Torchy's Queso Recipe

Torchy's Tacos is a Texas institution, and their queso is legendary. This creamy, cheesy dip is infused with roasted green chiles for a smoky depth of flavor and balanced with a touch of spice. It's the perfect appetizer for a Tex-Mex feast or a satisfying snack anytime. While the exact recipe for Torchy's queso remains a closely guarded secret, this copycat recipe comes pretty darn close!
In this recipe, we'll use a combination of American cheese, cheddar cheese, and a tomatillo-based salsa verde to create a rich and flavorful base. Roasted green chiles add a smoky kick, and a dollop of guacamole and a drizzle of hot sauce take it over the top. So grab your favorite tortilla chips and get ready to experience the taste of Texas in every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4.5-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 roma tomato, roasted, peeled, and chopped
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 8 ounces American cheese, cubed
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup salsa verde
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For serving:
• Guacamole
• Hot sauce
• Chopped cilantro
• Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Tortilla chips

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the diced green chiles and chopped roasted tomato. Season with a pinch of salt.
2. Make the Queso Base: Pour in the half-and-half and cubed American cheese. Stir constantly over medium heat until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until melted.
3. Add the Flavor: Stir in the salsa verde and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve it Up: Transfer queso to a serving bowl. Top with a dollop of guacamole, a drizzle of hot sauce, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese (if using). Serve immediately with warm tortilla chips for dipping.
5. Tips:
6. For a spicier queso, add an extra can of diced green chiles or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
7. If you don't have salsa verde, you can substitute with tomatillo salsa or canned diced tomatoes with green chiles.
8. To keep your queso warm for longer, place the serving bowl over a low heat source, such as a warming tray.
9. Leftover queso can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.