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Costa Vida Queso Recipe: How to Make the Creamiest Copycat Queso Dip at Home

Costa Vida Queso Recipe served in a bowl with tortilla chips, with a chip dipped into the creamy cheese sauce.
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This Costa Vida Queso Recipe is a creamy, flavorful copycat of the famous Tex-Mex dip, made with American cheese, cream cheese, fresh aromatics, and a touch of spice. Perfect for parties, taco nights, and as a delicious appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces American cheese (block style, like Velveeta)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 10 ounces canned tomatoes with green chiles
  • 1/2 yellow onion
  • 1 roma tomato
  • 1 jalapeño (seeds removed)
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

  1. Dice the yellow onion, roma tomato, and jalapeño. Roughly chop the cilantro. Peel the garlic clove and juice the lime.
  2. In a blender, combine the onion, roma tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, canned tomatoes with green chiles, garlic, and lime juice. Pulse until blended but still slightly chunky. Season with salt to taste.
  3. Cube the American cheese and cream cheese into 1-inch pieces. Place in a microwave-safe bowl.
  4. Microwave the cheeses for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Add 3/4 cup of the blended tomato mixture to the melted cheese. Stir in the chili powder and cumin until fully combined.
  6. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for an additional 30 seconds to marry the flavors.
  7. Serve warm with tortilla chips, vegetables, or use as a topping for your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Add a splash of milk if the queso is too thick.
  • For a milder dip, omit or reduce the jalapeño.
  • Add cooked chorizo or ground beef for a heartier version.
  • Do not freeze this queso dip as it may become grainy upon thawing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/costa-vida-queso-recipe/