Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe & Guide (Updated) (2024)

Last Updated on February 17, 2024 by Shari Mason

The Tex-Mex restaurant chain Tijuana Flats is widely recognized for its tasty and richly seasoned meals.

Their most popular items are their mouth-watering queso dip, a perfect combination of melted cheese, spices, and other savory ingredients.

I personally love the Tijuana Flats queso recipe, which is highly sought-after for those who want to recreate the delicious dip at home.

Whether you are hosting a party or just craving some cheesy goodness, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Recipe For Tijuana Flats Queso

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (4 ounces) of diced green chilies
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the shredded cheddar cheese [1] and milk in a medium saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir the cheese and milk mixture continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the diced green chilies, chopped jalapeño peppers, cumin, garlic powder, and salt to the cheese and milk mixture.
4. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
5. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
6. Serve the Tijuana Flats queso immediately with tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for nachos, tacos, or burritos.

Can You Customize The Recipe To Your Liking?

1. Adjust the heat level: The recipe calls for 1-2 jalapeño peppers, but you can use more or less depending on your preference. If you like your queso extra spicy, leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño peppers or use a hotter pepper like serrano or habanero.
2. Add more vegetables: Adding other vegetables to the queso gives it more flavor and texture. Diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers are all great options. Sauté them in a separate pan until tender, then add them to the queso at the end.
3. Use a different cheese: While the recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, you can also use other types of cheese. Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses would all work well.
4. Experiment with seasonings: If you want to change up the flavor of the queso, you can experiment with different seasonings. Add a pinch of chili powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra depth of flavor.
5. Make it creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture if you prefer a creamier queso. Stir it in at the end until it’s fully melted and combined.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs: To give your queso a pop of color and freshness, you can garnish it with chopped cilantro, scallions, or parsley.

“Right now, I’m as single as a slice of American cheese.”

Nick Cannon, American Television Host

Tips & Tricks For Making The Best Tijuana Flats Queso

1. Use high-quality cheese: The quality of the cheese is crucial in making queso. Tijuana Flats uses a blend of white American cheese and yellow cheddar cheese. Try to use good quality cheese and avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it has added starch and may not melt as well.
2. Add some heat: Queso is often served with a kick of heat, and Tijuana Flats is no exception. Adding jalapeños or hot sauce gives the queso a spicy kick.
3. Use evaporated milk: Tijuana Flats uses evaporated milk instead of regular milk or cream to give the queso a creamy texture. It also helps the cheese melt smoothly without clumping.
4. Don’t overcook: Queso should be served warm and creamy. Overcooking the cheese will cause it to become stringy and clumpy. Cook the cheese on low heat and stir frequently.
5. Add some flavor: Tijuana Flats adds garlic powder and cumin to give their extra queso flavor. You can experiment with different spices and herbs to give your queso a unique taste.
6. Serve with fresh ingredients: Queso is often served with fresh ingredients such as diced tomatoes, cilantro, and scallions. These ingredients add some texture and freshness to the dish.
7. Be bold and adjust the consistency: If the queso is too thick, add more milk or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more cheese to thicken it up.

“Indulge in a zesty fiesta of flavors with Tijuana Flats’ queso—a harmonious blend of warmth, cheese, and boldness.”

Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Creative Ways To Serve This Recipe

1. Queso dip: Serve the queso with tortilla chips or vegetables like celery [2], carrots, or bell peppers. You can even use it as a topping for nachos.
2. Queso-stuffed jalapeños: Cut jalapeños in half and remove the seeds. Fill the halves with the queso and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Queso-topped burgers: Top your burgers with a generous helping of queso for a cheesy twist on a classic dish.
4. Queso-topped hot dogs: Add some queso to your hot dog and top it with diced onions, jalapeños, and other toppings of your choice.
5. Queso mac and cheese: Make your mac and cheese with Tijuana Flats queso for an extra cheesy and flavorful twist.
6. Queso-stuffed mushrooms: Remove the stems from the mushrooms and fill the caps with the queso. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Queso-stuffed meatballs: Mix some queso into your meatball mixture and bake until cooked. Serve with additional queso on top.
8. Queso-topped baked potatoes: Top your baked potato with some queso, sour cream, and chives for a delicious and filling meal.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

Tijuana Flats queso is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.

You can make the perfect queso at home by using high-quality cheese, adding some heat and spices, and cooking it on low heat while stirring frequently.

Whether you prefer it as a dip, on top of burgers or hot dogs, or in stuffed vegetables, there are endless ways to enjoy this cheesy and flavorful dish.

So, go ahead and try making the Tijuana Flats queso recipe at home, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Tex-Mex classic.

References:

1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/white-vs-yellow-cheddar-cheese-2355816
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270678