By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on August 2, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Costa Vida Queso is a creamy, cheesy dip that is perfect for any gathering. It combines the classic flavors of cheddar cheese and Velveeta with salsa, cream cheese, jalapenos, tomato, and spices to create an amazing combination of flavors. Costa Vida Queso is sure to be a hit at your next party or get-together.
In this recipe I will show you how to make the perfect Costa Vida Queso. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll be enjoying this amazing dip in no time!
What is Costa Vida Queso?
Costa Vida has been a Mexican grill food restaurant since 2003. It offers a wide range of dishes from burritos to tacos, salad bowls to quesadillas, and more. One of their most popular items is their Costa Vida Queso dip.
As mentioned in the introduction, Costa Vida Queso is a cheesy, creamy dip that combines the classic flavors of cheddar and Velveeta with salsa, cream cheese, jalapenos, tomato, and spices.
This tasty treat makes an excellent accompaniment for any gathering or party! Its unique blend of ingredients gives it a distinctive flavor that will surely be enjoyed by all.
What does it taste like ?
Costa Vida Queso has a creamy texture with the perfect balance of cheesy flavor and spice.
The combination of cheddar cheese and Velveeta gives this dip an intensely flavorful kick, while the salsa, cream cheese, jalapenos, tomato, and spices add just enough heat to make it irresistible. It’s a delicious dip that will be sure to please any crowd!
How did I first get introduced to the Costa Vida Queso?
It all began at a family gathering. Everyone was gathered around the dinner table, and I noticed that there was some sort of dish on the table that looked quite different from anything else. When I asked my Aunt what it was, she smiled and told me it was Queso from Costa Vida.
I had heard about the queso of Costa Vida before from friends, but I had never actually tried it. After hearing my Aunt’s endorsement of the product, I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, Costa Vida Queso was even better than I expected! It was creamy and flavorful without being too overpowering.
From that day on, I was hooked on Costa Vida Queso. Every time craved for Mexican food, I made sure to order some Costa Vida Queso on the side. I even began packing it in my lunches and snacks throughout the day. It became a staple in my diet!
So, I decided to try to make my own version of this tasty dip at home. And after a lot of trial and error , I finally came up with a recipe that is just as delicious as the one at Costa Vida.
How to make Costa Vida Queso?
Making Costa Vida Queso is incredibly easy. All you need are some basic ingredients and a few minutes of prep time. And you also need to focus on the step-by-step instructions for perfect results.
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Ingredients
- Half-and-half milk : This type of milk is made from a blend of light cream and whole milk.
- Velveeta : Velveeta is a processed cheese product with a smooth, creamy texture.
- Cheddar Cheese : Cheddar cheese is a firm, yellow-orange colored cheese that has an intense sour flavor.
- Cumin : Cumin is an earthy, fragrant spice commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
- Salsa : Salsa is a spicy, flavorful sauce made from tomatoes and peppers.
- Tomato : Tomatoes are sweet-tart fruits that come in many different sizes and shapes.
- Jalapenos : Jalapenos are spicy peppers with a bright green color and mildly hot flavor.
- Cream Cheese : Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a rich and tangy taste.
- Cayenne Pepper : Cayenne pepper is a type of red pepper that has a bold, spicy flavor.
- Chili Powder : Chili powder is a blend of spices used to give dishes an extra kick of heat.
- Tortilla Chips : Tortilla chips are thin, crunchy chips made from fried corn or flour tortillas.
Step by step instructions
Step 1
In a medium saucepan, heat the half-and-half milk over medium heat until it just starts to boil.
Step 2
Reduce the heat and add the Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until melted.
Step 3
Add in the grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously so that the cheese melts evenly into the mixture.
Step 4
Add the diced tomatoes, salsa, cream cheese, jalapenos, cumin, cayenne pepper and chili powder. Stir until all of the ingredients are blended together.
Step 5
Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes or until everything is melted and combined together.
Step 6
Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
Tips:
- You can also use other types of cheese for a different flavor, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- For extra heat, you can add more jalapenos to the queso.
- To make it creamier, try adding an additional 2 ounces of cream cheese to the recipe.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the half-and-half milk with almond or coconut milk.
