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    Home » Main Course » Keto Queso

    Keto Queso

    Published: Aug 22, 2019 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Oct 16, 2019 · 913 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Keto Queso is super-quick to make and even quicker to disappear. It is great for dipping vegetables and low-carb chips, and also fabulous as a topping for tacos, chili, burgers, and even chicken. For this recipe, the most important thing is to get the best quality cheeses that you can.

    Photo of a cast iron skillet with Keto Queso in it garnished with cilantro, jalapenos, and cherry tomatoes sitting on a white cloth napkin.

    This Keto Queso is My Idea of Perfection!

    Variations

    Feel free to substitute different cheeses. Good-quality (not processed) American cheese is nice here.
    Add a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies
    Stir in cooked and crumbled chorizo once the cheese melts.
    Use a serrano chile pepper in place of the jalapeno.

    True story - I was vegan for a solid year.

    Looking back, I am not entirely sure how I managed it. The only thing I can figure is that, at the time, I was fully convinced that it was the best thing for me. (It wasn't. I got very sick, but that is a story for another day.)

    Why this "accomplishment" still amazes me is that my favorite food has always been cheese.

    As someone who suffers from food allergies (gluten), I held my breath when I got the results back from the test to see if dairy was an issue. (This was after the vegan era.)

    I cried over the loss of bread, but I would have had a complete melt-down if I could never have cheese again.

    Cheese is life, and this Keto Queso completes me.

    It is hard to believe something so simple to make can be so utterly satisfying. I think you are going to love this bowl of cheesy yumminess as much as I do!

    How to Make Keto Queso

    1 First, heat oil over medium heat.  Add the onion, and chipotle chili and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender.

    2 Next, sprinkle with salt and xanthan gum.

    3 After that, add heavy cream and chipotle sauce and stir to combine.  Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to get thick.

    Photo of onion, chipotle chili, xanthan gum, heavy cream, and chipotle sauce in a sauce pan.

    4 Finally, reduce the heat to low.  Stir in the cheese and cook until melted.

    Variations for This Recipe:

    • Feel free to substitute different cheeses. Good-quality (not processed) American cheese is nice here.
    • Add a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies
    • Stir in cooked and crumbled chorizo once the cheese melts.
    • Use a serrano chile pepper in place of the jalapeno.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn From Qualifying Sales

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are chipotle chili peppers?

    Chipotles are a medium-hot peppers that have a subtle sweetness that is balanced by charred wood, tobacco, and barbecue flavors. While you can find them dried, they are widely available in the ethnic section of the grocery stored canned in a red adobe sauce. A good substitute would be dried ancho chilies.

    Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

    I don't recommend it. Pre-shredded cheese lacks the flavor that a block of cheese has. Additionally, it most often contains additional carbohydrates in the form of a coating designed to keep it from sticking together.

    What can I dip into Low Carb Queso?

    For a treat, I am obsessed with Quest Chips. I don't keep them in the house all the time, because they are something I tend to overindulge in. Beyond that, this dip is great on celery, cauliflower, and red pepper. I also like it on top of meat, or anything Mexican.

    Fun Fact

    Did you know that about half of the 200 varieties of Chile peppers in existence come from Mexico?

    You May Also Like

    • If you like cheese as much as I do, you are going to go wild for this smoky Keto Pimento Cheese. This is seriously the best pimento cheese I've ever had. (And I'm from the South so I've had a lot!)
    • This simple Marinated Cheese is a super-easy appetizer that is as quick to disappear as it is to make.
    • Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Keto Zucchini Chips are perfect for dipping.
    • Whether is it game day, or simply a weeknight side, these Keto Cauliflower Wings are always a hit!
    Photo of Keto Queso in a cast iron skillet with a hand dipping a chip into the cheese. Garnishes are cherry tomatoes, jalpeno, and cilantro.

    Low Carb Queso Recipe

    This Low Carb Queso is a recipe that I turn to again and again. It is perfect for entertaining since it can be made in advance and gently reheated. You will love the creamy yumminess of it, as well as how easy it is to throw together. I think it has just the right amount of heat, but sometimes when I am feeling particularly adventurous, I sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes.

    Square photo of a cast iron skillet with Keto Queso in it garnished with cilantro, jalapenos, and cherry tomatoes sitting on a white cloth napkin.
    Print Recipe

    Keto Queso

    If you want an appetizer that is quick to make and even quicker to disappear, you are going to fall in love with this Keto Queso. Feel free to play with this one and adapt the heat to suit the tastes of your tribe. Just 1 net carb per serving!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time12 mins
    Total Time22 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: spicy
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 234kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Equipment

    • medium saucepan

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ cup diced onion
    • 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce minced, plus 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum
    • 1 cup heavy cream or ½ cup unsweetened almond milk and ½ cup whipping cream
    • 1 ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese grated
    • ¾ cup grated pepper jack cheese grated
    • For Topping: sliced scallions diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, cilantro

    Instructions

    • Heat oil over medium heat.
    • Add onion and chipotle chili and cook for 5 minutes.
    • Sprinkle with salt and xanthan gum.
    • Add heavy cream and chipotle sauce and stir to combine.
    • Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
    • Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese.
    • Cook until the cheese is melted.
    • Serve warm.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 253mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 696IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 1mg
    « Keto Eggplant Lasagna
    Low Carb Chili - Instant Pot or Stove »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lynda

      April 24, 2021 at 2:22 pm

      Thank you for all the tasty keto recipes. I have made many and always enjoyed them.

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        April 24, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        I am so glad you are enjoying everything. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know.

        Reply

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    Welcome

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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