Join Randy in The Fresh Chile Company kitchen as he shares a delicious twist on a classic New Mexico appetizer. While many people expect the traditional green look when they hear "Hatch Chile Queso," Randy is switching it up by using our star ingredient: Roasted Red Chile.
Red Chile is simply a Green Chile that has been allowed to ripen on the vine, developing a sweeter, more complex flavor. Because it is a ripe fruit, it is much harder to process and keep fresh, which is why The Fresh Chile Company is one of the few places you can find authentic Roasted Red Chile. This recipe uses a mix of white cheeses and that beautiful red chile to create a festive, creamy dip that is perfect for holiday parties or game days.
Ingredients
- 1 pan of grated cheese (Monterey Jack or mild cheddar works well)
- 1 small block of Queso Blanco (white melting cheese, similar to Velveeta)
- Splash of cream-top milk (add more as needed for consistency)
- 3-4 tbsp Fresh Roasted Red Chile (chopped)
- 1-2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Optional: A dusting of onion powder
- Optional: Fresh Green Chile (for a "Christmas" style blend)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a microwave-safe bowl or pan, create a layer of your grated cheese. Top this with the block of Queso Blanco. The white cheese gives the queso a smoother, creamier texture than cheddar alone.
- Add Flavor and Moisture: Pour a splash of cream-top milk over the cheese. Add the star of the show, your Roasted Red Chile, right on top, along with the fresh minced garlic.
- Heat and Stir: Place the mixture in the microwave for about 1 minute and 20 seconds. Remove and stir carefully.
- Repeat: Place it back in the microwave for another minute. Remove and stir again. You want to let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute between heating cycles to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Finalize Consistency: Repeat the heating process one more time if necessary until all the Queso Blanco chunks have dissolved. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired creaminess.
This queso is not only beautiful to look at with those specks of red chile, but it also tastes amazing. It makes for a perfect "Christmas" appetizer if you decide to mix in a little Green Chile as well. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, pour it over nachos, or drizzle it over your favorite New Mexico dishes. As Randy says, the area code in Hatch isn't 505, it's 575, and the flavor is unmistakable.
About The Fresh Chile Cookin’ Cookbook
The Fresh Chile Cookin’ Cookbook features recipes shared by our amazing community of Hatch Chile fans. Join the Fresh Chile Cookin’ Facebook group to submit your own recipe and be featured in the next edition!