This Torchy’s copycat queso is the perfect dip for any get together. It’s super easy and so damn good!
The first time Torchy’s Tacos came into my life was while visiting very good friends that had recently moved to Houston. I fell in love with the Austin-based taco chain! Now, anytime I visit them or my niece in McKinney, Texas, a trip to Torchy’s is a must.
So when I recently read that Torchy’s Tacos is opening it’s first Florida location in St. Petersburg, you can only imagine how excited I was! It’s only about a 20 minute drive for me.
If you live in the Tampa Bay area and you love Mexican food, you have to check out Torchy’s.
They offer a wide range of unique Tex-Mex fare. From breakfast tacos to their infamous Trailer Park Taco and Hillbilly Taco. A few of their dips include Torchy’s green chile queso, Torchy’s hillbilly queso, and hot queso dip.
- Prep Time – 5 minutes
- Cook Time – 5 minutes
- Assembly Time – 5 minutes
- Total Time – 5 minutes
- Servings – 6
- Prep Level – Beginner +
Ingredients
I started experimenting with trying to duplicate Torchy’s queso dip recipe a couple of years ago when I had a craving for it that just wouldn’t go away!
Like all great dishes, Torchy’s version is a secret recipe but I think this copycat recipe comes pretty close! Now, I know my version is a short cut but there are times I’m in need of an easy delicious appetizer on the fly.
If you have the time to roast Roma tomatoes, green chiles and Jalapēno peppers that is perfect but most days I don’t.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the Velveeta cheese into small pieces. Drain the green chiles.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large sauce pan and cook over medium heat until the cheese has melted.
- Place a scoop of guacamole in the bottom of a small serving dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the guacamole, drizzle some hot sauce on top of the queso. Sprinkle with crumbled fresco cheese and chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- This queso recipe is great when you have a football party.
- I double the recipe and instead of putting it all in one large serving bowl, I use a few smaller bowls and place the bowls in a couple of places around the food table. That way, everyone can enjoy the little scoop of guacamole at the bottom of the dip!
- You don’t have to wait for a party to enjoy this cheese dip, cut the recipe in half and serve it on taco Tuesday with your favorite taco and black beans.
Ingredient Swaps
- Velveeta Cheese: Use real cheese like a combination of white American cheese and cheddar jack cheese or pre cut cubes of American cheese.
- Fire Roasted Salsa: If you don’t have or can’t find fire roasted salsa at your local grocery store, pico de gallo or regular salsa will work. Although there is something about the green chile flavor mixed with the roasted tomatoes and roasted garlic that is the queso’s main secret, so try to use fire roasted salsa.
- Queso Fresco Cheese: Use shredded cheese (Mexican blend or a cheddar).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can freeze queso dip. Let the queso get to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Store in freezer for up to three months.
Step up your queso dip by adding cooked ground sausage, chili (canned or homemade), or cooked taco meat for a hardier dish!
There are a variety of dairy products you can use instead of evaporated milk in queso dip:
Regular milk (low fat or 2%), heavy cream, half and half, powdered milk
Looking for more easy and delicious appetizers or snacks for your next party? Check out more easy and delicious dishes:
- Pigs In A Blanket With Mustard Whiskey Sauce – A party favorite!
- Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Almonds – Sooo yummy!
- Easy 3-Ingredient Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie With Caramel – Kids love this recipe!
- The Best Spicy Oyster Crackers Recipe – Firecrackers – Great finger food!
- If you are looking for other great dips for your next party, check out these from Back To My Southern Roots: 10 Potato Chip Dip Recipes
How To Make Torchy's Tacos Damn Good Queso Dip (Copycat)
This Torchy's copycat queso is the perfect dip for any get together. It's super easy and so damn good! Melted cheese, fire roasted salsa, and green chiles blended together.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese
- 2-1/2 tablespoons evaporated milk
- 8 ounces fire roasted salsa
- 2-4 ounces canned green chiles – diced (use 4 ounces if you like more heat)
- 1/4 cup queso fresco cheese (you can find this in the refrigerated section of the grocery store or an International produce store).
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro – chopped
- 1/2 cup guacamole (divided between 2 small serving bowls)
- Hot sauce – optional (Torchy’s hot sauce if you can find it. If not, use your favorite one).
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cut the Velveeta cheese into small pieces.
- Drain the green chiles.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large sauce pan and cook over medium heat until the cheese has melted.
- Place a scoop of guacamole in the bottom of a small serving dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the guacamole.
- Drizzle some hot sauce on top of the queso.
- Sprinkle with crumbled fresco cheese and chopped cilantro and serve warm with tortilla chips.
Notes
Substitutions:
- Instead of Velveeta cheese use real cheese like a combination of white American cheese and cheddar jack cheese or pre cut cubes of American cheese.
- If you don't have or can't find fire roasted salsa at your local grocery store, pico de gallo or regular salsa will work. Although there is something about the green chile flavor mixed with the roasted tomatoes and roasted garlic that is the queso's main secret, so try to use fire roasted salsa.
- Instead of queso fresco cheese you can use shredded cheese (Mexican blend or a cheddar).
Helpful Suggestion:
This best queso recipe is great when you have a football party. I double the recipe and instead of putting it all in on large serving bowl, I use a few smaller bowls and place the bowls in a few places around the food table. That way, everyone can enjoy the little scoop of guacamole at the bottom of the dish!
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