Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is known for her comforting and flavorful recipes, and her queso is no exception. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cheese dip; this is a special queso recipe straight from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get It! and inspired by the menu at The Mercantile, Ree’s restaurant. Packed with roasted peppers, savory chorizo, and crispy bacon, this Pioneer Woman Queso recipe elevates the classic cheesy dip to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Delicious and flavorful Pioneer Woman Queso recipe, also known as The Merc's Queso, featuring melted cheese, roasted peppers, chorizo, and bacon, served in a bowl, ready to be enjoyed as a warm and cheesy dip.
What makes this Pioneer Woman queso so special? It’s all about the layers of flavor. Ree herself says, “It’s tough to improve on the basic queso recipe, which is so easy anyone can make it blindfolded. But when we were testing recipes for the restaurant at The Mercantile, I knew I wanted the queso to be something special, considering it’s its own food group in our household. And oh … is it ever special. It’s everything that good about regular ol’ queso, but with all these little flecks of flavor that make your soul (and your taste buds) sing.” The key to this depth of flavor comes from roasting the peppers until they are charred, which brings out their natural sweetness and smokiness. Combined with the richness of chorizo and bacon, this queso is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Roasting Peppers for the Best Queso
Roasting the Anaheim or Hatch chiles is a crucial step in this Pioneer Woman queso recipe. The charring process not only enhances the flavor but also makes them easier to peel. If you have a gas stove, simply place the peppers directly on the burner flame, turning them frequently until the skin is blackened and blistered. Then, transfer the roasted peppers to a plastic bag or a bowl covered with plastic wrap and let them steam for a few minutes. This steaming process helps loosen the skin, making it easy to peel off. Once cooled, remove the skin and seeds, and chop the peppers. If you don’t have a gas stove, you can achieve the same roasted effect by using your oven’s broiler.
Elevating Your Pioneer Woman Queso
While the base recipe is already incredible, there are a few ways to customize your Pioneer Woman queso to your liking. For an extra smoky and spicy kick, Ree suggests adding two minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If you prefer a slightly different cheese flavor, you can substitute half a pound of the Velveeta with freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese. For a touch of brightness, stir in a squeeze of lime juice at the end of cooking. No matter how you tweak it, this creamy Mexican queso dip is best served warm with a generous helping of tortilla chips.
Pioneer Woman Queso Recipe: Get the Ingredients
This hearty Pioneer Woman queso recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
Yields: 16 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 Anaheim or Hatch chiles
- 1/2 pound bacon, cut into small pieces
- 9 ounces fresh chorizo
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 20 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup minced cilantro (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Queso
Follow these simple steps to create this amazing Pioneer Woman queso:
- Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chorizo and bacon, breaking them apart as they cook. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion has softened and the bacon is cooked through.
- Drain Excess Grease: Pour the chorizo and bacon mixture onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain off as much grease as possible.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the cubed Velveeta cheese in a slow cooker. Add the cooked bacon-sausage mixture, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and whole milk.
- Cook the Queso: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 45 minutes, stirring once during cooking. Then, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for another 20 minutes.
- Add Cilantro (Optional): If desired, stir in the minced cilantro just before serving.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Pioneer Woman queso warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Tips and Variations for Your Queso
- Vegetarian Queso: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and chorizo. The roasted peppers and cheesy base are delicious on their own!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this queso ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
- Keep it Warm: To keep the queso warm during a party, transfer it to a slow cooker set on the “warm” setting. Stir it occasionally to prevent burning.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pioneer Woman Queso!
This Pioneer Woman queso recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. With its rich, cheesy flavor and delicious additions of roasted peppers, chorizo, and bacon, it’s a step above your average queso dip. Gather your friends, grab some tortilla chips, and get ready to enjoy this unforgettable cheesy creation!
