Homemade Queso Fundido Recipe
Queso fundido, which translates to “melted cheese,” is a delicious and hearty Mexican dish often served as an appetizer or side dish. This gooey, savory dish combines melted cheese with chorizo, peppers, and onions, making it a flavorful, crowd-pleasing snack. Queso fundido is typically served with warm tortillas or tortilla chips, allowing you to scoop up the molten cheese goodness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own homemade queso fundido that will leave your guests asking for more!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) Mexican chorizo (spicy or mild, as preferred)
- 2 cups (225g) shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups (225g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 poblano pepper or bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 small tomato, diced (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips (for serving)
Optional Add-ins:
- Sliced jalapeños (for extra spice)
- Mushrooms (sautéed)
- Black beans (for added texture)
- Green onions (as garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Grate the cheese if needed, chop the onions, dice the poblano pepper (or bell pepper if you prefer something milder), and mince the garlic. If you plan to add any extra ingredients like mushrooms, black beans, or jalapeños, have them ready as well.
The choice of cheese is essential for queso fundido. Oaxaca cheese is traditionally used in Mexican cooking because it melts perfectly, creating that ideal stretchy, gooey texture. However, if you cannot find Oaxaca cheese, mozzarella works just as well. The Monterey Jack adds creaminess and a subtle flavor that pairs nicely with the spiciness of chorizo and peppers.
Step 2: Cooking the Chorizo
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the chorizo over medium heat. If the chorizo is in casings, remove it before cooking. Break it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Chorizo has a high-fat content, so you likely won’t need any oil, but if it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
Continue cooking until the chorizo is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a plate, leaving behind the rendered fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the diced onions and poblano peppers (or bell peppers) to the pan. Sauté them in the leftover chorizo fat until softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant.
If you’re adding mushrooms or any other vegetables, this is a good time to sauté them with the onions and peppers. The key here is to make sure the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
Step 4: Layering the Cheese and Chorizo
Once the vegetables are ready, turn off the heat and layer half of the shredded Oaxaca (or mozzarella) and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the vegetables. Then, sprinkle the cooked chorizo on top of the cheese layer. Finally, add the remaining cheese over the chorizo, creating a delicious, cheesy sandwich of flavors.
Step 5: Melting the Cheese
Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the cheese, as it can quickly go from perfectly melted to overcooked.
If you prefer to avoid using the broiler, you can also cover the skillet and melt the cheese on the stovetop over low heat. Just be patient, as this method may take a little longer.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the oven (using oven mitts, as the handle will be very hot). Sprinkle the queso fundido with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
Serve the queso fundido immediately with warm tortillas or tortilla chips. Guests can use the tortillas to scoop up the cheesy mixture, creating their own gooey tacos, or simply enjoy it as a dip with chips.
Tips for Perfect Queso Fundido:
- Serving immediately: Queso fundido is best enjoyed straight out of the oven when the cheese is at its meltiest. If it sits for too long, the cheese may start to harden. If this happens, you can return it to the oven or stovetop to re-melt.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or even crispy bacon for added texture and flavor. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes.
- Cheese variations: If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, try incorporating some sharp cheddar or even a bit of crumbled queso fresco for extra creaminess.
Conclusion
Homemade queso fundido is a simple, yet delicious dish that’s perfect for gatherings or even a cozy night at home. Its rich, melty cheese and spicy chorizo make it the ultimate comfort food. By following these steps and using fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality queso fundido that will impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
