Carlos O Kellys Queso Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

If you’ve ever dined at Carlos O’Kelly’s, you know their queso dip is a crowd favorite—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, game day party, or just craving a delicious snack, recreating this iconic queso at home is easier than you think.

This recipe captures the authentic flavors that make Carlos O’Kelly’s queso irresistibly good, with a rich blend of cheeses, peppers, and spices that meld together for a velvety dip. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with chips, veggies, or even as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.

In this detailed recipe, I’ll walk you through every step to make your own Carlos O’Kelly’s queso, share helpful tips and variations, and provide serving ideas to elevate your snacking game. Ready to dig into cheesy goodness?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This queso recipe stands out because it perfectly balances creamy texture with a subtle kick of heat, just like the original Carlos O’Kelly’s version. It uses a blend of real cheeses and fresh ingredients instead of relying on processed cheese powders, giving it a fresh and authentic flavor.

Not only is it easy to make in under 30 minutes, but it also holds well for leftovers, making it a convenient go-to dip.

Whether you’re a queso newbie or a seasoned dip lover, this recipe’s approachable ingredients and clear instructions will help you create a dip that tastes like it came straight from the restaurant. Plus, with options to customize spice levels or add mix-ins, it’s perfect for all taste preferences.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional for extra flavor)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
• Serving bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it foams but does not brown.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the finely chopped white onion and jalapeños to the butter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and peppers soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Create the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the onion and pepper mixture. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This step is crucial for a smooth queso texture.
4. Add warm milk: Gradually pour in the warm whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Incorporate the cheeses: Lower the heat to low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in small handfuls. Stir continuously until all the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
6. Season the queso: Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. If you want a bit of texture and extra flavor, gently fold in the diced tomatoes with green chilies.
7. Serve warm: Transfer the queso to a serving bowl, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and enjoy immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers.

Tips & Variations

For the creamiest queso, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

• Adjust spice levels: Leave seeds in the jalapeños for more heat or substitute with milder peppers like poblano or Anaheim.
• Make it smoky: Add a few drops of chipotle hot sauce or incorporate smoked cheddar cheese for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Vegan alternative: Try a cashew-based cheese sauce adaptation inspired by recipes like Can I Substitute Almonds for Cashews in Vegan Cheese? for a plant-based queso version.
• Chunky queso: Add cooked chorizo or ground beef for a meaty dip, or mix in black beans and corn for extra texture.
• Keep it warm: Use a slow cooker or a fondue pot to keep the queso warm and melty for parties.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This queso is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Serve it classic-style with warm tortilla chips for dipping or drizzle it over crispy nachos loaded with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, olives, and sour cream.

Try it spooned over soft tacos, burritos, or enchiladas to add a creamy, cheesy touch. It also works as a decadent sauce for steamed vegetables or baked potatoes.

For a fun twist, use it as a dip for fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips.

Looking for more delicious recipes to complement your queso? Check out these favorites:

• Baked Low Carb Vegan Quesadilla Recipe for Easy Meals
• Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious
• Black Bean Rice Burger Recipe Vegan Made Easy and Delicious

Conclusion

Recreating Carlos O’Kelly’s queso at home is a rewarding and delicious way to impress family and friends with a classic Tex-Mex favorite. This recipe blends the perfect balance of creamy cheeses, fresh peppers, and spices to deliver that authentic restaurant-style queso dip you love.

Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels, while the customizable spice and mix-in options let you tailor the dip exactly to your taste.

Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer or a comforting snack, this queso will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to explore other tasty recipes on our site to round out your Mexican-inspired meal or to discover more easy, crowd-pleasing dishes.

Happy dipping!

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