How to Make Queso Fundido with Chorizo
August 25, 2024
Queso fundido with chorizo is a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, known for its rich, indulgent flavor and satisfying texture. The name “queso fundido” translates to “melted cheese,” which perfectly describes the essence of the dish.
At its core, queso fundido is a simple yet irresistible combination of melted cheese and spicy chorizo. The cheese, usually a blend of Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or Monterey Jack, is melted until it’s gooey and stretchy, creating the perfect base for the dish. The chorizo, a seasoned pork sausage, adds a savory, spicy kick that complements the creamy cheese.
The dish is typically served as an appetizer or a snack and is often enjoyed with warm tortillas or tortilla chips, making it perfect for scooping and sharing. The contrast between the melted cheese and the crispy, slightly greasy chorizo creates a delightful combination that is hard to resist.
Queso fundido with chorizo is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or even a splash of tequila or beer to add depth of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings, where it often becomes the centerpiece of the table.
Beyond its delicious taste, queso fundido with chorizo is also a reflection of the communal aspect of Mexican dining, where food is shared and enjoyed together. The process of dipping tortillas or chips into the melted cheese encourages a casual, social atmosphere, making it a favorite at both casual get-togethers and more formal occasions.
This dish is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special. It’s a comforting, indulgent treat that brings together the best of Mexican culinary traditions.
This Mexican queso fundido with chorizo is incredibly easy to make and absolutely finger-licking good! “Queso fundido” literally translates to “melted cheese,” which perfectly describes this dish.
While I’m preparing it in the oven, you can just as easily make it in a skillet. Simply stir the cheese until it’s fully melted and then serve. If you’re in a pinch, you can even make this in the microwave by stirring the cheese every 30 seconds until it’s melted. However, I wouldn’t recommend the microwave method unless you have no other option.
A quick tip: be careful not to leave it in the oven too long, as overcooking can cause the cheese to harden. Once the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, it’s ready to be enjoyed. This should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes.
For an authentic Mexican queso fundido, you can use Oaxaca cheese. However, a blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack also works beautifully and adds a nice flavor.
We’re using Mexican chorizo in this recipe, which brings a rich, spicy flavor to the dish. If you can’t find Mexican chorizo, you can substitute it with Spanish chorizo, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Serve your queso fundido with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips and dig in. Enjoy!
Mexican Queso & Chorizo Dip
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
9 oz (455 grams) Mexican or Spanish Chorizo
1 teaspoon oil
1/2 of a white onion, finely diced
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Tortillas or chips, for serving
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Heat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
Cook Chorizo:
Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium heat and add the oil.
Add the chorizo to the skillet, breaking it down with your spatula as it cooks.
Add the finely diced onion and mix well. Continue cooking until the chorizo is fully cooked.
Optional Step:
If desired, drain the excess fat from the chorizo. Otherwise, leave it in the pan. Reserve some of the cooked chorizo on a plate for topping later.
Add Cheese:
Place half of the shredded cheese into the skillet and mix it with the chorizo.
Add the remaining cheese on top, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake:
Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Be careful not to overcook, as the cheese may become hard.
Serve:
Remove the skillet from the oven and top the dip with the reserved chorizo.
Serve immediately with warm tortillas or tortilla chips on the side.
Notes:
If you do not have an ovenproof skillet, cook the chorizo in a regular skillet, then transfer it to an ovenproof dish. Mix in the cheese and bake as directed.
Nutrition (per serving, for dip only):
Calories: 361.7 kcal
Total Fat: 30.2 g
Saturated Fat: 15.6 g
Total Carbohydrates: 4.2 g
Sugar: 1.0 g
Dietary Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 19.9 g
Cholesterol: 83.1 mg
Sodium: 755.5 mg
Trans Fat: 0 g
Enjoy your Mexican Queso & Chorizo Dip!