Jenna Bush Queso Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Uncover Jenna Bush Hager's delectable queso recipe – a Tex-Mex treasure you won't want to miss. Get ready to savor the flavors!

Jenna Bush Queso

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 200 calories

Jenna Bush Hager's queso recipe is a beloved Tex-Mex-inspired appetizer known for its creamy, cheesy goodness. It's a go-to snack for gatherings, game days, or simply when you're craving a comforting and indulgent treat.

The recipe combines the creamy richness of white American cheese with the kick of green chilies and pickled jalapeños, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of diced tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices like cumin and paprika provides a hint of freshness and depth to the dip. The result is a smooth and flavorful queso that's hard to resist.

This queso is quick and easy to prepare, making it a favorite among those who want a delicious crowd-pleaser without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're dipping tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or even drizzling it over nachos, Jenna Bush Hager's queso is sure to satisfy your craving for cheesy, spicy, and creamy goodness. It's a delightful addition to any Tex-Mex or party menu, promising to be a hit with friends and family alike.

Recipe

Discover the mouthwatering magic of Jenna Bush Hager's queso recipe! Dive into a Tex-Mex delight in our latest culinary adventure.

Ingredients

1 pound of white American cheese (from the deli)
1 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of butter
1/2 cup of chopped green chilies
1/2 cup of pickled jalapeños, chopped
1/3 cup of diced tomatoes
1/4 cup of diced onions
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon of cumin
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
A pinch of salt
A pinch of pepper

Method Instructions

Start by cutting the white American cheese into small cubes.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the saucepan. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent.
Pour in the milk and allow it to heat, but don't let it boil. Stir gently as it warms up.
Gradually add the cubed American cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth.
Next, add the green chilies, pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the queso. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Keep the queso on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and ready to serve.
You can garnish it with some extra diced tomatoes or cilantro if you like.

Recipe Video

Jenna Bush Queso

This is a video about Jenna Bush Queso.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 286 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Jenna Bush Queso, Jenna Bush Queso Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Jenna Bush Hager's queso is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

With Tortilla Chips: This is the classic way to enjoy queso. Serve it in a bowl alongside a basket of tortilla chips for dipping.
As a Nacho Topping: Drizzle the warm queso over a plate of nachos loaded with toppings like jalapeños, black olives, guacamole, and sour cream.
In Quesadillas: Use the queso as a filling for quesadillas. Simply spread it between two tortillas with some additional ingredients like shredded chicken or sautéed vegetables, then cook until golden brown.
With Fresh Veggies: Serve it with a platter of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a healthier alternative.
Over Fries: For a twist on loaded cheese fries, pour the queso over a plate of hot, crispy French fries.
In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and pour the queso into it. Tear the bread you removed into pieces and use it for dipping.
With Soft Pretzels: Dip soft pretzels into the warm queso for a tasty snack.
Alongside Tacos or Burritos: Serve a dollop of queso with your favorite tacos or burritos for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips

Use High-Quality Cheese: While the recipe calls for white American cheese, using high-quality deli cheese can make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
Adjust Heat Level: If you prefer a milder queso, reduce the amount of green chilies and pickled jalapeños. For extra heat, increase these ingredients to suit your taste.
Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
Melt Cheese Gradually: When adding the cheese to the saucepan, be patient and melt it slowly over medium heat while stirring continuously. This ensures a smoother texture and prevents scorching.
Customize Your Garnishes: Get creative with garnishes. You can add chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocados, or even crumbled bacon on top for extra flavor.
Serving Temperature: Queso is best enjoyed when it's warm and gooey. Keep it warm on a low heat setting or in a slow cooker if you plan to serve it over an extended period.
Dipping Varieties: Offer a variety of items for dipping, such as tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, or fresh vegetables. This caters to different preferences.
Double the Recipe: If you're serving a large crowd, consider doubling the recipe to ensure there's enough for everyone.
Storage: Leftover queso can be refrigerated, but it might thicken as it cools. To reheat, do so gently over low heat and add a little milk to restore the desired consistency.
Have Fun: Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe. You can add ingredients like ground beef or chorizo for a heartier queso, or diced bell peppers for extra crunch.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you need to substitute ingredients in Jenna Bush Hager's queso recipe due to dietary restrictions or ingredient availability, here are some options I can suggest:

Cheese: If you can't find white American cheese, you can use other meltable cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. However, the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
Milk: While whole milk is recommended for creaminess, you can use 2% or skim milk if you prefer a lower-fat version. You can also use non-dairy milk like almond milk for a lactose-free option.
Butter: You can substitute butter with margarine or a non-dairy alternative like vegan butter.
Green Chilies: If you want to reduce heat or don't have green chilies, you can use diced green bell peppers as a milder alternative.
Pickled Jalapeños: For a less spicy version, use pickled banana peppers or pickled red bell peppers. You can also use fresh jalapeños if you prefer a spicier kick.
Diced Tomatoes: If you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes work just as well. Make sure to drain them before adding to the queso.
Onions: If you're not a fan of onions, you can omit them or use a milder onion variety like sweet onions.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar can be substituted. Adjust the quantity to taste.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the cumin and paprika to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor.
Salt and Pepper: These can be adjusted based on your dietary preferences and taste.