Irresistibly Cheesy Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe for Game Day

Melted cheese and spicy chorizo create an irresistible chorizo queso fundido that sparks instant hunger.

Bubbling skillets of gooey goodness promise pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Mexican appetizers rarely deliver such intense flavor in mere moments.

Rich, smoky sausage mingles perfectly with stretchy, molten cheese.

Unexpected herbs and peppers add surprising depth to this classic dish.

Gather ingredients and prepare for a mouthwatering experience that will impress everyone around the table.

You cannot resist the temptation of this incredible starter.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Queso Fundido

• Chorizo: Spicy, flavorful Mexican sausage that provides the main protein and deep, rich taste.
• Onion, Jalapeno: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, heat, and aromatic base flavor to the dish.

• Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses with perfect stretch and sharp, tangy flavor profiles.

• Garlic: Provides intense, pungent flavor base.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that enhances Mexican-style dishes.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb with bright, citrusy notes for final garnish.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, acidic topping that adds color and lightness.
• Jalapenos: Optional fresh peppers for extra heat and garnish.

• Tortillas, Tortilla Chips: Traditional serving vehicles for scooping and dipping the queso fundido.

Instructions to Make Chorizo Queso Fundido

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Step 2: Brown the Chorizo

Heat a sturdy cast-iron skillet over medium flame

Drop in chorizo sausage

Break apart the meat while cooking

Cook until edges turn crispy and golden brown

Takes about 5 minutes

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Sliced jalapenos

Saute until vegetables soften and become translucent

Cooking time is roughly 2-3 minutes

Step 4: Boost Aromatic Intensity

Add minced garlic

Sprinkle ground cumin

Stir quickly for 30 seconds

Let the spices release their incredible fragrance

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Layer

Switch off heat

Spread chorizo mixture evenly across skillet

Shower shredded cheese over the top

Cover entire surface completely

Step 6: Melt and Bubble

Slide skillet into preheated oven

Bake for 10-12 minutes

Watch cheese transform into gooey perfection

Aim for fully melted and bubbly texture

Step 7: Create Golden Crispy Top

Switch oven to broil

Cook for 1-2 minutes

Develop beautiful golden-brown surface

Step 8: Dress and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro

Add diced tomatoes

Scatter sliced jalapenos on top

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Bring skillet directly to table

Grab warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips

Scoop melted cheese onto tortillas

Dip chips directly into hot, spicy mixture

Tips to Keep Your Fundido Rich and Gooey

• Customize Cheese Blend: Mix different Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca, Chihuahua, and Monterey Jack for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Control Spice Level: Remove jalapeno seeds to reduce heat or add extra for more kick, making the dish adaptable to personal spice preferences.
• Perfect Chorizo Crisp: Cook chorizo slowly and break into small pieces to ensure maximum crispiness and even distribution throughout the queso.
• Skillet Selection Matters: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to enhance flavor and achieve perfect heat distribution for melting cheese.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Enjoy queso fundido right after cooking to maintain its gooey, melted texture and prevent cheese from solidifying.

Reheat and Storage Instructions for Fundido

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the queso fundido fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the queso fundido in the original cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and maintain creamy consistency.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation.
• Add fresh chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of extra cheese when reheating to refresh the flavor and restore some of the original melty texture.

What to Serve Alongside Queso Fundido

• Crisp, light Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo Especial perfectly cut through the rich, spicy chorizo queso, refreshing your palate between bites.
• A classic lime margarita with salt rim balances the cheese's creaminess and chorizo's bold flavors, adding a zesty citrus kick to each mouthful.
• This Spanish red wine's medium body and subtle spice notes harmonize beautifully with the chorizo's smoky profile and melted cheese's complexity.
• A spicy beer cocktail mixed with tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce enhances the dish's Mexican-inspired flavors, creating a vibrant drinking experience.

Flavor Ideas for Queso Fundido Lovers

• Vegetarian Chorizo Swap: Replace chorizo with plant-based chorizo or crumbled tempeh seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cheese Dip: Skip tortillas and serve with sliced bell peppers, cucumber rounds, or crispy bacon strips as dippers for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-Free Friendly: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like vegan cheddar or cashew-based cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests while maintaining the rich, melty texture.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or remove jalapenos for a milder version, or add extra diced green chilies for those who love intense heat and want a spicier experience.

Questions About Queso Fundido Answered

• How do I choose the right chorizo for this recipe?

Select fresh Mexican-style chorizo, which is soft and uncooked, preferably from a local butcher or specialty store. Avoid cured Spanish chorizo, as it won’t release the same flavorful oils needed for this dish.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce or remove the jalapenos, and choose a mild chorizo. You can also seed the jalapenos before adding them to lower the heat level while maintaining the pepper’s flavor.

• What type of cheese works best for queso fundido?

Opt for a combination of melty cheeses like Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or mild cheddar. These cheeses provide the perfect stretch and creamy texture when melted. Avoid hard cheeses that won’t melt smoothly.

• Is a cast-iron skillet really necessary?

While a cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and creating a crispy bottom, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish. The key is having a pan that can go from stovetop to oven seamlessly.

What Makes Chorizo Queso Fundido So Good

• Perfect for game nights, parties, or casual gatherings where everyone wants a delicious shared appetizer.
• Whips up in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal last-minute dish for hungry guests.
• Combines spicy chorizo, melty cheese, and zesty jalapeños for a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired treat that satisfies serious cravings.
• Works as a dip, topping, or standalone dish that can be enjoyed with tortillas, chips, or even as a topping for tacos and nachos.

Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican chorizo queso fundido melts hearts with its rich, spicy charm. Gooey cheese and smoky sausage combine in this irresistible appetizer that brings authentic southwestern flair to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ pound (226 grams) Mexican chorizo, casings removed
• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

Vegetable and Spice Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
• ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra flavor)

Garnish and Serving Ingredients:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
• Sliced jalapenos (for extra heat!)
• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• Tortilla chips
• Salsa or guacamole

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Instructions

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium flame, allowing the surface to warm evenly.
2. Crumble chorizo into the skillet, breaking the meat into small fragments while cooking until edges turn crisp and brown.
3. Introduce diced onions and minced jalapenos to the rendered chorizo, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
4. Sprinkle minced garlic and ground cumin into the mixture, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and activate the spices’ intense flavors.
5. Distribute the chorizo and vegetable blend uniformly across the skillet’s surface, creating an even base layer.
6. Generously cascade shredded cheese varieties over the chorizo, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a luxurious, bubbling texture.
8. For an enhanced golden-brown crust, activate the broiler and position the skillet underneath for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Remove from oven and artfully garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, vibrant diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced jalapeno rings.
10. Serve immediately alongside warm tortillas or crisp tortilla chips, inviting guests to scoop or dip into the molten cheese creation.

Notes

• Choose spicy or mild chorizo based on your heat preference, adjusting the flavor profile to suit different taste buds.
• Swap traditional cheese blend with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese or cashew-based cheese for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Pat chorizo dry before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent excess grease in the final dish.
• Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for enhanced flavor and perfect heat distribution during baking and broiling.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg