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Creamy Small Batch Skillet Queso with Crispy Shallots

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A quick and easy small batch queso dip featuring a creamy cheese blend topped with sweet, crispy shallots for a perfect snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 medium shallots and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots in a single layer and fry, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt while still warm. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Slowly whisk in ½ cup whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in 1 clove minced garlic, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cumin (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack, and 2 ounces softened cream cheese. Stir gently until all the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top if desired.
  7. Top the queso with the warm crispy shallots right before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results. Keep heat low to avoid grainy texture. Soaking shallots in cold water mellows sharpness and helps crispiness. Stir in a splash of milk if queso thickens after sitting. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour. Pepper jack cheese can replace Monterey Jack for a spicy twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: queso, cheese dip, skillet queso, crispy shallots, appetizer, snack, easy recipe, small batch

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-small-batch-skillet-queso-with-crispy-shallots-recipe-easy-and-perfect/