Authentic Chuy’s Queso Recipe

This recipe for Copycat Chuy’s Queso is a must-have for any gathering – it is the best queso recipe around. It will be devoured in minutes, and it’s SO easy to make with just a couple of main ingredients. It is one of the best copycat recipes around from our favorite Mexican restaurant. This recipe includes both stove top and slow cooker instructions.

Chuy’s is one of my favorite restaurants – I could go there just for their chips, creamy jalapeno dip , and you guessed it – their queso dip. They also offer a great variety of mexican food. There’s just something SO delicious about it – it’s creamy, cheesy, and oh so delicious. It’s really the perfect dip. I’m not a big cheese person, so you know if I like a queso dip, it’s a good sign that it’s pretty dang good.

I recently went on a search for a copycat recipe from Chuy’s restaurants, and I was surprised that none exist. One of the good things about the Internet, though, is that Reddit exists (okay, never thought I’d say that!), and through reading those forums – along with talking with a waiter at Chuy’s – I think I’ve come up with a pretty great copycat recipe. It has simple ingredients and is definitely restaurant-quality queso.

Our goal with copycat recipes is for them to taste about 90% similar, and I definitely think we hitted that mark with this recipe. This recipe is SO easy, delicious, and you can make it on the stove top or in the slow cooker.

What is in the Chuy’s Queso Dip?

There is a lot of debate about this on the Internet – so I asked the waiter! He told me that it was a combination of their Ranchero Sauce, Green Chile Sauce, and EZ Melt Cheese (aka, velveeta cheese). Yes, this amazing recipes call for Velveeta. I wasn’t thrilled about that, but with a little trial and error, I think we figured out the perfect blend of all these ingredients – with a few extras. What’s not to love about a big bowl of cheese!?

Is Chuy’s queso vegetarian?

Although I have never seen the queso listed on any of their menus as vegetarian, it has been confirmed that there is no pork in their recipe. I don’t know if Chuy’s uses chicken broth in their recipe, but this recipe does, so that does make it not vegetarian. You could try substituting a vegetable broth, though. You want to make sure your green chile is vegetarian as well.

Is Chuy’s queso gluten-free?

Many items at Chuy’s are gluten-free except for beer and flour tortillas. However, you should definitely talk to the staff just in case they are using a thickener that contains gluten. This recipe, however, is gluten-free (just double check ingredients!)

What kind of cheese does Chuy’s use in their queso?

Chuy’s uses EZ Melt or Velveeta cheese in their queso dip.

Why put evaporated milk in queso?

Evaporated milk is sometimes used in queso dip for a few reasons. It also adds a rich and creamy texture to queso dip without making it overly thick. It helps create a smooth consistency that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dip. It’s worth noting that there are many variations of queso dip, and different recipes may call for different ingredients.

Some recipes might use other dairy products like cream or cream cheese for similar reasons. The choice of ingredients often depends on personal preference and the desired characteristics of the final dip.

Do I have to use Velveeta?

We totally understand that not everyone wants to eat Velveeta. While we can’t guarantee the results, Monterrey Jack or Mexican Blend cheese can be substituted for Velveeta by using 2 cups of Monterrey Jack (4 ounces per cup) and 1/2 cup Half N Half or Heavy Cream in place of the 8 oz package of Velveeta.

You can make it with Monterrey Jack cheese, but I prefer to use a combination of Mexican cheeses for the depth of flavor.

What kind of Green Chile Sauce did you use?

We used 505 Southwestern Salsa, Tomatillo Garlic & Lime. This is most similar to the Green Chile sauce that Chuy’s makes. We purchased it at Target!

What is ranchero sauce?

Ranchero sauce is a popular topping for Mexican and Tex-Mex foods. It is basically tomato salsa made with roasted green chiles. You can find it in most supermarkets near the taco fixings. When we looked up the ingredients for the Ranchero sauce from Chuy’s with fire-roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, bell peppers, cilantro & spices. Some ranchero sauces have fresh lime juice in them.

We used Market Pantry’s Restaurant Style Salsa, and it was perfect!

Can I use Velveeta loaf instead of slices?

We have done both methods, and we just find the consistency to be better with the slices. However, if the loaf is all you can find, then you can use that. Just make sure you only use 16 ounces.

Where can I find Velveeta?

Velveeta is typically found in the dairy section of your local grocery store. If it isn’t there, check the deli counter or near where cheese slices might be kept. 

Can I make this low carb?

