Craving some creamy, dreamy queso that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance the salsa? You’re in the right place! This Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe is not just a dish; it’s a journey to the heart of culinary bliss, packed with flavors that are bold, cheesy, and unapologetically delicious. Let’s dive into the world of Tijuana flats queso, where every spoonful is a fiesta in your mouth.
Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe Overview
Before we embark on this cheesy adventure, let’s get a lay of the land:
- Course: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Total Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment Needed
Before you start dreaming about diving into that heavenly Tijuana flats queso, you’ll need some tools to bring this masterpiece to life. Fear not, for you won’t need to raid a professional kitchen. The equipment list is simple, just like our affection for queso.
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if you’re using block cheese)
- Serving bowl
Ingredients for Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe
Now, let’s talk about the stars of our show – the ingredients. Gather these goodies, and you’re halfway to having the best Tijuana flats queso this side of the Rio Grande.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, grated | 1 ½ cups |
| Monterey Jack cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Green chilies, chopped | 4 ounces |
| Tomato, diced | 1 medium |
| Onion, finely chopped | ¼ cup |
| Cumin | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | For garnish |
Steps for making Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe
Preparing the Base
- Melt and Mix: Begin by melting the butter over medium heat in your saucepan. Once melted, add the flour and mix until smooth. This roux will thicken your Tijuana flats queso, making it the ultimate creamy delight.
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep the mixture on the heat until it thickens slightly, which should take about 5 minutes.
Adding the Flavor
- Cheese, Please: Reduce the heat to low and start adding the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the saucepan. Stir in the cheese until it has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Spice it Up: Add the green chilies, diced tomato, chopped onion, cumin, garlic powder, and salt to the cheese mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
The Final Touch
- Simmer: Let the queso simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. In this way, all the flavors can blend together perfectly.
- Serve: Pour the queso into a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
Nutrition in Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 14g |
What Makes Tijuana Flats Queso Delicious
What elevates this Tijuana flats queso recipe from good to “Oh my, this is divine”? It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy cheese with the subtle heat from green chilies, the freshness of tomato and onion, and that hint of cumin and garlic powder bringing warmth and depth. Every ingredient plays its part in creating a symphony of flavors that’s irresistible.
FAQs about Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe
Q1: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this queso?
A1: Yes, you can, but for the best melt and flavor, grating your own cheese is recommended.
Q2: How can I make the queso spicier?
A2: For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or increase the amount of green chilies.
Q3: Is this queso recipe gluten-free?
A3: By substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can make this queso gluten-free.
Q4: How long can I store the leftover Tijuana flats queso?
A4: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Q5: Can I add meat to this queso?
A5: Absolutely! For a heartier version, add cooked, ground beef or chicken. Just ensure it’s well-drained to keep the queso creamy.
Conclusion
This Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe is more than just an appetizer; it’s a ticket to a mouthwatering Mexican adventure without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping it up for a party or a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your sombrero, because with every bite, you’ll be doing the queso dance. Remember, life is too short for mediocre queso, so make it count with this Tijuana flats queso recipe!
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Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese grated
- 4 ounces Green chilies chopped
- 1 medium Tomato diced
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- To taste Salt
- For garnish Fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Melt and Mix: Begin by melting the butter over medium heat in your saucepan. Once melted, add the flour and mix until smooth. This roux will thicken your Tijuana flats queso, making it the ultimate creamy delight.
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep the mixture on the heat until it thickens slightly, which should take about 5 minutes.
Adding the Flavor
- Cheese, Please: Reduce the heat to low and start adding the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the saucepan. Stir in the cheese until it has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Spice it Up: Add the green chilies, diced tomato, chopped onion, cumin, garlic powder, and salt to the cheese mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
The Final Touch
- Simmer: Let the queso simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. In this way, all the flavors can blend together perfectly.
- Serve: Pour the queso into a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
