National Queso Day

Cheesy dip overflowing from a bowl, surrounded by a group of happy friends, enjoying a backyard picnic.. — National queso day illustration

Welcome to the cheesy world of National Queso Day! Get ready to dip into a melting pot of deliciousness and celebrate this ooey-gooey day with utmost delight.

When is Queso Day?

It's national queso day on the 20th September.

The Birth of a Cheesy Holiday

Do you know how a national day dedicated solely to queso came to be? Let me take you on a delightful journey into the internet history of National Queso Day.

It all started on September 20, 2019, when queso lovers across the nation flooded the internet with cheesy excitement. With 417 mentions online, it became evident that queso had captured the hearts (and appetites) of people everywhere.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the term 'queso' comes from Spanish, where it simply means 'cheese'? Talk about a language made for cheese lovers!

Why We Can't Resist the Queso Obsession

Queso holds a special place in our hearts and taste buds for several reasons. First and foremost, it's made of cheese, which automatically elevates any food to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you're dipping crunchy tortilla chips, drizzling it over nachos, or smothering it on a burrito, queso adds a creamy, tangy, and downright addictive element to any dish.

Furthermore, queso has become a staple at parties, game nights, and social gatherings. It brings people together, creating a sense of cheesy camaraderie that's hard to resist. Plus, there's something undeniably satisfying about pulling apart a big, gooey string of queso and devouring it like a cheese-loving champion.

Celebrate National Queso Day in Style

If you want to fully embrace the spirit of National Queso Day, here are a few ways you can celebrate:

Host a queso tasting party and invite your loved ones over to try different queso recipes. Don't forget the salsa and chips!
Challenge your friends to a queso-making competition. Who can create the cheesiest, creamiest, and most flavorful queso concoction?
Visit your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant and indulge in a plate of nachos smothered in queso. Don't worry about double-dipping; it's a queso party!

Tag along with us as we celebrate National Queso Day with a smile on our faces and a cheesy dip in our hands. It's a day dedicated to all things queso, and we're here to make the most of it. Happy dipping!

History behind the term 'Queso'

1918

The Birth of Queso

In 1918, the term 'queso' was born in Mexico. Derived from the Spanish word for cheese, 'queso' refers to the delicious dairy product that has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The term encompasses various types of cheese, including creamy and melty cheese used for dipping or topping dishes.

1520

The Spanish Arrival

In the year 1520, Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mesoamerica, including present-day Mexico. With them, they brought their culinary traditions, including the love for cheese. This introduction of cheese to the region laid the foundation for the birth of 'queso'.

1910

The Birth of Queso

The term 'queso' originates from the Spanish language and is derived from the Latin word 'caseus' meaning 'cheese'. The Spanish colonizers brought their culinary traditions to the Americas, including the love for cheese. As a result, 'queso' became the name for cheese in many Latin American countries.

1920

Queso in Mexican Cuisine

During the 1920s, Mexican cuisine flourished and began gaining popularity outside of Mexico. Queso found its way into various Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, tacos, and chiles rellenos. Mexican-style queso, often made from melting cheese like queso blanco, queso Chihuahua, or queso fresco, became an integral part of the country's culinary identity.

1935

Queso Dip: The Game Changer

Queso reached another milestone in 1935 when the famous 'queso dip' was created in Tex-Mex cuisine. This mouth-watering concoction, made by melting cheese with other ingredients like tomato, onions, chilies, and spices, quickly became a crowd favorite. The popularity of queso dip spread like wildfire, especially in the southwestern United States.

1524

The Nahuatl Influence

In 1524, Hernán Cortés established the first cheese-making facility in Mexico. This facility utilized traditional Nahuatl techniques to make cheese from cow's milk. The Nahuatl people had been using coagulated milk to create delicious dairy products long before the arrival of the Spanish, and their methods heavily influenced the early development of 'queso'.

1970

Queso Dip Emerges

In the 1970s, a delicious and gooey variation of queso called 'queso dip' started to gain popularity in Tex-Mex cuisine. This creamy dip, typically made with processed cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes, and various seasonings, became a beloved appetizer in the United States. Today, queso dip is a staple at parties, sporting events, and Tex-Mex restaurants across the country.

1976

Queso Blanco: A Creamy Delight

In 1976, a new variation of queso emerged: queso blanco. This white cheese is milder in flavor and has a creamy texture, making it perfect for melting and using in various dishes. Queso blanco gained popularity not only in Mexico but also in other Latin American countries and the United States, where it became a popular addition to Tex-Mex cuisine.

1684

Colonial Era Enrichment

During the colonial era in Mexico, the Spaniards began to enhance 'queso' production by introducing new techniques and tools. The cheese-making processes were refined, and various regional variations of 'queso' started to emerge. This period marked an important milestone in the evolution of 'queso' as a distinct cheese in Mexican cuisine.

2000s

Queso Festivals and Competitions

By the 2000s, queso had become such a beloved food that it started to have its own festivals and competitions. These events celebrate the diversity and creativity of queso recipes, with participants showcasing their unique twists on the classic dip. The festivals became a platform to highlight regional variations and introduce new flavors, further fueling the love for queso among food enthusiasts.

1900s

Modernization and Commercialization

As Mexico progressed into the 20th century, advancements in technology and transportation facilitated the modernization and commercialization of 'queso' production. Cheese production became a thriving industry, and 'queso' became an integral part of Mexican gastronomy. Today, 'queso' is an essential ingredient in numerous Mexican dishes, adding its distinctive flavor and texture.

1992

Queso Fundido Makes Waves

Queso fundido, meaning 'molten cheese' in Spanish, surged in popularity during the 1990s. This dish consists of melted cheese, typically queso Chihuahua or Monterey Jack, combined with various ingredients like chorizo, onions, or mushrooms. Queso fundido is often served as a warm and delicious appetizer, especially in Mexican cuisine.

Present

Queso Craze Continues

Today, queso remains a beloved culinary term associated with cheesy goodness. From traditional Mexican dishes to modern variations like queso blanco, queso fresco, and queso flameado, cheese lovers around the world enjoy exploring the world of queso. Whether it's indulging in queso dip at a gathering or savoring the rich flavors of queso fundido, this term continues to tantalize taste buds and bring people together through the love of cheese.

Present Day

Queso Goes Global

Today, queso has transcended borders and gained popularity around the world. Its versatility and deliciousness have made it a staple in many cuisines beyond Mexican and Tex-Mex. From elegant restaurants to casual home gatherings, queso has become a go-to appetizer, topping, or ingredient in countless dishes. Whether enjoyed as a dip, melted on tacos, or used as a filling for empanadas, the term 'queso' has become synonymous with cheesy goodness.