This Copycat Torchy's Queso recipe is one of my favorite dips to make. It's simple, packed full of flavor, and takes only about 10 minutes to make. This dip is perfect for game day parties, family get-togethers, or as a delicious afternoon snack.
If you’ve ever been to Torchy’s Tacos, you know how delicious their queso is. I have come up with the perfect copycat recipe so that you can make this amazing queso right at home.
The Velveeta cheese gives this dip the best creamy consistency - not too thin, not too thick. Serve with chips and salsa roja for a great vegetarian option.
Looking for more game day snacks, try out these copycat recipes:
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Torchy's Queso Recipe
It’s easy. You don’t need too many ingredients, and there are only a few steps.
It’s quick. You can whip this recipe up within 10 minutes, depending on how quickly your cheese melts.
It’s a fan favorite. I mean, who doesn’t love queso? I make this for game day parties and family get-togethers all the time.
Ingredients for the Copycat Torchy's Queso Dip Recipe
Velveeta Cheese: is great for this recipe because it melts well and is super creamy to start with. If you don’t have Velveeta, feel free to use sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack. Be sure to buy a block of cheese, not the pre-shredded cheese; it makes a big difference.
Half and Half: helps with creating the perfect creamy consistency.
Canned Green Chiles: this helps with adding just a bit of mild heat to your sauce and adds an earthy flavor.
Onion: mixes well with the green chilies and gives this recipe a bit of a sweet and savory flavor.
Garlic Powder: brings a pungent flavor to the recipe.
Fresh Cilantro: some people like it, some people don’t. It’s fresh and citrusy and helps bring out the rich flavors of the queso.
Cotija Cheese: has a salty and tangy flavor. It has a hint of citrus and is crumbly, which makes it perfect as a garnish.
Guacamole: is another great garnish to put on top of this recipe. I end up mixing mine in once I start eating the salsa, it adds flavor and a creamy consistency.
Valentina Hot Sauce: is just a bit spicy, I would say it’s a medium. It’s vinegar-based, so it’s tangy and garlic-y and is great to add on top of this queso.
How to Make this Copycat Torchy’s Queso Recipe
- Add the cheese, half and half, garlic powder, and green chiles to a medium saucepan and heat up over medium heat. Stir frequently until the cheese is melted and combined with the rest of the ingredients.
- Transfer to a bowl and top with a dollop of guacamole, Cotija cheese, cilantro, minced onion, and hot sauce and enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips.
Note: To get more of the authentic Torchy's queso vibe, you can also add a dollop of guacamole at the bottom of your bowl and top it with the cheese dip. I like adding it on top because I prefer my avocado cold.
Torchy’s Queso Recipe Tips:
Spice: You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, chili powder, or serrano peppers to the cheese sauce.
Customize: You can add a variety of ingredients to the queso recipe, such as black beans, chorizo, ground beef, or diced jalapeños, to give it some texture.
Consistency: To make the queso thinner, add more half and half. To make it thicker, add less half and half.
Garnish: You can add many toppings to this recipe, such as chopped Roma tomatoes, cilantro, diablo sauce, or guacamole.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
What Should I Serve My Queso With?
This recipe can be used as both a dip and a topping for your favorite foods! You can enjoy it with tortilla chips or flavored tortilla chips, such as lime-flavored chips or Doritos. It also goes well with quesadillas. You can pour it on top of burritos, tacos, or potatoes.
Is Torchy’s Queso Spicy?
It’s up to you! You can add in hot sauce, chiles, salsa verde, etc. If you want to share this with your little ones or those who don’t like spice, feel free to omit the hot sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Queso?
In the fridge: Place your leftover queso into an airtight container and let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in the fridge for up to three or four days.
In the freezer: You will do the same steps as above but place it in your freezer for up to three months.
Note: Queso is best when fresh, but leftovers are delicious as well.
How Do I Reheat Leftover Torchy’s Green Chile Queso?
The easiest way to reheat your leftovers is to reheat them in the microwave. Place them into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-second increments, stirring between each one until warm.
You can also put your queso in a small saucepan on medium-low heat until melted.
If your queso is frozen, let it thaw overnight before heating.
The Best Copycat Torchy's Queso Recipe
Torchys queso recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz velveeta cheese cubed
- 4 oz half and half
- 3 oz canned green chiles add more or less for more or less spiciness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- fresh cilantro finally chopped, for topping
- Cotija cheese crumbled, optional
- Guacamole optional
- Valentina hot sauce or other hot sauce you like, optional
- onion minced, optional
Instructions
- Add the cheese, half and half, garlic powder, and green chiles to a medium sauce pan and heat up over medium heat. Stir frequently until the cheese is melted and combined with the rest of the ingredients.8 oz velveeta cheese, 4 oz half and half, 3 oz canned green chiles, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Transfer to a bowl and top with a dollop of guacamole, Cotija cheese, cilantro, minced onion, and hot sauce and enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips.fresh cilantro, Cotija cheese, Guacamole, Valentina hot sauce, onion
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