Costa Vida Queso Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup velvety half-and-half milk
- 1/4 tsp exotic cumin freshly ground
- 4 ounces Velveeta the maestro of melt
- 1 tomato diced with precision
- 3 cups finely grated cheddar cheese aged to perfection
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper a hint of fiery passion
- 1/4 tsp chili powder or the option of zesty green chilies
- 1 cup vibrant salsa a symphony of flavors
- 1/4 cup chopped Jalapenos delivering the perfect kick
- 2 ounces cream cheese the luscious dairy delight
- Tortilla chips the crunchy companions for delightful dipping
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the half-and-half milk over medium heat until it just starts to boil.
- Reduce the heat and add the Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until melted.
- Add in the grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously so that the cheese melts evenly into the mixture.
- Add the diced tomatoes, salsa, cream cheese, jalapenos, cumin, cayenne pepper and chili powder. Stir until all of the ingredients are blended together.
- Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes or until everything is melted and combined together.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
Notes
- You can also use other types of cheese for a different flavor, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- For extra heat, you can add more jalapenos to the queso.
- To make it creamier, try adding an additional 2 ounces of cream cheese to the recipe.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the half-and-half milk with almond or coconut milk.
Nutritional Information
A serving of 6 oz of Costa Vida Queso has 330 calories.
According to its calorie breakdown: 68% is fat, 12% is carbs,and 20% is protein.
What to serve with Costa Vida Queso?
Costa Vida Queso is the perfect dip for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, backyard BBQ or just having friends over for drinks, this delicious dish will be sure to please everyone!
To make it even more flavorful, serve Costa Vida Queso with some of your favorite Mexican appetizers and dishes such as tacos, nachos, burritos and quesadillas.
It also goes great with chips, crackers and veggies. If you want to add even more flavor, try adding some sour cream or guacamole to the mix! This delicious dip can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is sure to become a family favorite.
How to store leftover Costa Vida Queso?
Leftover Costa Vida Queso can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until warm.
Can pregnant women eat this ?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Costa Vida Queso. However, it is recommended that they avoid eating the jalapenos as spicy foods may not be suitable for them during pregnancy. It’s always best to check with your doctor before consuming any food while pregnant.
FAQS
Is the Costa Vida Queso vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, Costa Vida Queso is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use almond or coconut milk instead of half-and-half milk in the recipe.
How long does it take to make Costa Vida Queso?
The entire process of making Costa Vida Queso only takes about 10 minutes. Prep time is minimal and all you have to do is combine the ingredients together in a pan and let them simmer for a few minutes.
Can I make Costa Vida Queso ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Costa Vida Queso ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until warm. It’s always best to serve it fresh, however, as this will ensure the best flavor and texture.
What are some other ways I can enjoy Costa Vida Queso?
Costa Vida Queso is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Try using it as a topping for tacos, nachos or burritos, or use it as a dip for chips, crackers and veggies. You can also use it to make quesadillas or enchiladas for a delicious and satisfying meal. With so many ways to enjoy this tasty dip, you’ll never run out of ideas!
Is Costa Vida Queso gluten-free?
Yes, Costa Vida Queso is gluten-free since it does not contain any wheat or other grains containing gluten. However, it important to double-check the ingredients used for any potential gluten contamination from added spices or flavoring. Make sure to also check any tortilla chips served with the queso, as they may contain wheat or other grains containing gluten.
Can I make Costa Vida Queso without cumin?
Yes, you can make Costa Vida Queso without cumin if you prefer. The cumin adds an earthy flavor to the dish, but it is not essential for the overall flavor of the queso. You can either omit the cumin entirely or add some other spices for a different flavor profile. Experiment and find what works best for your taste!
Can I freeze Costa Vida Queso?
We do not recommend freezing Costa Vida Queso, as the texture and flavor may change after thawing. If you have leftovers from making a batch of this delicious dip, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until warm.
Wrapping Up
Costa Vida Queso is a delicious and easy-to-make cheese dip that can be enjoyed with chips, crackers, vegetables or Mexican dishes. With the right ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make Costa Vida Queso at home in just minutes.
Hope you have enjoyed learning about Costa Vida Queso ! With my tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a delicious meal that is sure to please everyone. So whether you are hosting a party or just looking for an easy snack, this delicious dip will definitely not disappoint. Plus, it’s easy enough for anyone to make – even those who are new to cooking!
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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.
