Introduction
Have you ever wondered if it is possible to transform your favorite Mexican cheese dip into a soul warming meal that actually satisfies the whole family? Believe it or not the rich flavors of a classic appetizer can become the foundation for the most comforting bowl of soup you have ever tasted. Today I am sharing my signature Queso Soup recipe which has become a staple in our household whenever my kids Adams and Jana crave something creamy and delicious.
Hi there! I am Benjamin Sharif the home cook behind Mister Recipes. I still remember the first time I truly fell in love with cooking while watching my grandmother in her Texas kitchen. She taught me that food is about making people happy and this Queso Soup does exactly that. It is an incredibly indulgent family friendly dish that brings the heat and heart of Texas style flavors right to your dinner table. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd pleaser for your next gathering this recipe is for you.
Why You Will Love This Queso Soup
- Incredible Texture: This soup is velvety smooth and provides that luxurious mouthfeel we all crave in a creamy family favorite queso soup recipe guide.
- Kid Approved: Even the pickiest eaters love the cheesy goodness and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit their palates.
- Quick Execution: Unlike slow simmered stews this meal comes together in about thirty minutes making it perfect for busy parents.
- Versatile Base: You can easily customize it by adding shredded chicken black beans or even extra peppers to make it your own.
- Warmth and Connection: Just like the amish snow day soup recipe easy comfort food this dish is designed to bring people together around the table to share stories and laughter.
Ingredients for Queso Soup
- Butter: Two tablespoons for sautéing your aromatics.
- Onion and Garlic: One small yellow onion and three cloves of garlic minced fine.
- Flour: Two tablespoons to create a roux that thickens the base.
- Chicken Broth: Three cups of low sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- Milk or Heavy Cream: One cup for maximum creaminess.
- Cheese: Two cups of shredded Monterey Jack and one cup of sharp Cheddar.
- Green Chiles: One can of diced mild green chiles for that authentic Southwestern kick.
- Rotel Tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes with green chiles drained.
- Spices: Cumin chili powder salt and black pepper to taste.
How to Make Queso Soup
Step by Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until the kitchen smells incredible.
- Create the Thickening Base: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onions. Whisk constantly for about two minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This ensures your soup has a smooth professional finish.
- Whisk in Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking vigorously to avoid any lumps. Once combined stir in the milk or heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the green chiles tomatoes cumin and chili powder. Let the flavors meld together for about ten minutes on low heat.
- The Cheesy Finale: Turn the heat to low. This is crucial because high heat can cause cheese to break or become grainy. Add the shredded cheese one handful at a time stirring constantly until completely melted and silky.
- Season and Serve: Taste your creation. Add salt and pepper as needed. If you want a heartier version consider a homemade winter minestrone soup recipe family style twist by adding extra vegetables.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: Avoid the pre shredded bags of cheese if possible. They are often coated in potato starch which prevents the cheese from melting smoothly into the liquid.
- Control the Heat: If you love a spicy kick add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. For the kids keep it mild with just the green chiles.
- Adding Protein: You can transform this into a chicken queso soup by stirring in some rotisserie chicken at the very end.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this a meat free delight similar to an easy one pot vegetarian lasagna soup recipe.
- Thickness Tweak: If the soup is too thick add a splash more broth. If it is too thin let it simmer a few minutes longer before adding the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation is half the fun! I love to set up a toppings bar in the center of the table so Emily and the kids can customize their bowls. We usually have fresh cilantro sliced avocado sour cream and plenty of tortilla chips for dipping. If you want a more substantial side you can serve this alongside warm flour tortillas or a crisp green salad. Sometimes we even pair it with a crusty bread like we do for our creamy loaded baked potato soup recipe to soak up every last drop of cheesy goodness.
Storage and Reheating for Queso Soup
If you happen to have leftovers this soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place it in an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. When you are ready to enjoy it again reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid the microwave if you can as it can cause the cheese to separate. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge just add a tablespoon of milk or broth while reheating to restore its original texture. This is not a soup I recommend freezing as the dairy components tend to change texture once thawed.
FAQ about Queso Soup
Can I use Velveeta instead of shredded cheese?
Yes you certainly can! While I prefer the flavor of real cheddar and Monterey Jack Velveeta will result in an incredibly smooth and nostalgic texture that many families love.
Is this soup gluten free?
As written this recipe uses flour to create a roux. To make it gluten free you can omit the flour and use a cornstarch slurry at the end or simply use a gluten free flour blend.
What can I do if my cheese clumped together?
This usually happens if the heat was too high. Try whisking in a little bit of warm milk over very low heat to see if you can smooth it out but prevention is always best!
Final Thoughts on Queso Soup
Cooking for me has always been about more than just the ingredients. It is about the shared smiles over a warm bowl of food and the memories we create in the kitchen. This Queso Soup is a testament to that philosophy. It is simple it is delicious and it is made with love. I hope you enjoy making this for your loved ones as much as I enjoy making it for mine. For more inspiration check out this unique queso soup variation.
If you loved this recipe please save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it later! I would love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments below. Do not forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more kitchen hacks and family favorites. Grab your apron and let us get cooking!
Queso Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until the kitchen smells incredible.
- Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onions. Whisk constantly for about two minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This ensures your soup has a smooth professional finish.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking vigorously to avoid any lumps. Once combined stir in the milk or heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the green chiles tomatoes cumin and chili powder. Let the flavors meld together for about ten minutes on low heat.
- Turn the heat to low. This is crucial because high heat can cause cheese to break or become grainy. Add the shredded cheese one handful at a time stirring constantly until completely melted and silky.
- Taste your creation. Add salt and pepper as needed. If you want a heartier version consider a homemade winter minestrone soup recipe family style twist by adding extra vegetables.
