Cinco de Mayo Loaded Queso (Printable version)

Creamy queso with chorizo, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and avocado creates a festive dip for sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese Sauce

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1.5 cups whole milk
04 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
06 - 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 0.25 teaspoon salt
10 - 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Toppings

11 - 6 ounces fresh Mexican chorizo, casing removed
12 - 0.5 cup pico de gallo
13 - 0.25 cup sliced jalapeños
14 - 0.25 cup sour cream
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 0.25 cup sliced green onions
17 - 0.25 cup diced ripe avocado
18 - 1 bag tortilla chips for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo and break apart with a spoon while cooking until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
02 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth and bubbling, approximately 1 minute.
03 - Gradually whisk milk into the roux mixture while cooking, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper, stirring until incorporated.
05 - Pour hot queso sauce into a serving dish or cast iron skillet immediately.
06 - Top queso with cooked chorizo, pico de gallo, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, and avocado while still warm.
07 - Serve immediately alongside tortilla chips.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients
  • Perfectly creamy, smooth cheese sauce made from scratch with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack
  • Loaded with flavorful toppings like spicy chorizo, fresh pico de gallo, and jalapeños
  • Customizable heat level and toppings to suit every palate
  • Ideal for parties, game day, or any celebration—guaranteed to disappear fast
  • Gluten-free option available when served with gluten-free tortilla chips
02 -
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest texture—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy
  • Keep the heat low once you add the cheese to prevent it from separating or becoming stringy
  • Warm your serving dish or skillet before adding the queso to help it stay hot longer
  • Cook the chorizo until it's nicely browned and crispy for maximum flavor and texture contrast
  • Add toppings just before serving so they stay fresh and vibrant
  • If making ahead, prepare the cheese sauce and chorizo separately, then reheat gently and assemble just before serving
  • Adjust the spice level gradually—you can always add more heat, but you can't take it away
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