The beauty of this Queso Fundido lies in its simplicity and decadence. Rich, bubbly cheese is paired with savory, spiced chorizo in a sizzling hot skillet perfect for scooping up with crispy chips or wrapping in soft, warm tortillas. It’s a dish that brings warmth and bold flavor straight to your table. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply indulging in comfort food, this Queso Fundido with Chorizo hits all the right notes. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite. Serve it as a hearty appetizer or even as part of a casual main meal spread either way, it’s bound to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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8 oz Mexican chorizo (casings removed)
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1/2 small onion, finely chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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Optional: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, chopped cilantro for garnish
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Tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas, for serving
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up, for about 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
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Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Turn off the heat and evenly distribute the cooked chorizo mixture in the skillet.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheeses evenly over the top of the meat mixture.
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Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
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Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Optional: Top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
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Serve immediately with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Queso Fundido with Chorizo: The Ultimate Skillet Cheese Dip
When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, few dishes deliver the dramatic flair and bold flavor of Queso Fundido with Chorizo. This rich, molten cheese dip is more than just a snack it’s a culinary experience that turns any gathering into a festive occasion. Served bubbling hot in a cast iron skillet and loaded with spicy Mexican chorizo, Queso Fundido is a staple at Mexican restaurants and a growing favorite in home kitchens worldwide.
Whether you’re planning a game night, hosting a party, or simply craving a cozy comfort dish, this sizzling skillet dip brings irresistible flavor and satisfaction to the table. Let’s dive into the heritage, variations, pairing ideas, and tips for making the ultimate Queso Fundido at home.
The Origins of Queso Fundido
“Queso Fundido” translates to “melted cheese” in Spanish, and that’s exactly what this dish is all about. Originating in Northern Mexico, Queso Fundido is traditionally made with a blend of creamy, stretchy cheeses like Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, sometimes combined with Monterey Jack for its smooth meltability.
The dish gained popularity in Tex-Mex cuisine, where it became a staple appetizer in many restaurants. Its traditional preparation often includes chorizo, a highly seasoned pork sausage, cooked down until crispy and folded into or topped over the melted cheese. The dish is usually served straight from the oven in a piping-hot skillet, where diners scoop it up with chips or tortillas.
Unlike queso dip, which is often made with processed cheese like Velveeta and served as a pourable sauce, Queso Fundido is thicker, richer, and often meant to be scooped. Its appeal lies in its rustic presentation, dramatic cheese pulls, and the deep, smoky flavor from the chorizo.
Why Queso Fundido is a Party Favorite
There’s something undeniably satisfying about hot, melty cheese. Add the spiced kick of chorizo, and you’ve got a dish that checks all the boxes: flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
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Visual impact: The golden, bubbling surface and gooey cheese strands make for an Instagram-worthy appetizer.
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Customizable heat: You can choose spicy or mild chorizo, and even add jalapeños or chili flakes for more heat.
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Great for sharing: The skillet presentation makes it perfect for dipping communally, making it ideal for gatherings.
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Hearty and satisfying: It’s rich enough to hold its own as a standalone dish or to be served as part of a meal.
Ingredients That Make It Irresistible
At its core, Queso Fundido consists of just a few ingredients but each plays a vital role in the dish’s success.
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Cheese: The cheese must melt well and have a creamy texture. Oaxaca and Monterey Jack are the most common choices.
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Chorizo: Mexican chorizo is key for its spicy, smoky profile. It breaks down into crumbles and imparts deep flavor into the cheese.
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Aromatics: Onion and garlic enhance the base and complement the savoriness of the chorizo.
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Optional toppings: Fresh chopped cilantro, tomatoes, or jalapeños can add freshness and balance.
The beauty of Queso Fundido is how easily it can be adapted. Want a vegetarian version? Replace the chorizo with sautéed mushrooms or poblano peppers. Want a meatier bite? Add bacon or beef alongside the chorizo.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While Queso Fundido is traditionally served with corn or flour tortillas, many people love to scoop it with tortilla chips, especially when serving a large crowd. Here are a few serving ideas:
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As a starter: Perfect for kicking off a Mexican-themed dinner night.
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For taco night: Let guests spoon Queso Fundido into tacos or over nachos.
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Game day food: Alongside wings, sliders, and beer, it becomes the MVP of any game day spread.
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Brunch twist: Add a fried egg on top and serve with toasted bread for a decadent brunch offering.
Pair Queso Fundido with a cold Mexican lager, a margarita, or even a smoky mezcal cocktail for a drink-and-dip duo that’s hard to beat.
Tips for the Perfect Queso Fundido
Mastering Queso Fundido comes down to a few simple tips:
1. Use Oven-Safe Cookware
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat and allows you to go from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
2. Don’t Overcook the Cheese
Once the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, it’s ready. Overcooking can make it greasy or rubbery.
3. Drain Excess Fat
After browning the chorizo, drain any excess fat to prevent the final dish from being overly oily.
4. Serve Immediately
Queso Fundido is best served hot, straight from the oven. Once it cools, the cheese begins to firm up.
5. Add Some Garnish
A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a few slices of fresh jalapeño add a pop of color and freshness.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic chorizo version is the most popular, Queso Fundido is endlessly versatile:
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Mushroom Queso Fundido: Use sautéed mushrooms and onions for a hearty vegetarian version.
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Chorizo and Poblano: Add roasted poblano peppers for smoky depth and a hint of heat.
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Chili Queso Fundido: Top with a spoonful of chili for a Tex-Mex fusion twist.
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Seafood Fundido: Stir in cooked shrimp or crab for a luxe, coastal take.
Feel free to experiment based on your guests’ preferences or seasonal ingredients.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re new to Mexican cuisine or a longtime fan, Queso Fundido with Chorizo is a recipe that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s fast to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and adaptable to all kinds of flavor profiles. The next time you’re hosting friends or simply want to indulge in something delicious, this gooey, spicy, bubbling skillet dip is the way to go.
From its humble Mexican roots to its modern Tex-Mex interpretations, Queso Fundido proves that simple ingredients when combined thoughtfully can create magic. So preheat your oven, grab your skillet, and get ready for the kind of dish that earns applause and empty plates every time.