Food in Jars Queso
Weโve been privileged to haveย Food in Jarโsย Marissa McClellan at our market twice to do a demo on canning and preserves. This recipe was an instant hit with everyone, and our family has been making this on repeat ever since. Queso really just means melted cheese and is often associated with the neon orange dip you buy in food courts or football games. Thatโs often made with โAmerican cheeseโ, more commonly known as Velvetta. It creates the creamiest texture, but I prefer to use real cheddar cheese. Do not use pre-shredded cheese, as it has an additive that keeps it from clumping together in the bag and doesnโt melt as well. Plain or marble cheddar is the best for this recipe, donโt bother with expensive aged cheeses. Also, if you have a small slow cooker or a fondue pot, itโs perfect to serve it in that as it keeps it heated and smooth for serving. It will start to firm up as soon as it cools.ย
Food in Jars Queso
Ingredients
1 tablespoonย unsalted butter
1 tablespoonย all-purpose flour
3/4 cup/180 ml whole milk
1 cup/120 g yellow cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup/60 ml chunky tomato salsa, drained
1/2 teaspoonย salt
Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
ย Put salsa in a small strainer to get rid of the watery juice.ย ย
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk to incorporate. Let the butter and flour mixture cook, whisking regularly until it has browned slightly. Turn heat down to medium-low.ย Add a small amount of milk and whisk to combine. It will thicken rapidly. Continue adding the milk and whisking to combine until all the milk is incorporated.
Turn down the heat to low.ย Add the grated cheese one handful at a time, stirring until itโs completely melted. Continue adding cheese in small handfuls until itโs all used up.ย If the heat is too high, the cheese can take on a grainy appearance.ย It still tastes fine, it just doesnโt look as good! ย Remove from heat and add salsa and salt and stir until just combined.
