Creamy Queso with Chorizo

By GadgetGirl

In defense of Velveeta, it might be lowbrow, but its texture is supreme.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 6 ounces fresh chorizo, casings removed
• 2 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 8 ounce Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
• 8 ounce Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 8 ounce sharp cheddar, grated
• 2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo
• 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ancho chile powder
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• 2 ounce crumbled Cotija cheese or queso fresco

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook, stirring and breaking up with a spoon, until browned and crisp, 8–10 minutes; set aside.

Heat half-and-half and Velveeta in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until Velveeta is melted, 6–8 minutes. Add Monterey Jack and cheddar; cook, stirring, until mixture is smooth. Mix in chipotle chiles, salt, and both chile powders.

Transfer queso to a warm dish and top with Cotija cheese and reserved chorizo.


DO AHEAD:
Queso (without toppings) can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories (kcal) 650 Fat (g) 56 Saturated Fat (g) 32 Cholesterol (mg) 180 Carbohydrates (g) 8 Dietary Fiber (g) 1 Total Sugars (g) 3 Protein (g) 29 Sodium (mg) 1650