Description
A creamy, savory Pumpkin Queso featuring spiced chorizo and a blend of melted cheeses infused with pumpkin pie spice and a kick of jalapeño brine, perfect as a flavorful dip or topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 6 oz. chorizo
Dairy
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 5 slices American cheese slices, unwrapped and diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, grated
- 1 cup grated Monterey jack cheese
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeno brine
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- A dash of cumin
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook chorizo: In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the chorizo for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns slightly golden and releases its flavorful oils.
- Add cheeses and milk: Pour in the evaporated milk, then add the diced American cheese slices, sharp cheddar, and Monterey jack cheese to the pan. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon as the mixture heats to prevent sticking and to help the cheese melt smoothly.
- Simmer mixture: Continue stirring as the mixture comes up to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken while maintaining consistent stirring to create a creamy queso base.
- Add jalapeno brine: Once the queso has thickened, stir in the pickled jalapeno brine to infuse a subtle tangy heat.
- Season and finish: Remove the saucepan from heat. Season the queso with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, a dash of cumin, and the pumpkin pie spice. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
Notes
- For a spicier queso, add chopped fresh jalapeños or more jalapeno brine.
- Use full-fat evaporated milk for creamier texture; low-fat may alter consistency.
- This queso is best served warm; reheat gently on the stovetop with occasional stirring.
- Serve with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or as a topping for tacos and nachos.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated slowly to avoid curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
