Your Queso Dip Is Craving A Splash Of Tequila

Ooey, gooey, and cheesy are just a few of the words that spring to mind when daydreaming about queso dip, but the picture wouldn't be complete without a salty margarita on the side. The Tex-Mex classic doesn't just pair well with tequila, it can also be transformed by it. A splash of tequila will add a unique flavor dimension to cheesy dips and take the texture up a notch. The earthy and slightly smoky notes of tequila mesh perfectly with the savory, rich flavors of the queso.

A true queso dip requires a lot more than just melty cheese. Hot, melty cheese is a marvel of science, but it stiffens as soon as it cools. The key to a perfect queso dip is locking down that ideal texture. This is typically done with milk or cream to create the perfect consistency for chip dipping. Some may never fathom muttering the words "too cheesy" but sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad. Along with bumping up the flavor, the alcohol works to break down the cheese which allows for a smoother, creamier dip.

It's often the tiny details that set incredible recipes apart; a pinch of paprika, an extra egg yolk, and in this case, a touch of tequila. If tossing together a queso dip is a feasible endeavor, then a tequila-infused recipe will be a breeze. A splash of tequila can easily be added to your favorite queso recipe, whether it be alongside sautéed ingredients or flambéed at the end for an iconic finish.

Rick Bayless of the PBS series "Mexico: One Plate at a Time" has mastered queso fundido with his spiced tequila version. His dip is packed with sautéed chilies, onions, and tomatoes, which are deglazed with tequila to accentuate their flavors and bring out a bit of sweetness. A Cook Named Matt goes for another approach that couldn't be easier. He simply combines a swig of tequila along with Oaxacan cheese and chorizo in a skillet before tossing it straight into the oven to sizzle. Since the alcohol itself cooks off with the heat, the specific type of tequila isn't as important as the core agave flavor. Although, if a few sips here and there are to be expected, then opting for a favored tequila is the only logical move.