Queso Fundido Recipe is a traditional Mexican dish made with melted cheese and often served as a dip. It is a simple yet flavorful appetizer that combines gooey, melted cheese with spices and sometimes meats like chorizo.
Typically, Queso Fundido is enjoyed with warm tortillas or chips for dipping. The dish is perfect for any gathering, offering a rich, savoury taste that’s sure to please. Whether served as a starter or a snack, Queso Fundido’s delicious combination of cheese and spice makes it a crowd favourite.
Why You’ll Love Queso Fundido
Cheesy Goodness: Queso Fundido is a warm, gooey delight packed with rich, melted cheese, creating the perfect creamy texture. Every bite is a cheese lover’s dream!
Perfect for Sharing: It’s a crowd-pleasing dish, ideal for parties or gatherings. Serve it as an appetizer or snack, and watch everyone dig in and enjoy the cheesy goodness.
Easy to Make: Queso Fundido doesn’t require complex cooking skills. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can make this flavorful dish at home and impress your guests.
Ingredients Note for a Queso Fundido
Making a delicious queso fundido requires a few key ingredients that come together to create the perfect blend of creamy, melty cheese and spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Oaxaca cheese: This semi-soft cheese is essential for queso fundido. It melts beautifully, offering a rich, creamy texture.
- Chihuahua cheese: Known for its mild flavour and excellent meltability, this cheese gives the dip a nice stretch.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth texture and a bit of richness to the dip while preventing the cheese from becoming too thick.
- Onion: Sautéed onions bring a subtle sweetness and savoury depth to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the queso a lovely aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dip.
- Cumin: This earthy spice adds a warm, slightly smoky flavour, enhancing the overall taste.
- Chilli powder: For a bit of heat and colour, chilli powder adds the perfect kick to the cheese blend.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, they help balance all the flavours and enhance the richness of the cheese.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich, melted cheese.
- Tortilla chips: Crispy tortilla chips are the perfect vehicle for scooping up all that melty goodness.
How to Cook Queso Fundido Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the chorizo: In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the item from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add spices: Sprinkle cumin and chilli powder over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine them evenly—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt the cheese: Add the shredded Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheese starts to melt and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine chorizo: Once the cheese is fully melted, stir the cooked chorizo back into the skillet, mixing it well with the cheese.
- Transfer to the oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping.
Queso Fundido Variations
Queso Fundido can be easily customised with various ingredients and flavours. Some popular variations include:
- Chorizo Queso Fundido: The addition of cooked chorizo sausage adds a spicy, savoury kick to the cheesy goodness.
- Vegetarian Queso Fundido: For a vegetarian twist, sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers can be added to the cheese for a tasty and satisfying dish.
- Queso Fundido with Jalapeños: For an extra kick of heat, add sliced jalapeños or other chilli peppers into the melted cheese.
- Queso Fundido with Shrimp: For a seafood twist, adding cooked shrimp can elevate this dish to something extraordinary.
How to Serve Queso Fundido
To serve Queso Fundido, follow these steps:
- Warm it up: Serve Queso Fundido straight from the stove or oven while it’s still hot and melted for the best experience.
- Serve with Dippers: Pair it with tortilla chips, fresh tortillas, sliced vegetables, or crusty bread for a delicious dipping experience.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a drizzle of salsa for added flavor and color.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover Queso Fundido, here are some storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Let the cheese cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one.
- Freezing: Although it’s not ideal for freezing, you can store it in the freezer for up to a month. However, be aware that the texture may change upon reheating.
FAQs About Queso Fundido
How do you make Queso Fundido?
To make Queso Fundido, melt the cheese in a skillet with a bit of oil, then add your choice of extras, such as chorizo or mushrooms. Once melted and bubbly, serve it hot with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping.
Can I make Queso Fundido ahead of time?
It’s best to make Queso Fundido fresh, as it’s best served hot and melted. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and then melt them together when you’re ready to serve.
What kind of cheese is best for Queso Fundido?
Oaxaca cheese is the most traditional choice for Queso Fundido due to its reliability. However, Chihuahua cheese or a blend of both also works well to create a smooth, rich dip.
Can I add other ingredients to Queso Fundido?
Yes! Many people add chorizo, peppers, onions, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavor. Experiment with different toppings to suit your tastes!
Queso Fundido Recipe
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Spoon or Spatula
- Knife
- Oven
- Serving Dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Chihuahua cheese
- 1/4 cup chorizo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the chorizo: In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add spices: Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt the cheese: Add the shredded Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheese starts to melt and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine chorizo: Once the cheese is fully melted, stir the cooked chorizo back into the skillet, mixing it well with the cheese.
- Transfer to the oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping.
