The best queso recipe this side of the border! This Torchy’s Tacos copycat green chile queso recipe is unbelievably delicious and impossible to eat in moderation! While you may not be able to find the actual Torchy’s queso recipe on the internet, I’m confidently claiming that this is the best Torchy’s copycat recipe out there!
What is Torchy’s Taco’s?
Glad you asked! Torchy’s Taco’s is, in my opinion, the best Tex-Mex food available to the public. It’s our go to spot for any date night, and they have a few of the “bests” I’ve ever tasted. One of the most popular and well known items on the menu is their incredibly delicious and addicting queso.
They call it “Green Chile Queso” and you can eat it 3 ways: on it’s own, with it’s default toppings (a scoop of guacamole and garnish’s), or “hillbilly style” with chorizo. All are delicious, but my favorite is the second – the way it’s meant to be served!
What makes the Torchy’s Queso so Special?
A few things seperate Torchy’s queso from any other competitor! The flavors of the bright and bold green chiles that infuse the creamy cheese base is one. Another thing that sets Torchy’s queso apart is the unique combination of garnish’s. The Torchy’s Green Chile Queso is served with the following toppings:
- Scoop of guacamole
- Cotija cheese
- Cilantro
- Diablo sauce
Somehow these 4 toppings take this already dynamite queso to “GOAT” status!
What do you need to make Torchy’s Copycat Green Chile Queso?
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare my copycat queso recipe:
- Cheddar cheese (yellow – not shredded)
- American cheese (not shredded)
- Cream Cheese
- Half and Half (can also use milk but will be slightly runnier)
- Verde Salsa (store bought or use my homemade verde salsa recipe!)
- Serrano peppers
- Roma tomatoes
- Red onion
- Lime juice
- Seasoning (cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt)
Can I use Shredded Cheese to make the Torchy’s Copycat Green Chile Queso?
I recommend against it. Shredded cheese typically contains an agent that prevents the shreds from sticking together in the bag. This same preservative agent prevents the cheese from melting nicely with the milk or cream and will not yield the creamy, smooth results you’re after!
My recommendation is to use cheese slices. This will keep the cheese from burning in the crockpot and will also allow the cheese to melt nicely into the rest of the ingredients for that perfectly smooth texture! However, keep in mind that your queso will only be as good as your cheese. So, the better quality slices you purchase the better quality your queso will be!
How to Make the Torchy’s Copycat Green Chile Queso in the Slow Cooker
In my opinion, a queso recipe is worthless unless it’s easy to serve over a period of time. I don’t want to sit down at a pre-determined minute and enjoy my queso in one sitting. Rather, I want to enjoy it intermittenly over the course of an evening while my friends and family do the same! Therefore, it’s my belief that queso must be slow-cooker compatible.
My slow cooker green chile queso is simple to make and can be enjoyed for the duration of a super bowl party! Here’s how to make it:
- Add cheeses, half and half, green chiles, salsa to the crockpot. Cook on low for about 1-2 hours (until ingredient are melted together nicely).
- Meanwhile, finely chop the serrano peppers (removing seeds and ribs for less heat), tomatoes, and onion.
- Toss peppers, tomatoes, and onion in a skillet with a dash of olive oil, seasonings, and lime juice until tender and lightly charred.
- Stir the skillet contents into the cheese and add salt to taste. Turn to warm and serve whenever you’d like!
- To serve, garnish with a scoop of guacamole, fresh cotija cheese, cilantro, and diablo sauce!
Looking For More Tex-Mex Inspired Recipes?
I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my favorites on the blog (including another Torchy’s Taco’s copycat recipe)!
- Green Chile Pork Carnitas Tacos (another Torchy’s Copycat recipe)
- Tex-Mex Wedge Salad
- Tex-Mex Smothered Chicken Bake
- Verde Chicken Street Tacos
- Avocado Tomatillo Salsa
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
If you do decide to try out my queso recipe, I’d love to see your creation! Tag me on instagram (@Kelsiebrownblog)!
Torchy’s Copycat Green Chile Queso Recipe
Torchy’s Copycat Green Chile Queso
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 8 oz American cheese (sliced or block)
- 8 oz yellow cheddar cheese (sliced or block)
- 8 oz cream cheese (lowfat or regular)
- 2 1/2 c half and half
- 2 4 oz cans chopped green chilies
- 3/4 c verde salsa
- 2 serrano peppers
- 2 roma tomatoes
- 1/4 c red onion
- 1/4 c lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- to taste sea salt
- garnish guacamole, cotija cheese, cilantro, diablo sauce optional
Instructions
- Combine the cheddar, american, and cream cheese in the slow cooker with the half and half, cans of green chilies, and salsa. Cook on low for 1-2 hours until melted together.
- Finely chop serrano peppers, onion, and roma tomatoes. in a skillet, sauté the veggies with olive oil over medium heat until tender. Then add lime juice and seasonings (cumin, paprika, and garlic powder). Toss as it reduces into a aromatic sludge (a few minutes should do).
- Fold the skillet contents into the slow cooker cheese and turn to warm. Add salt to taste. If you think it taste to strongly like chilies and salsa, add about a handful of shredded cheddar. You can also add another 1/2 c milk or half and half to dilute the flavor and/or make it more runny to your desired consistency.
- Serve over a scoop of guacamole and top with fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, and diablo sauce!
Notes
Nutrition
With Love,
Kelsie
