Chile con queso (also spelled chili con queso) is a part of the 20th century
Tex-Mex and
Southwestern cuisine. Chile con queso is probably a derivative of
queso flameado from the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. Chile con queso is predominantly found on the menus of Tex-Mex restaurants in the southwest and western United States.
Ingredients Chile con queso is a smooth, creamy sauce, used for dipping, that is made from a blend of melted cheeses (often
American cheese,
Velveeta or another
processed cheese,
Monterey Jack or
cream cheese), cream, and
chili peppers. Many restaurants serve chile con queso with such added ingredients as
pico de gallo,
black beans,
guacamole, and ground beef or pork.
Serving Chile con queso is a warm dish, heated to a desired temperature. Chile con queso can be eaten with tortillas,
tortilla chips, or pita chips which are thicker than regular tortilla chips. It can also be used as a condiment on
fajitas,
tacos,
enchiladas,
migas,
quesadillas or any other Tex-Mex dish. While Tex-Mex restaurants often offer chips and salsa free of charge, queso is usually offered for an additional charge. It can be made with various cheeses. Usually it is white or yellow in color. ==See also==