.
Asadero or Queso Quesadilla Cheese
For authentic Mexican queso flavor, cheeses like Asadero and Queso Quesadilla are often used. These Mexican cheeses melt extremely smoothly, adding a velvety texture. Their taste has hints of buttery, salty flavors that complement spices.
Velveeta
To get queso extra smooth and creamy, recipes will sometimes call for processed cheeses like Velveeta. Velveeta is known for its meltability and helps bind all the other cheeses together into a dip-able consistency. It adds a creamy, salty tang.
Milk or Heavy Cream
By adding dairy like whole milk or heavy cream, queso gets a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel. The liquid melts into the cheese to create an ultra-smooth dipping consistency. Dairy also helps enhance the creamy cheese flavors.
Spices
Spices like garlic, onion, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne give queso its signature Tex-Mex punch. This spice blend adds delicious complexity, aromas, and just a touch of heat. The flavors meld together in the hot melted cheese to create a seasoning that complements the dippable queso.
Making Queso
To make queso like On The Border, you’ll need to start by grating a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, Asadero, and Velveeta. Combine the grated cheese in a saucepan over medium low heat. Then slowly stir in warmed milk or cream until the cheese has fully melted into a smooth, creamy liquid. Finally, stir in your favorite Tex-Mex spices and continue cooking while stirring frequently until heated through. Add salt to taste and serve the smooth queso with tortilla chips for dipping.
Serving Queso
On The Border serves their queso dip with freshly fried tortilla chips for dipping. The queso is portioned into mini skillets or ramekins and kept warm to maintain its smooth, melted texture. Extra spices and garnishes like diced tomatoes or onions can be added as toppings for flavorful additions to the cheesy dip.
Queso makes a fantastic appetizer for sharing at the start of a Tex-Mex meal. Its portability makes it perfect for transporting to parties or potlucks as well. The cheese dip pairs deliciously with drinks like margaritas or beer. For a full meal, queso can be used to top dishes like burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and nachos.
Storage
To store any leftovers, transfer the queso to an airtight container and refrigerate. Make sure the dip cools completely before covering. The queso can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. When ready to reuse, reheat the queso slowly over medium low heat while stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating if the dip becomes too thick.
On The Border’s Famous Queso
With its addictive creaminess and cheesy Tex-Mex flavors, it’s easy to see why On The Border’s queso has achieved such fame. The classic dip brings together melted cheeses, milk, and zesty spices that complement tortilla chips or Mexican dishes perfectly. While the restaurant keeps their recipe under wraps, we can imagine it contains a decadent blend of cheeses, cream, and signature spice mix. With some trial and error, cheese lovers can experiment at home to recreate restaurant-worthy queso for dipping.
Queso FAQs
What type of cheese is in queso?
Queso blends typically contain cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, Asadero, and sometimes Velveeta or other processed cheese. The mixtures of different melted cheeses give queso its signature creamy, smooth texture.
Is queso better with milk or cream?
Either milk or heavy cream can be used to make queso. Cream makes an ultra-rich, decadent queso. Milk provides great smoothness and is more traditional. Combining both cream and milk results in an indulgent dip with the best of both ingredients.
Is queso spicy?
Queso can range from mild to spicy depending on the spices used. Most queso has a bit of heat from peppers like chipotle or cayenne. But the spiciness is mellowed out by the creamy melted cheese. More peppers or hot sauces can be added to make the queso extra fiery.
What do you dip in queso?
The classic pairing for queso is tortilla chips. You can also dip tacos, tamales, taquitos, nachos, or burritos into the cheese sauce. Queso makes a great topping for meats like chicken, beef, or pork as well. For a twist, try dipping french fries or tater tots into creamy queso.
Can you freeze queso?
It is possible to freeze queso for longer storage. Allow the cheese dip to cool completely first. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container. The frozen queso can keep for 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw the queso in the fridge before reheating gently over medium low heat until melted and creamy again.
Queso Recipes to Try at Home
Once you get a craving for queso, the best way to satisfy it is to whip up a batch in your own kitchen. Here are some tasty queso recipes to try making at home:
Classic Queso Recipe
This straightforward recipe only requires Velveeta, Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and ground beef. Melt together for an instant potluck hit.
Queso Blanco
Make an ultra-cheesy white queso with Monterey jack, white cheddar, cream cheese, and green chiles.
Queso Fundido
Cook chorizo in melted chihuahua and Oaxaca cheese for amazing queso fundido.
Jalapeño Popper Queso
Blend Monterey jack, jalapeños, bacon, and cream cheese for a take on jalapeño poppers in queso form.
Roasted Poblano Queso
Roast poblano and red peppers to puree into uniquely flavorful and spicy queso.
Conclusion
On The Border’s queso has achieved legendary status for good reason. The perfect melted cheese consistency and bold Tex-Mex spice flavor make it irresistibly crave-worthy. While the exact recipe is kept secret, we can imagine the dip contains ooey-gooey cheese, rich dairy, and signature seasoning. Queso brings people together over its zesty, dippable comfort. With so many tempting queso recipes to try, anyone can experiment at home to create their own Mexican restaurant-worthy cheese dip.
| Ingredient | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | Sharp, aged flavor. Nutty taste. Provides creamy base. |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Mild, creamy flavor. Excellent meltability. Silky texture. |
| Asadero/Quesadilla Cheese | Smooth melting. Buttery, salty taste. Velvety texture. |
| Velveeta | Extremely melty. Binds well. Adds creamy, salty tang. |
| Milk/Heavy Cream | Provides velvety, luxurious mouthfeel. Enhances creaminess. |
| Spices | Garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, chili powder. Adds Tex-Mex flavor. |