Queso Fundido Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about diving into a cheesy, spicy Queso Fundido, and this version, loaded with chorizo and melty Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese, is perfect for those nights when you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed treat.

I really enjoy making the classic Tex-Mex cheese dip called queso fundido. A bubbling cauldron of this gooey goodness, redolent of melting Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheeses and oozing with the flavors of sautéed chorizo, poblanos, and onions, is sure to yield some happy guests at a party because it is so warm, cheesy, and a little spicy in the best way.

Ingredients

• Chorizo: A flavorful, spicy sausage rich in protein and fats, adding depth to the dish.
• Oaxaca Cheese: A creamy, meltable cheese, providing a mild, buttery taste and calcium.
• Poblano Pepper: Adds mild heat and smoky flavor, along with fiber and vitamins.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Enhances creaminess, with a mild taste; supplies protein and calcium.
• Garlic: Infuses aroma and savory notes, offering antioxidant benefits.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz chorizo, casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 poblano pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz Oaxaca cheese, shredded
• 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Tortilla chips or warm tortillas, for serving

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to warm up.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, prepare the chorizo, breaking it up into small pieces, until it has browned and is fully cooked. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Chorizo is a type of Mexican sausage that can be found in fine quality at most markets. If you can’t find it, you can make your own or substitute other flavorful, spicy sausages.

3. In the same skillet, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion and poblano pepper until soft, with the onion becoming translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.

4. To the skillet, add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Return the chorizo cooked to the skillet and mix with the vegetables until well combined.

6. Evenly spread the chorizo mixture in a baking dish or skillet that is safe for the oven.

7. In a big bowl, mix the shredded Oaxaca with the Monterey Jack cheeses. Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the chorizo.

8. Bake in the oven that has been preheated to about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted completely and bubbly.

9. Take out of the oven and dust with just-ground black pepper and, if you’re using it, chopped cilantro.

10. Serve at once with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Slotted spoon
4. Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Cheese grater
9. Measuring spoons
10. Spoon or spatula for mixing

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can substitute Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, but the flavor and texture may vary.
• Q: Do I have to use chorizo? A: No, you can substitute chorizo with another sausage or even omit it for a vegetarian version. Just keep in mind the flavor will change.
• Q: How can I make it spicier? A: To add more heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the poblano pepper.
• Q: What’s the best way to melt the cheese? A: For best results, melt the cheese slowly over low heat to prevent it from becoming greasy. Using an oven-safe dish to bake it at 375°F until melted and bubbly is also recommended.
• Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time? A: It’s best served immediately, but you can prepare the chorizo and vegetable mixture in advance and then melt the cheese just before serving.
• Q: What can I serve with Queso Fundido? A: Serve it with tortilla chips or warm tortillas to scoop up the melted cheese and delicious toppings.

Queso Fundido Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chorizo can be substituted with spicy Italian sausage or soyrizo for a vegetarian option.
You can use vegetable oil or canola oil in place of olive oil.
Mozzarella cheese can be used in place of Oaxaca cheese because it has a similar flavor and melts the same way.
For a taste with a bit more bite, cheddar cheese can be used instead of Monterey Jack. Cheddar also melts well, making it a good substitute for Monterey Jack.
Bell pepper can replace poblano pepper for a milder flavor, or jalapeño can take its place for more heat.

Pro Tips

1. Cheese Choice While Oaxaca and Monterey Jack are great for melting, you can add a bit of sharp cheddar to the mix for extra flavor depth and a slight tang.

2. Poblano Pepper Prep For extra flavor, consider roasting the poblano pepper before dicing. This can add a bit of smokiness to the dish. Simply roast it over a flame until the skin is charred, peel off the skin, then dice.

3. Chorizo Variations If you’re looking to enhance the flavor further, try using a smoked or spicy variety of chorizo to add depth and heat to the dish.

4. Cilantro Enhancement For a more robust cilantro flavor, add some of the chopped cilantro to the chorizo mixture while it’s still warm in the skillet, letting it wilt slightly. Save some fresh cilantro for garnish.

5. Serving Tip Warm your tortilla chips or tortillas in the oven for a few minutes before serving. This extra step can elevate the eating experience with a warm and toasty side.