QDOBA Queso Copycat Recipe [Taste Like Original]

QDOBA Queso or Classic 3-Cheese Queso is a perfect dip for Tortilla Chips.  If you’ve ever sunk your chips into Qdoba’s Classic 3-Cheese Queso or Spicy Queso Diablo and dreamt of recreating that creamy, cheesy magic at home, then you must try this copycat dip recipe. Get ready to ditch the takeout menus and whip up a batch of this beloved Queso that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next game night, potluck, or simply a cozy night in.

I tried many recipes to make the same Queso like QDOBA but none tasted exactly the same. But this copycat Qdoba Queso recipe, made with melty cheeses, fire-roasted poblano peppers, and diced tomatoes, captures the essence of the original. Today, I’ll share two fantastic methods for creating that perfect copycat queso: the quick and easy induction cooker approach, and the slow and fuss-free slow cooker (Crock-Pot) method.

What Are The Exact Types Of Cheeses Used In Qdoba Queso?

The signature blend of cheeses that gives Qdoba queso its rich, creamy flavor consists of three types: Monterey Jack, American, and cheddar. 

Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully, creating a velvety smooth base for the queso. American cheese contributes a slightly tangy flavor and helps achieve that perfect, gooey consistency. And of course, no cheese dip would be complete without the classic taste of cheddar cheese, adding a sharp, savory note to the mix.

This trifecta of cheeses works in harmony, with each one playing a vital role in recreating the authentic Qdoba queso taste you know and love.

Secret Ingredients That Make Qdoba’s Queso Unique

While the cheese blend is undoubtedly the star of the show, Qdoba’s queso owes its distinctive flavor to a few secret ingredients:

Roasted poblano peppers provide a rich, smoky base and a subtle kick of heat. These mild green chiles add depth and complexity to the dip.

Heavy cream creates an indulgently thick and velvety texture, taking the queso to new levels of creaminess.

A blend of spices including cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika brings warmth and an extra flavor dimension. This secret spice mix is what gives Qdoba’s queso its signature zest.

How To Make Qdoba Queso Copycat Recipe

Am I making the talk too long? Okay let me stop and share my exact recipe of qdoba queso with you. You can make this tasty dip at home in two easy ways: stovetop or crockpot. Don’t worry, I have shared both of them. Just grab these ingredients and follow these steps.

QDOBA Queso Ingredients

• 2 Poblano Peppers (Most Popular Peppers Used In Mexican And Tex-Mex Cooking)
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Cup American Cheese into small pieces
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Cup Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
• 8 oz Roma Tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• Salt, to taste

Kitchen Tools

• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Cutting board
• Knife 
• Slow cooker
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Step by Step Recipe Instructions

Step 01: Roast Poblano Peppers

First, Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Now place the 2 Poblano peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle them properly with olive oil and place it in the oven for 15 minutes to bake. Make sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even roasting.

After about 15 minutes under the broiler, the skins become charred and blistered. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool before chopping them into small pieces.

Step 02: Prepare the Cheese and Vegetable Mixture

Now take a skillet pan and place it on the electric induction stove. In the pan, add 1 cup American Cheese, 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, 1 Sliced Poblanos, 8 oz of Roma Tomatoes and 1 1/2 tsp of Garlic powder and finally pour in the heavy whipping cream.

Cover and cook in slow cooker for 2 hours. Make sure to stir every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking. 

Step 03: Season and Serve

Finally, give the cheesy poblano pepper dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with some extra salt if needed. Now it’s ready to dish up and enjoy while hot!

