Lupe Tortilla Queso Recipe

Rich, creamy, and loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors, this Lupe Tortilla Queso Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Combining smoked cheddar, Colby, roasted green chilies, and a touch of Diablo sauce, it creates a perfectly balanced, melty dip that’s ideal for game days, family gatherings, or any time you crave cheesy goodness.

The subtle smokiness in this smoked queso recipe adds depth without overpowering the fresh flavors of diced tomatoes and cilantro, giving every bite a luxurious, restaurant-quality taste. Serving it with homemade guacamole and crispy tortilla chips elevates the experience even further.

For those who love bold, flavorful queso, this recipe pairs perfectly with the popular Torchy’s Taco Queso Recipe on our site. The combination of smoky cheese and fresh toppings offers a unique twist on classic Tex-Mex queso, making it a must-try for any cheese dip lover.

My Personal Experience With This Lupe Tortilla Queso Recipe

Learning how to make this queso dip felt like unlocking a Tex-Mex treasure. The first time I smoked the cheese instead of melting it traditionally, I knew I was stepping outside the usual queso dip recipe routine and the results were incredible. A gentle kiss of smoke added depth, without overpowering the cheddar or Colby.

The roasted green chilies brought warmth and sweetness, while the fresh guacamole topping balanced everything with softness and brightness. The first bite reminded me instantly of what makes Lupe Tortilla and Torchy’s famous creamy, bold, unforgettable.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a copycat Lupe Tortilla queso recipe at home, this version gets surprisingly close. Smooth, smoky, luxuriously melty it’s everything you want from a homemade queso recipe and more.

Ingredients Required for Lupe Tortilla Queso Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Lupe Tortilla Queso

Cheese Base:

• Sharp cheddar cheese – 8 oz, shredded (smoked if possible)
• Colby cheese – 8 oz, shredded
• American cheese – 6 oz, cubed
• Whole milk – 1 cup
• Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons

Flavor & Vegetable Mix:

• Onion – 1 medium, finely diced
• Roasted green chilies – 3–4 medium, peeled, seeded, and diced
• Roma tomatoes – 2 medium, diced
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Salt – ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Freshly cracked black pepper – ¼ teaspoon

Guacamole Topping:

• Ripe avocados – 2 medium
• Fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• White onion – 2 tablespoons, finely diced
• Roma tomato – 1 small, diced
• Jalapeño – 1 small, minced (optional for heat)
• Lime juice – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon

Homemade Diablo Sauce:

• Whole habanero peppers – 3–4
• White onion – ½ medium, sliced
• Tomato sauce – 3 cups
• White vinegar – 1 tablespoon
• Oil – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – ½ teaspoon

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Smoker or grill (optional for smoked queso recipe)
2. Saucepan or deep skillet
3. Mixing bowls
4. Knife & cutting board
5. Stick blender or regular blender
6. Spoon + spatula

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total: ~55 minutes

Copycat Lupe Tortilla Queso Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Lupe Tortilla Queso in a delicious way.

Step 1. Smoke the Cheese (Optional but Recommended)
Begin by placing your sharp cheddar and Colby cheese in a smoker heated to about 275°F. Let them warm and soften slowly while absorbing that rich brisket-style smoky aroma. You don’t need a long cold smoke because the cheese will melt later, so 30–45 minutes is enough for flavor and slight color.

Step 2. Roast and Prepare the Chilies
Char fresh green chilies over open flame or broil them until blistered. Transfer into a bag and let them steam to loosen the skin. Peel most of the outer layer (leave a little for flavor), remove seeds, dice finely, and set aside.

Step 3. Make Fresh Guacamole
Mash ripe avocados and mix with chopped cilantro, onions, tomato, jalapeño (optional), salt, black pepper, garlic, and lime juice. Keep chilled until topping time. This brings balance to the richness of the queso.

Step 4.  Prepare the Diablo Sauce
Sauté whole habaneros in oil until lightly browned, then add onion and cook until caramelized. Stir in tomato sauce, vinegar, and salt, and simmer 10–15 minutes. Blend until smooth and vibrant. This adds heat and depth.

Step 5. Build the Queso Base
In a skillet, melt butter and cook diced onion, green chilies, tomatoes, and salt until soft and fragrant. Add garlic briefly, then pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Melt in American cheese first to stabilize, followed by smoked cheddar and Colby.

Step 6. Blend, Top & Serve
Stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Blend for extra silkiness if desired. Top with guacamole, Diablo sauce, Cotija cheese, and cilantro then serve warm with tortilla chips.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Lupe Tortilla Queso

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Lupe Tortilla Queso deliciously

1. Classic tortilla chips dip
Nothing beats the classic a big bowl of warm queso with crunchy tortilla chips. The salty crunch of chips perfectly complements the creamy richness of our queso dip recipe.

2. Fresh veggie sticks for a lighter twist
Serve the queso alongside crisp carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices. The fresh crunch and light taste balance the richness of the queso a great option if you want a bit of freshness.

