Jenna Bush Hager has fond memories of Mexican cuisine from her childhood in Texas, where traditional dishes like tamales, enchiladas, and guacamole graced her family’s Christmas Eve dinners. As the co-anchor of TODAY, Bush Hager has shared her passion for cooking with viewers, showcasing various dishes, including her beloved queso dip.
Known affectionately as a staple in Texas, Bush Hager revealed her easy queso recipe during a TikTok video in 2024. The secret to its creamy goodness? Extra Velveeta cheese. Her recipe includes a big block of Velveeta, a can of Ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, a can of refried beans, and sliced avocado, making it a hit among her family. She shared, “It’s great because it has everything in there: beans, queso or even meat if you like.” Her daughters, Mila and Poppy, enjoy it so much that they’ve been known to eat it with a spoon, mistaking it for cheese soup.
The love for queso transcends simply being a dish; it’s an experience. In a fun moment at the premiere of The Kelly Clarkson Show’s fifth season, Bush Hager and her fellow Texan Hoda Kotb surprised Clarkson with a giant bowl of chips and a hefty vat of queso. Clarkson praised the dip, declaring, “You are so Texas right now!” as Bush Hager carried the impressive bowl.
Queso has a way of bringing people together, regardless of the season, and can easily become a centerpiece for any gathering. By adding festive drinks and other snacks, it creates the perfect atmosphere for enjoying time with family and friends.
Bush Hager’s emphasis on comfort food highlights how culinary traditions can foster connection and joy in our lives.