Qdoba Queso Slow Cooker Crock Pot Recipe (Alternative Way)

1. Place the Poblano peppers drizzled with olive oil  in a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Then cube cheese and place it in the crock pot.
2. Add cheese, garlic powder, chopped veggies, garlic powder and salt in the crock pot. Turn on the crock pot and heat on LOW for 2 hours. If you use a mini crock pot, it will take 4 hours to cook.
3. Stir the mixture when it’s halfway through cooking.
4. After it’s done, taste the Queso and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Special Tips from The Chef

Spice Level:

• This recipe uses poblano peppers, which are generally mild on the heat scale. However, there can be variations in spiciness depending on the pepper itself. You can adjust the spice level in a few ways:
  • Remove the seeds and ribs of the poblano pepper: This is where most of the heat is concentrated.
  • Use a hotter pepper: If you prefer a spicier queso, try using a jalapeno pepper instead of a poblano.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper: A dash of cayenne pepper will add a kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Customization:

• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations! Try adding pepper jack cheese for a sharper flavor, or queso fresco for a crumblier texture.
• Vegetables: Add other roasted vegetables like corn or chopped onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Protein: Kick it up a notch by adding cooked chorizo or ground beef to the queso.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• The queso is too thick: If your queso seems too thick, simply add a little more heavy cream or milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• The queso is not smooth: If the cheese isn’t melting smoothly, it might be overheating. Reduce the heat or use a double boiler method to melt the cheese gently.
• The queso is broken: If the cheese separates or curdles, it might be overheated. Try whisking in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to help smooth it out.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

You can’t have this tasty queso dip along with only chips. Here are some pairing ideas that are sure to be a hit:

• Classic Chips: Tortilla chips are a must-have for scooping up that delicious queso.
• Veggie Platter: Freshly cut vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and broccoli add a healthy and refreshing crunch.
• Nacho Party: Transform your queso into a full-blown nacho party! Pile tortilla chips high, add your favorite toppings like seasoned ground beef, black beans, salsa, and sour cream, and smother it all with your warm queso.
• Taco Night: Take your taco night to the next level by serving this queso as a flavorful dip alongside your favorite taco fillings.
• Burrito Booster: Add a dollop of queso to your burritos for an extra layer of creamy, cheesy goodness.

FAQs

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat?

Store queso in an airtight container in the fridge (3-5 days). Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of liquid if needed.

Is This Queso Spicy?

No, this recipe uses poblano peppers which are generally mild. You can adjust the spice level by following the tips I mentioned above. 

Can Queso Be Used As A Topping For Other Dishes?

Yes, queso is a fantastic topping for many dishes like Nachos, Fries, Burgers, Tacos and burritos, Baked potatoes, Veggies, Eggs.

How Can I Tell If My Queso Is Overcooked?

Overcooked queso can become greasy or lose its smooth texture. Keep an eye on your queso while heating, stirring frequently. If it starts to separate or become oily, remove it from heat immediately. You can try adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore a smoother consistency.

Continue to Content

Qdoba Queso Recipe

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Qdoba Queso Copycat Recipe: A simple and delicious 3 Cheese Queso dip that tastes exactly like the original. Perfect for pairing with tortilla chips. Follow this simple recipe and prepare at home with a few simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

• 2 Poblano Peppers (Most Popular Peppers Used In Mexican And Tex-Mex Cooking)
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Cup American Cheese into small pieces
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Cup Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
• 8 oz Roma Tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• Salt, to taste

Kitchen Tools

• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Slow cooker
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Instructions

1. First, Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Now place the 2 Poblano peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle them properly with olive oil and place it in the oven for 15 minutes to bake. Make sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even roasting. After about 15 minutes under the broiler, the skins become charred and blistered. Once they're done,take them out and let them cool before chopping them into small pieces.
2. Now take a skillet pan and place it on the electric induction stove. In the pan, add 1 cup American Cheese, 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, 1 Sliced Poblanos, 8 oz of Roma Tomatoes and 1 1/2 tsp of Garlic powder and finally pour in the heavy whipping cream. Cover and cook in slow cooker for 2 hours. Make sure to stir every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
3. Finally, give the cheesy poblano pepper dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with some extra salt if needed. Now it's ready to dish up and enjoy while hot!

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 710mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gProtein: 3g

The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.

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