Hey, Welcome to the Costa Vida Queso Recipe. Costa Vida Queso is a creamy, cheesy dip made with real cheese, a hint of spice, and green chilies.
If you’ve ever dipped your chips into Costa Vida’s queso at their restaurant, you already know how addictive and velvety it is.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this restaurant-style recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Category: Appetizer / Dip
History and Origin
Costa Vida Queso takes its roots from Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine. Costa Vida, a fast-casual restaurant company that specializes in fresh Mexican cuisine, created this cheesy treat.
The queso blends traditional flavors like roasted green chilies and cheese into a smooth, warm dip that quickly became a fan favorite on their menu. By the way, you can also try the Emile Henry Creme Brulee Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Costa Vida Queso Recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 1½ cups |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Cream cheese | 2 ounces |
| Shredded white cheddar | 1 cup |
| Shredded Monterey Jack | 1 cup |
| Diced green chilies | 1 (4 oz) can |
| Jalapeño (optional, minced) | 1 small |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Costa Vida Queso Recipe:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Serving bowl
How to Make Costa Vida Queso Recipe
Step 1: Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty.
Step 2: Add Dairy
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in Cheese
Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Then add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gradually, stirring until completely smooth.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Mix in diced green chilies, jalapeño (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. To combine all the flavors, boil it for a further two to three minutes.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Pour the queso into a serving bowl and serve immediately with tortilla chips or use it as a drizzle over burritos and nachos.
Recipe Card
Costa Vida Queso Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Then add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gradually, stirring until completely smooth.
- Mix in diced green chilies, jalapeño (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. To combine all the flavors, boil it for a further two to three minutes.
- Pour the queso into a serving bowl and serve immediately with tortilla chips or use it as a drizzle over burritos and nachos.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Mexican-Inspired Costa Vida Queso Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Costa Vida Queso Dip Recipe warm with crunchy tortilla chips, soft warm tortillas, or pour it over nachos and burritos.
I also love it as a dip with fresh veggies like bell peppers or celery. If you’re hosting a party, place it in a small slow cooker to keep it warm for hours.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. The dairy may separate and alter its consistency if frozen.
Conclusion
This Costa Vida Queso Recipe gives you the same rich and creamy flavor you love from the restaurant, right at home. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any gathering or snack craving.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How spicy is Costa Vida Queso?
It has a mild kick from green chilies and optional jalapeños, but it’s not too spicy.
Can I make Costa Vida Queso without flour?
Yes, you can skip flour and instead use cornstarch mixed in milk for a gluten-free version.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, feel free to try pepper jack, Colby, or even Velveeta for a smoother texture.
How do I keep queso from hardening?
Keep it warm in a small slow cooker or fondue pot. Stir occasionally to maintain smoothness.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it contains no meat. Just be sure the cheeses you use are made with vegetarian rennet.
You will also like the Salvadoran Bean Soup Recipe.
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