3. Nachos night queso-drizzled loaded nachos
Spread tortilla chips on a tray, pour over warm queso, then top with grilled chicken or beef, jalapeños, black beans, tomatoes, and cilantro. It’s a cheat-day favorite and a perfect way to enjoy smoky queso.

4. Stuff inside tacos or burritos
Use the queso as a creamy filling or topping for tacos or burritos whether with seasoned beef, grilled chicken, or veggies. The extra creaminess transforms ordinary tacos into something unforgettable.

5. Over baked potatoes or fries
Pour warm queso over baked potatoes or crispy fries for a Tex-Mex comfort side. The cheesy dip melts into the potatoes or fries beautifully ideal for movie nights or game days.

6. With soft pretzels or breadsticks for dipping
Swap out chips for warm soft pretzels or breadsticks. Their chewy texture plus the creamy queso make for a cozy, indulgent snack especially nice if you don’t have chips on hand.

7. As a sauce for grilled meats or veggies
Use the queso as a dipping sauce or drizzle over grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. The smoky cheese flavor pairs especially well with charred or grilled items.

8. In quesadillas or burrito bowls
Spread queso inside a cheese or veggie quesadilla or mix into a burrito bowl with rice, beans, and veggies. It adds creamy richness and makes every bite more satisfying.

9. With a side of guacamole & fresh salsa for contrast
Serve your queso alongside fresh guacamole and tangy salsa or pico de gallo. The creamy avocado and bright, zesty salsa balance the warm, cheesy dip for a full flavor experience.

10. As a topping for nachos-style loaded burritos or enchiladas
Pour your warm queso over enchiladas, burritos, or even tacosinstead of or alongside usual sauces. It makes the dish creamy, rich, and indulgent  perfect for dinner nights when you want something special.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Lupe Tortilla Queso Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use Fresh Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and makes your queso extra smooth.

2. Low Heat is Key
Keep the heat low so the cheese doesn’t clump or burn.

3. Add Milk Slowly
Pour the milk and cream little by little while stirring to get creamy queso.

4. Stir Constantly
Keep stirring while melting cheese to avoid lumps.

5. Try Smoked Paprika
Add smoked paprika for a yummy, slightly smoky flavor.

6. Serve Right Away
Queso is best warm. Don’t wait too long to serve!

7. Optional Add-Ins
Mix in tomatoes, jalapeños, or cooked sausage for extra flavor.

8. Adjust Spice 
Taste as you go. Add more jalapeños if you like it spicy.

9. Use a Whisk or Blender
A whisk or immersion blender makes the queso super creamy.

10. Pair it Well
Serve with chips, veggies, tacos, or even baked potatoes. Everyone will love it!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Lupe Tortilla Queso Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover queso in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat in a saucepan with a splash of milk to return its creamy texture. Avoid overheating, as slow warming keeps the cheese smooth and melty. Stir often until silky again.

FAQs on this Copycat Lupe Tortilla Queso Recipe

When you give this Lupe Tortilla Queso Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I make this Lupe Tortilla Queso recipe without smoking the cheese?

Absolutely! While the smoky twist adds extra depth, you can skip the smoker and still make an amazing easy queso recipe that’s creamy and flavorful.

2. What cheeses work best for this queso recipe?

We love using a combination of sharp cheddar, Colby, and American cheese. It gives that perfect balance of sharpness, creaminess, and meltability exactly what makes it a standout homemade queso recipe.

3. Is this a spicy queso recipe?

It has a little kick thanks to the roasted green chilies and Diablo sauce. From our experience, it’s flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy, but you can adjust the heat to taste.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese, chilies, and sauce in advance. Just reheat gently on low heat before serving this keeps it smooth and creamy.

5. What’s the best way to serve this queso dip?

We love it with tortilla chips, soft pretzels, or even as a topping for nachos, burritos, and baked potatoes. It’s versatile and works beautifully in so many dishes.

6. Can I use Velveeta instead of cheddar and Colby?

You can! Velveeta makes a smooth white queso recipe, but using real cheddar and Colby gives more depth and a richer flavor.

7. How do I prevent my queso from separating?

Adding a bit of American cheese or using sodium citrate helps stabilize it. From our experience, low heat and constant stirring are key.

8. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

We haven’t tried a fully dairy-free version yet, but using plant-based cheese and milk alternatives could work for a vegan twist.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftover queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.

10. Can I add other mix-ins to this queso recipe?

Definitely! We sometimes add diced tomatoes, cooked chorizo, or black beans for extra flavor. This makes your smoked queso recipe even more exciting and hearty.

If you’re craving bold flavor, creamy texture, and restaurant-quality results, this Lupe Tortilla Queso Recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen. Perfect for parties, snacks, and game-day gatherings, each bite delivers smoky depth and silky richness. Try it once and expect requests for it forever.

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