Spicy Bobby Flay Queso Recipe

Bobby Flay’s Zesty Fiesta Queso Recipe for Fun Gatherings

Bobby Flay’s queso elevates every party from mundane to magnificent with its explosive flavor profile.

Molten cheese mingles with fiery spices, crafting a dip that ignites culinary excitement.

This recipe marries comfort and sophistication in one irresistible bite.

Tangy chiles dance alongside velvety cheese, creating a symphony of taste that captivates hungry crowds.

Fragrant seasonings whisper promises of delectable indulgence.

Each spoonful delivers a punch of excitement that transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable feasts.

Check out this queso and watch as your guests become instant fans of your culinary prowess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 318 kcal

Servings: 4

Queso Ingredients

For Aromatic Base:
  • Green Onions: Select crisp, bright green stalks with firm white bottoms for maximum flavor and freshness.
  • Butter: Choose unsalted butter for better control of dish's saltiness and smoother melting.
  • Garlic: Pick plump, firm cloves without sprouts for the most intense and robust taste.
For Spice and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Green Chiles: Opt for fresh, vibrant green chiles with smooth skin for balanced heat and zesty kick.
  • Cumin: Select whole seeds or ground cumin with rich, earthy aroma for authentic Mexican flavor profile.
  • Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Choose high-quality, freshly ground spices for intense, concentrated taste.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Pick canned tomatoes with no added salt for better recipe control.
For Texture and Creaminess:
  • Cornstarch: Use fresh, unclumped cornstarch for smooth thickening without lumps.
  • Evaporated Milk: Select full-fat version for richer, more luxurious sauce consistency.
  • Cheddar, Monterey Jack Cheese: Choose freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting and smoothest texture.
For Garnish and Finishing:
  • Green Onions (Top Part), Cilantro: Select bright, crisp herbs with vibrant green color for fresh, aromatic finish.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt to adjust final seasoning precisely.

Cheese Melting Tools for the Best Dip

  • Medium-sized pot: Perfect for creating your creamy, cheesy base.
  • Cutting board: For chopping green onions and cilantro with ease.
  • Sharp knife: Helps mince garlic and chop herbs quickly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and blending ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with spices.
  • Can opener: Needed for tomatoes and evaporated milk.
  • Cheese grater: For shredding your cheese blend perfectly.
  • Serving bowl: To present your delicious, warm cheese dip.

Making Queso That’s Smooth and Rich

Making Queso That’s Smooth and Rich
  • Craft Aromatic Foundation

Warm a pot over medium heat. Melt butter and gently sauté green onion bases until they soften and release their delightful aroma. Quickly toss in minced garlic, letting it dance and become fragrant.

  • Ignite Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle in green chiles, cumin, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Pour diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich, spicy undertones. Stir occasionally to blend the vibrant flavors.

  • Create Luxurious Consistency

Dust cornstarch across the bubbling mixture, then slowly stream evaporated milk while whisking. This technique ensures a velvety smooth base that will make taste buds sing.

  • Transform into Cheese Perfection

Lower the heat and gradually introduce shredded cheese, creating a silky cascade of molten goodness. Stir continuously until the sauce reaches peak creaminess, then remove from heat instantly.

  • Elevate with Fresh Touches

Brighten the sauce by folding in emerald green onion tops and crisp cilantro. Sample and adjust seasoning, ensuring a balanced and mouthwatering result.

  • Serve with Flair

Pour the luscious cheese sauce into a stunning serving bowl. Accompany with crispy tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or drizzle over nachos and tacos for an irresistible culinary experience.

Spice Adjustments and Add-In Tips

Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper and green chiles. Mild lovers can reduce spice, while heat seekers can add extra cayenne for a fiery kick.

Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, gouda, or sharp cheddar. Each cheese brings unique flavor profiles and melting characteristics to your sauce.

Prepare the cheese dip up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of milk if sauce thickens too much during storage.

Replace evaporated milk with Greek yogurt for extra protein and tanginess. Choose low-fat cheese options to reduce calories without sacrificing creamy texture. Incorporate roasted vegetables like bell peppers for added nutrition and depth of flavor.

How to Serve Queso Hot at Gatherings

  • Dip into Deliciousness: Pair this creamy, spicy cheese sauce with crispy tortilla chips for a perfect snack attack.
  • Nacho Nirvana: Drizzle the warm sauce generously over freshly made nachos, creating a mouthwatering layer of cheesy goodness.
  • Veggie Delight: Use the sauce as a dipping companion for crunchy raw vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and celery sticks for a healthier twist.
  • Taco Time Upgrade: Enhance your taco night by pouring this zesty cheese sauce over tacos, adding an extra punch of flavor and creaminess.

How to Store Queso Without Losing Texture

  • Preserve Delicious Moments: Cheese Dip Storage Guide
  • Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it tasty for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Reheat with Care: Gentle Warming Technique
  • Microwave the dip in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency. Add a splash of milk if the sauce appears too thick during reheating.
  • Prevent Separation: Smart Cheese Handling
  • Allow the dip to cool completely before refrigerating. Avoid freezing, as dairy-based sauces can separate and lose their original creamy texture when thawed.
  • Portion and Preserve: Meal Prep Magic
  • Divide the dip into smaller portions using small containers for easy single-serving reheating. Label with the date to track freshness and enjoy convenient snacking throughout the week.
Print
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Spicy Bobby Flay Queso Recipe

Spicy Bobby Flay Queso Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Bobby Flay’s Queso Dip blends rich Mexican flavors with classic Tex-Mex cheese sauce. Melted cheeses, roasted chiles, and spices create an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to serve at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ lb (225 g) cheddar cheese, shredded (smoked or sharp)
  • 13 oz (375 g) evaporated milk (full fat)
  • 4 oz (120 g) fire-roasted green chiles or jalapeños
  • 3.5 oz (100 g) diced tomatoes (Roma or cherry)
  • ¾ cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (cornflour)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat, gently cooking white sections of green onions until translucent, about 4 minutes.
  2. Build Flavor Base: Add minced garlic, diced chiles, ground cumin, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deep, complex flavors.
  3. Create Smooth Foundation: Whisk cornstarch into the mixture, ensuring no lumps form, then gradually stream in evaporated milk while continuously stirring to create a silky base.
  4. Melt Cheese Sauce: Increase heat to a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheese, stirring consistently until fully dissolved and creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
  5. Finalize and Garnish: Remove from heat, season with salt if needed, and top with freshly chopped green onion tops and cilantro. Serve immediately while warm for optimal flavor and consistency.

Notes

  • Prevent Cheese Clumping: Shred cheese from a block and add gradually while stirring constantly to ensure smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and chiles based on personal heat preference; start with less and taste before adding more.
  • Temperature Management: Keep heat low when melting cheese to avoid separation and grainy consistency; remove from stove immediately after cheese fully incorporates.
  • Ingredient Quality Matters: Use fresh, high-quality cheese and whole milk for richer, more authentic queso flavor and optimal melting performance.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 318
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 671 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 58 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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