ChefXi OfficialA silky, nostalgic Texas-style white queso inspired by the famous Casa Ole recipe, featuring sautéed aromatics and perfectly melted American cheese.
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the finely diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are translucent and very soft, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Minced celery is the 'secret' ingredient that provides that underlying savory depth found in the original.
Lower the heat to low. Add the milk and the cubed or shredded white American cheese to the saucepan. Stir constantly with a whisk or silicone spatula to prevent scorching.
Patience is key—high heat will cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
Once the cheese is completely melted and smooth, stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, and pickled jalapenos if using. Continue to stir for another 2 minutes until the flavors are well incorporated.
If the queso is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until it reaches the perfect dipping consistency.
Transfer the hot queso to a pre-warmed serving bowl. Serve immediately with salty tortilla chips.
The secret to that signature Casa Ole texture is using white American cheese rather than cheddar, which can become oily. For a smoother finish, melt the cheese slowly over low heat or in a double boiler. If the queso is too thick, whisk in a splash of warm water or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Serve with warm, thin corn tortilla chips.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.