Why Austin is Obsessed with Queso (And How to Incorporate It in Your Catering)

If you’ve spent even a smidgen of time in Austin, Texas, you’ve likely encountered the city’s love affair with queso. This gooey, cheesy delight is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural icon that defines Austin’s culinary landscape. This blog post will explore why Austinites are obsessed with queso and how you, as a caterer, can incorporate this beloved dish into your offerings.

Why is Austin So Obsessed with Queso?

Queso, the Spanish word for “cheese,” refers in Tex-Mex cuisine to a warm cheese dip often served with tortilla chips. Austin’s love for queso can be attributed to several factors:

1. Cultural Fusion: As a melting pot of Mexican and Texan cultures, queso is the perfect culinary representation of the city’s diverse influences.
2. Social Experience: Sharing a bowl of queso is an inherently communal experience, a perfect match for Austin’s friendly and social atmosphere.
3. Versatility: Queso can be a dip, a topping, or even a main course. Its flexibility makes it a staple in Austin dining.
4. Local Pride: Many Austin eateries have their unique queso recipes, contributing to local pride and a sense of community.
5. Comfort Food: Finally, the warm, gooey nature of queso makes it the ultimate comfort food, resonating with the city’s laid-back vibe.

Iconic Austin Places to Get Your Queso Fix

1. Kerbey Lane Cafe: Their Kerbey Queso is an Austin legend, combining guacamole, pico de gallo, and queso in a glorious medley.
2. Torchy’s Tacos: The Green Chile Queso here is an absolute must-try, with its smoky, spicy kick.
3. Magnolia Cafe: Open 24/7, this café offers queso that’s perfect any time of the day or night.

How to Incorporate Queso into Your Catering Menu

As a Starter:

1. Classic Queso Dip: Serve with an assortment of chips and freshly chopped vegetables.
2. Queso Fondue Station: Guests can dip skewers of meat, bread, and veggies into a pot of molten queso.

Main Course Accents:

1. Queso Mac & Cheese: Elevate the classic dish by integrating a spicy queso blend.
2. Queso-Smothered Burritos or Tacos: Add a Tex-Mex flair to these favorites by dousing them in rich queso.

Daring Pairings:

1. Queso & BBQ: Believe it or not, a drizzle of queso can give a tangy twist to traditional Texas BBQ.
2. Queso-Stuffed Burgers: Make your burgers stand out by adding a gooey queso center.

Desserts (Yes, really!):

1. Queso and Fruit Skewers: A blend of mild queso fresco with pieces of fruit can be an unexpected yet delightful palate cleanser.
2. Spiced Queso Ice Cream: A daring dessert for the adventurous eater, mixing the creaminess of ice cream with the kick of queso spices.

Conclusion

Queso is not just a dish; it’s an Austin institution. The love for this cheesy delight is deeply woven into the city’s culinary and cultural fabric. Incorporating queso into your catering offerings isn’t just an option; it’s practically a requirement if you want to capture the true essence of Austin, Texas. Whether it’s a casual event or a formal gathering, a bowl of queso on the table is always a welcome sight.