Mohamed Shili This creamy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Queso is prepared using white American cheese, pepper jack cheese, half-and-half, garlic, and jalapeños. This spicy Slow Cooker Queso recipe is a perfect appetizer that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Queso Ingredients
- 12 oz. white American cheese
- 4 oz. pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 2/3 cup half-and-half
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 4 oz. green chilies, drained
- Diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced fresh jalapeño for garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Queso
- Prepare the Cheese Base: In your slow cooker, combine the white American cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, half-and-half, finely chopped garlic, finely chopped jalapeño, and ground black pepper. Give the mixture a thorough stir to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Cook the Queso: Cover the slow cooker and set it to high. Allow the queso to cook for 50 minutes; remember to stir the mixture once at the halfway mark to keep the cheese from sticking and burning.
- Add Green Chilies: Once 50 minutes have passed, open the slow cooker and stir in the drained green chilies thoroughly into the hot cheese mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer the hot queso into a serving bowl. Garnish the top generously with freshly diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and slices of fresh jalapeños.
- Enjoy Your Queso: Serve the queso immediately while it’s still warm. It’s perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or as a delicious drizzle over your favorite nachos.
Recipe Tips
- Control Spice: Reduce or increase jalapeños to adjust the heat to your taste preference.
- Prevent Separation: Regular stirring helps keep the cheese mixture smooth and prevents sticking.
- Explore Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda to explore new flavors.
- Cooking Settings: For more developed flavors, cook on low for up to 2 hours instead of high.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a small amount of beer for richer flavor just before serving.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Queso
Serve your spicy Slow Cooker Queso with blue corn tortilla chips, baked sweet potato fries, mini bell pepper scoops, garlic naan pieces, and pretzel bites for dipping.
You can also pair this dish with roasted chickpeas, and pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
How To Store Slow Cooker Queso
To Refrigerate: Transfer the queso to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to maintain quality.
To Freeze: Freezing this queso is not recommended as the texture can become grainy and water may separate upon thawing.
How To Reheat Slow Cooker Queso
In The Oven: Place the queso in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Reheat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until hot throughout; stir occasionally to maintain a creamy texture.
In The Microwave: Spoon queso into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
In The Air Fryer: Reheating queso in the air fryer is not recommended as it can dry out quickly and unevenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese for This Recipe?
It is best to shred your own cheese for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness and creaminess of your queso.
How Can I Keep the Queso from Becoming Too Thick?
If the queso becomes too thick during cooking, you can thin it by stirring in a small amount of milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency.
What Should I Do If the Queso Separates?
If the queso separates, it can usually be remedied by reducing the heat and adding a spoonful of lemon juice. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth again.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Queso Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 60mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 2g
Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:
- Pioneer Woman Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Pioneer Woman Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Pasta
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Queso
Description
This creamy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Queso is prepared using white American cheese, pepper jack cheese, half-and-half, garlic, and jalapeños. This spicy Slow Cooker Queso recipe is a perfect appetizer that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Queso Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Queso
- Prepare the Cheese Base: In your slow cooker, combine the white American cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, half-and-half, finely chopped garlic, finely chopped jalapeño, and ground black pepper. Give the mixture a thorough stir to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Cook the Queso: Cover the slow cooker and set it to high. Allow the queso to cook for 50 minutes; remember to stir the mixture once at the halfway mark to keep the cheese from sticking and burning.
- Add Green Chilies: Once 50 minutes have passed, open the slow cooker and stir in the drained green chilies thoroughly into the hot cheese mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer the hot queso into a serving bowl. Garnish the top generously with freshly diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and slices of fresh jalapeños.
- Enjoy Your Queso: Serve the queso immediately while it’s still warm. It’s perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or as a delicious drizzle over your favorite nachos.
Notes
- If you’re using sliced white American cheese from the deli, stack the slices about 1/2-inch high, then dice them for quick melting.