This Copycat Chuy’s Queso recipe can be easily modified for a low carb diet. Instead of using Velveeta cheese, try substituting with Monterrey Jack and Cabot Clothbound Cheddar (higher in protein, lower in carbs) or simply full-fat cheese. If you’re on a keto diet, simply replace the half and half with heavy whipping cream.

Recipe

Makes 4 Cups | Prep time: 5 min – Cook time: 15 min | Total time: 20 min

Ingredients

• 1 package Velveeta Slices (16 ounce – 24 slices)
• 1 cup restaurant-style salsa (we used market pantry)
• 1 cup 505 Southwestern Salsa, Tomatillo Garlic & Lime
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 tbsp cumin

Instructions (Slow Cooker)

1. Place velveeta slices in slow cooker
2. Layer on top salsa, green chile sauce, water, milk, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Cook on low for 2 hours, mixing part way through
4. Once finished, stir well and serve warm with chips

Instructions (Stovetop)

– Melt the Velveeta and salt together in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth and creamy. Add the half and half gradually as you stir the cheese sauce. Simmer on low heat until the queso is thick and creamy, stirring frequently to keep it from burning or sticking to the bottom of your pan. 

Can you freeze Chuy’s Queso?

I have not tried freezing this recipe, but this recipe leftover queso should freeze well if prepared according to directions. Be aware that it may not taste exactly the same after your reheat it, and there may be some separation. I would recommend defrosting it in the fridge and reheating over the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

How can I reheat the leftover queso?

This queso recipe is very easy to reheat for leftovers. Here are a few methods:

Stove Top

• 1) Put the queso in a pot on low heat.
• 2) Stir every once in awhile or until the queso starts to bubble.
• 3) Add more seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.

Microwave

Put it in the microwave for at least 30 seconds on high power.

Making Chuy’s Queso Recipe Ahead of Time

Yes, you can prepare Chuy’s Queso Recipe ahead of time, but there are a few considerations to ensure the best flavor and texture when serving it later. Here are some tips. Allow the queso to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can affect the texture of the dip.  Once the queso has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents the growth of bacteria.  When you’re ready to serve the queso, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Use low to medium heat and stir frequently to avoid scorching. You may need to add a little extra milk to achieve the desired consistency, as the dip can thicken when refrigerated.  While it’s generally fine to make Chuy’s Queso Recipe ahead of time, keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly different from freshly made queso. Additionally, dairy-based dips can sometimes separate or become grainy when reheated, so reheating gently and stirring well can help mitigate these issues.

Is Chuy’s queso healthy?

This isn’t exactly the healthiest queso you can make at home because it contains a good amount of processed cheese and sodium from the canned tomatoes, etc. But it is far better for you than the processed cheese food that Chuy’s serves. For a lighter version, you can substitute lower fat, reduced sodium cheeses and use low sodium condiments and tomatoes. I would also recommend using fresh, grilled vegetables instead of the canned ones to cut down on the sodium even more.

What are some variations for this recipe?

Obviously, adding a variation will change this recipe to be less like Chuy’s. However, if you don’t mind that, here are some fun things you can try:

• Add 1 cup of chopped tomatoes and chopped bell peppers for a chunky salsa queso
• Add in chorizo or ground beef to make it a chile con queso
• Top with cotija cheese
• Stir 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno peppers (seeds removed) into the queso for a spicy kick.
• Add some cayenne pepper for an extra kick
• – Use fresh vegetables instead of canned to cut down on the sodium

What should I serve this with

I think it’s great when served alongside any Mexican dish – or even with a nice serving of refried beans. You could dip some warm tortilla chips in it or smother your favorite enchiladas or steak burrito with it. I think it pairs great with tomatillo salsa or pico de gallo.

More Dip Recipes You May Enjoy:

• Easy Chuy’s Jalapeno Dip Recipe
• Easy Crock Pot Queso Dip Recipe
• Easy Layered Taco Dip with Ground Beef
• The Best Fruit Dip with Cool Whip
• Tamarind Cashew Sauce Recipe – Cheesecake Factory Copycat
• The Best Warm Spinach Artichoke Dip
• The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Dip
• Easy Buffalo Dip with Chicken
• Three Ingredient Cream Cheese Fruit Dip with Marshmallow Fluff

One of my favorite things at a Mexican restaurant is good queso. Chuy’s queso is definitely my favorite menu item, and I love being able to make it at home. It’s such a good tex-mex restaurant, but sometimes you can’t always go in. Being able to make this dip at home is a total game changer!

If you have any questions about how to make Copycat Chuy’s Queso, feel free to post them in the comments section below!