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+ servings
Golden, melted queso surrounded by tortilla chips on a wooden table

Pumpkin Queso

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
This Pumpkin Queso combines smoky chorizo, creamy cheeses, jalapeño brine, and warm pumpkin spice for a rich, seasonal twist on classic queso.
3 Servings

Ingredients

  • 6 oz chorizo
  • 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
  • 5 slices American cheese unwrapped and diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 cup Monterey jack cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño brine
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • A dash of ground cumin
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the chorizo

  1. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant.

Incorporate the dairy and cheese

  1. Pour the evaporated milk into the pan. Add the American cheese, sharp cheddar, and Monterey jack. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the cheeses melt and the sauce begins to thicken.

Add jalapeño brine

  1. Once the mixture is smooth and bubbling gently, stir in the pickled jalapeño brine to balance the richness of the cheese with a tangy note.

Season the queso

  1. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the pumpkin pie spice, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve

  1. Transfer the Pumpkin Queso to a serving bowl and present immediately with tortilla chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

To make this Pumpkin Queso gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free chorizo and ensure that the American cheese slices and jalapeño brine are labeled gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
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