By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on March 22, 2023 | Last Updated on November 22, 2023
Cafe Rio queso is a creamy and delicious cheese dip that can be served as an appetizer or side dish. It’s made with Rotel, green chili sauce, coke, red enchilada sauce, cilantro, green onion, and Velveeta cheese.
This dip has a mild to medium spice level, depending on the brand of ingredients you use, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
In this article, you can learn more about the cafe Rio queso recipe. Read on to find out what ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, tips, and nutrition information.
What is Cafe Rio Queso?
Cafe Rio Queso is a cheese dip made with Rotel, green chili sauce, Coke, red enchilada sauce, cilantro, green onion, and Velveeta cheese. It has a mild to medium spice level, depending on the brand of ingredients you use. This creamy and delicious dip can be served as an appetizer or side dish.
What does it taste like?
Cafe Rio Queso has a creamy, cheesy flavor with a hint of spiciness from the green chili sauce. It’s not overly spicy but has enough kick to be noticed. The addition of Coke adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the flavor.
How did I first get introduced to the Cafe Rio Queso?
I first tasted this Queso at the Cafe Rio restaurant. I was hooked immediately and knew I wish I can make it at home! The taste of the dish simply blew my mind. So, I asked a familiar person in the restaurant to teach me how to cook it at home.
He taught me a simple recipe, and I started making it at home. Everyone in my family liked it very much and ever since then, this queso has become a staple in our house.
You can also checkout the following appetizer Recipe :
How to make Cafe Rio Queso?
Making Cafe Rio Queso is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. You can follow the ingredient list below.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Rotel original pico
- 2 tablespoons Coke, Diet Coke
- 1/4 cup green chili sauce- mild
- 1/3 cup red enchilada sauce- regular or hot
- 3 stems green onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 16 oz Queso Blanco Velveeta
Directions
Step 1
In a medium pot, mix together Rotel or pico de Gallo, green chili sauce, Coke or other soda, enchilada sauce, and cilantro.
Step 2
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally until all ingredients are combined.
Step 3
Turn off the heat and add the cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Serve hot with chips or on top of your favorite Mexican dishes.
Tips
• For spicier queso, use all hot ingredients like Rotel, green chili sauce, and enchilada sauce.
• For milder queso, use all mild ingredients or half of each type of ingredient.
• You can thin out the queso by adding more soda if needed for your desired consistency.
• Queso will thicken when it sits, so you can add a bit more soda or water to thin it out again before serving.
Cafe Rio Queso Recipe
Equipment
- Medium pot
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 stems green onion providing a fresh and aromatic element to your recipe, adding a mild and delicate onion flavor that enhances the overall balance of flavors and adds a pop of color to the presentation.
- 8 oz Queso Blanco Velveeta creating a creamy and velvety texture that melts beautifully, adding a luscious and indulgent quality to your dish, resulting in a rich and cheesy sauce that envelops the other ingredients, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor experience.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro infusing your dish with a bright and refreshing herbal note, adding a hint of citrus and a burst of freshness that complements the other flavors and adds a delightful complexity.
- 1 1/2 cans of Coke Diet Coke (rounding up to the nearest whole number), providing a unique and unexpected ingredient that contributes a touch of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to your recipe, creating a subtle and intriguing contrast to the savory elements.
- 2 tablespoons green chili sauce – mild delivering a mellow and slightly tangy heat to your dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients, adding a pleasant warmth to the taste.
- 1/4 cup Rotel original pico offering a zesty and flavorful blend of diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños, adding a tangy and slightly spicy kick to your dish, infusing it with a vibrant and bold taste.
- 2 tablespoons red enchilada sauce – regular or hot bringing a rich and robust flavor to your dish, combining spices, herbs, and chili peppers to create a smoky and slightly tangy taste that elevates the overall depth of the dish.
Instructions
- In a medium pot, mix together Rotel or pico de Gallo, green chili sauce, Coke or other soda, enchilada sauce, and cilantro.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally until all ingredients are combined.
- Turn off the heat and add the cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Serve hot with chips or on top of your favorite Mexican dishes.
Notes
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 5g
What to serve with Cafe Rio Queso?
Cafe Rio Queso is perfect for dipping chips, topping your favorite Mexican dishes, or just snacking on. Here are some great ideas for what to serve with it:
• Soft tacos
• Burritos
• Nachos
• Enchiladas
• Fish Tacos
• Tamales
How to store Cafe Rio Queso?
You can store Cafe Rio Queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. But we suggest you enjoy it as soon as you cook it. This type of dish doesn’t taste good after a long time.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, as long as all of the ingredients are cooked thoroughly and handled safely, pregnant women can enjoy Cafe Rio queso. Also, check with your doctor or healthcare provider before consuming any new food while pregnant.
FAQs
What is the best way to heat up Cafe Rio Queso?
The best way to reheat Cafe Rio Queso is on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
What type of cheese is in Cafe Rio Queso?
The cheese used for making Cafe Rio Queso is Queso Blanco Velveeta.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the Queso Blanco Velveeta with a vegan cheese alternative.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this guide on cafe rio queso recipe. We hope this guide will help you to make the perfect cafe rio queso at home. All you need is some Rotel, Coke or other soda, green chili sauce and enchilada sauce. With Velveeta cheese, you have a delicious queso dip that everyone in your family will love!
Please share this recipe with your friends and family! Also, don’t forget to check out our other recipes for more delicious ideas.
Sharing is caring!
You Might Also Like These Recipes!
Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
