Queso originates from Chihuahua, a state located in the north of Mexico. And today in the United States it plays an important role in especially Tex-Mex Cuisine.
Chile con queso sometimes simply called as queso, is an appetizer or side dish of melted cheese and chili peppers, typically served in Tex-Mex restaurants as a dip for tortilla chips.
And this full of taste meal has a day dedicated to itself too as the United States celebrates this dish with National Queso Day which falls annually on every 20th September across the country.
| Event | National Queso Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 20, 2022 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Significance | Celebrates the taste of Queso |
| Observed by | United States |
National Queso Day History:
Although the exact origins are not know but chile con queso is largely believed to be invented around the 19th century or earlier in the Chihuahua state in the northern Mexico. However the first known recipe for queso is recorded from 1896, which came out in an American magazine called The Land of Sunshine.
The dish was originally called chiles verdes con queso, which translates to “green chilis with cheese”. The recipe was categorized as Mexican Food and was originally more focused on the chilis than it was on the cheese.
The first modern Tex-Mex establishment serving delicious queso popped up in San Antonio, Texas in the 1900s all thanks to Otis Farnsworth who introduced it. Later in 1918, Velveera was invented and it was used to make queso dip which became an total American tradition. Although it didn't gain popularity for a long time, but in 1939 it was published in a cookbook and since then became very popular.
The exact origin of our modern version of chili con queso in the US is highly disputed, but one restaurant in Arkansas, "Little Mexico," claims to be the first establishment to serve up our beloved cheese dip. And there is a high chance that they might he true and our favorite cheese dip has its origins in Mexico.
National Queso Day Significance:
Chile con queso is a smooth, creamy sauce, used for dipping, that is made from a blend of melted cheesesoften Velveeta, cream, and chili peppers. Many restaurants serve chile con queso with such added ingredients as pico de gallo, black beans, guacamole, and ground beef or pork.
Chile con queso is a warm dish which is heated to a desired temperature. Chile con queso can be eaten with tortillas, tortilla chips, or pita chips which are thicker than regular tortilla chips. It can also be used as a condiment on fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, migas, quesadillas or any other Tex-Mex dish.
Today, Chile con queso is predominantly found on the menus of Tex-Mex restaurants in the southwest and western United States. While Tex-Mex restaurants often offer chips and salsa free of charge, queso is usually offered for an additional charge. It cam be made with variety of cheeses, usually they makes it with white or yellow cheeses.
National Queso Day Celebrations:
In celebration of National Queso Day, pay a visit to a your nearby or favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant and have a ton of fun digging into a bowl of queso cheese dip. Even more fun, order queso as a take-out dish from several different local restaurants and have a taste test of all of them ti see for yourself that which one offers the best taste by comparing them.
Cooking queso dip isn’t that difficult as most people might think. All it takes is a little bit of melted cheese which you prefer, as well as some salsa, rotel tomatoes and chilis. Then they mix everything up and keep the queso warm for serving. At last sprinkle it with preferred garnish like chopped green salad or pieces of vegetables. And your queso is ready to be served for dipping tortilla chips into it.
As the say that 'sharing is caring' so don't mind yourself from throwing a chile con queso party for your friends or family. Especially if you have any Mexican or Hispanic friend then it will be even more memorable for both of you. You will also enjoy a moment of friendship with your friends along with getting yourself indulge in the rich taste of queso.
Most Searched FAQs on National Queso Day:
1. When is National Queso Day is celebrated?
National Queso Day is celebrated annually on 20th September in US.
2. Is queso a cheese?
Queso literally means “cheese” in Spanish, but that's not all you're getting when you order this creamy, gooey, sometimes spicy delight at a restaurant.
3. What is traditional queso made from?
Queso or Queso Blanco is a white cheese that is made with a combination of cow's milk and goat's milk.