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Creamy Queso With Chorizo

4.8

(15)

Creamy queso topped with chorizo in a bowl with a plate of tortilla chips next to it.
Photo by Marcus Nilsson

In defense of Velveeta: Its texture is supreme.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    Total 25 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 ounces fresh pork chorizo, casings removed
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated
8 ounces sharp cheddar, grated
2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo
1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon ancho chile powder
3/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
2 ounces crumbled Cotija cheese or queso fresco

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook, stirring and breaking up with a spoon, until browned and crisp, 8–10 minutes; set aside.

    Step 2

    Heat half-and-half and Velveeta in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until Velveeta is melted, 6–8 minutes. Add Monterey Jack and cheddar; cook, stirring, until mixture is smooth. Mix in chipotle chiles, salt, and both chile powders.

    Step 3

    Transfer queso to a warm dish and top with Cotija cheese and reserved chorizo.

    Step 4

    DO AHEAD: Queso (without toppings) can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

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