Homemade Queso Fundido Recipe
If you’re a fan of melty cheese, sizzling chorizo, and irresistible party dips, Homemade Queso Fundido is destined to become your new go-to appetizer. Bursting with bold flavors and gooey, bubbling cheese, this Mexican classic transforms just a handful of simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or craving a decadent snack, this dish guarantees moments of pure cheesy bliss. Let’s dive into everything you need to master Homemade Queso Fundido at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe’s magic comes from its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element does more than just add flavor: from the smoky chorizo to the oozy cheeses, every bite feels thoughtfully balanced and totally crave-worthy.
- Olive oil: Essential for getting the chorizo and veggies started, with a subtle fruity note that rounds out the flavor.
- Mexican chorizo (casings removed): The heart of the dish; it brings rich, spicy, and savory character that makes every forkful pop.
- Onion (finely chopped): Offers natural sweetness and soft texture to balance the spice of the chorizo and jalapeño.
- Jalapeño (seeded and minced): Adds a gentle kick and vibrant green flecks; feel free to dial up or down for your spice tolerance.
- Garlic (minced): Builds a deep aroma and brings every other flavor to life; don’t skip it!
- Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella): The cheese pull superstar; perfectly stretchy and smooth when melted.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, blending creamy mildness with a bit of tang for balance.
- Chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes (optional garnish): For a fresh, colorful finish and a pop of brightness to contrast the richness of the cheese.
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas: The necessary vehicles to scoop up all that cheesy goodness—pick your favorite or serve both!
How to Make Homemade Queso Fundido
Step 1: Sauté the Chorizo and Veggies
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, grab a skillet and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks, and let it sizzle until it’s fully browned and fragrant. Sprinkle in the onion and jalapeño, and sauté for three minutes to mellow their bite while infusing the dish with extra flavor. Finish by stirring in the minced garlic and let it all cook for just one more minute—your kitchen will smell incredible at this point!
Step 2: Drain and Prep the Filling
Chorizo brings plenty of flavor, but also a fair amount of grease. Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and carefully drain off the excess fat. This ensures your Homemade Queso Fundido stays rich without being oily. Set the chorizo mixture aside as you prep your cheeses.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Chorizo
In an oven-safe dish or skillet, scatter half the shredded Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese as your first base layer—this helps the filling get that coveted stretch. Next, spread the chorizo-veggie mix evenly over the cheese. Generously top everything with your remaining shredded cheeses. These three layers guarantee a perfect bite every time, with spicy chorizo hugged between blankets of melty cheese.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling
Slide your assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese on top—that’s how you know it’s ready! Resist the urge to dive in right away; a minute’s rest out of the oven helps everything meld and settle just slightly for easier serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot
Pile on freshly chopped cilantro and a handful of diced tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy—these garnishes add color and a fresh note against the richness. Serve your Homemade Queso Fundido immediately, while it’s hot and oozy, alongside a mountain of tortilla chips or stacks of steamy tortillas. Dig in while you laugh, snack, and share!
How to Serve Homemade Queso Fundido
Garnishes
Adding that final flourish of cilantro and diced tomatoes does more than just make Homemade Queso Fundido Instagram-worthy. The herbs and tomatoes cut through the richness and make each bite sing with freshness. If you want to switch it up, try thinly sliced green onions or even a scatter of pickled jalapeños for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
Classic tortilla chips make the perfect vessel for scooping up cheesy goodness, but soft, warm flour or corn tortillas let you make mini “cheese tacos” right at the table. Homemade Queso Fundido also pairs beautifully with guacamole, salsa, or a crisp salad for a bit of contrast alongside all that molten decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Homemade Queso Fundido up a notch by serving it straight from a cast iron skillet for rustic flair. For parties, try individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. Or get playful by offering a build-your-own bar with a selection of chips, tortillas, and fun toppings like pickled onions, diced peppers, or hot sauce so guests can make each plate their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Homemade Queso Fundido (lucky you!), spoon the cooled leftovers into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors only deepen as they sit, making for an even tastier snack the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is best for melty cheese dips, you can freeze Homemade Queso Fundido if needed. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and enjoy within one month for best quality. Just know the texture of the cheese may change a bit after thawing, but the flavor remains spectacular.
Reheating
To bring your queso back to life, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Enjoy as soon as it’s hot and gooey again—just like the first time!
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Queso Fundido vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chorizo for finely chopped, sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based sausage. The result is just as hearty and satisfying, with all the cheesy magic intact.
What’s the best cheese to use if I can’t find Oaxaca?
If Oaxaca cheese isn’t available, low-moisture mozzarella is a fantastic substitute thanks to its mild flavor and lovely stretchiness. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for an even creamier texture.
Is Homemade Queso Fundido spicy?
The level of heat depends on your jalapeño and chorizo, but you can easily dial the spice up or down. Remove seeds from the jalapeño for less heat, or swap in a milder chili. For extra fire, toss in a diced serrano or sprinkle on hot sauce before serving.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook and layer the chorizo mixture and cheeses in your skillet up to several hours in advance. Just pop it into the oven to bake right before guests arrive, so it’s melty and fresh.
How do I keep my queso fundido from becoming oily?
Be sure to drain the cooked chorizo and veggie mixture well before layering with cheese. If you see a little oil on top after baking, gently blot with a paper towel—it’s all flavor, but a quick blot helps keep the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
You won’t believe how quickly Homemade Queso Fundido disappears whenever it hits the table—don’t be surprised if guests ask for the recipe! If you love bold flavors, easy preparation, and the magic of melted cheese, this one’s a must-try. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and dive into a dish that’s always the life of the party. Enjoy every gooey, spicy bite!
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Homemade Queso Fundido Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the gooey, cheesy goodness of Homemade Queso Fundido with Mexican chorizo, perfect for dipping tortilla chips or warm tortillas. This easy-to-make appetizer is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Chorizo Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Mexican chorizo (casings removed)
- 1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or substitute mozzarella)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish & Serving:
- Chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Chorizo: In a skillet, cook chorizo in olive oil until browned. Add onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Remove from heat.
- Layer Cheeses: In an oven-safe dish, layer cheeses and cooked chorizo mixture. Bake until bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with cilantro and tomatoes. Serve hot with chips or tortillas.
Notes
- Queso fundido is best served hot and gooey—reheat gently if needed.
- You can swap chorizo for cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
