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Queso fundido translates to “melted cheese,” and that’s exactly what you get—a bubbling-hot, stretchy, gooey skillet of cheese layered with crumbled chorizo and roasted green chiles. Served with warm tortillas or chips, it’s a Tex-Mex classic that’s fast, bold, and totally irresistible. This version amps up the flavor with smoky chorizo and fire-roasted green chile for the perfect spicy-creamy combo.
Prep Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 as an appetizer
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet (e.g. cast iron) or baking dish
- Skillet (if cooking chorizo separately)
- Knife & cutting board
- Mixing spoon
- Oven or broiler
Ingredients
- 8 oz Mexican chorizo (raw, removed from casing)
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup fire-roasted green chiles, chopped (canned or fresh roasted)
- ½ small onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp oil (if needed for cooking chorizo)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas, for serving
Ingredient Notes
- Chorizo: Use Mexican chorizo (raw, spicy sausage), not the cured Spanish kind. Pork or beef both work.
- Cheese: Oaxaca is traditional and ultra-stretchy. Mozzarella is a good substitute. Use a blend for best melt and flavor.
- Green chiles: Hatch or Anaheim chiles add a nice smoky depth. Use canned fire-roasted for convenience or roast your own.
Instructions
🔥 1. Cook the Chorizo
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chorizo until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5–7 minutes).
- If using onion and garlic, add them in the last 2 minutes and sauté until soft.
- Drain excess grease if needed. Set aside.
🧀 2. Assemble the Queso Fundido
- Preheat oven to 400°F (or broiler to high).
- In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, layer:
- Half the cheese
- All of the chorizo mixture
- Chopped green chiles
- Remaining cheese
🔥 3. Bake or Broil
- To bake: Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- To broil: Broil for 3–5 minutes until top is bubbly and lightly browned. Watch closely!
🌿 4. Serve Immediately
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, or toasted bread.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving – 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: ~330
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sodium: ~600mg
(Will vary depending on type of cheese and chorizo used.)
Tips & Variations
✅ Tips
- Serve hot: Queso fundido firms up quickly—serve right out of the oven for best results.
- Stretch factor: Use Oaxaca or mozzarella for the classic cheese pull.
- Make ahead: Cook the chorizo and prep everything, then assemble and bake just before serving.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the chorizo and use sautéed mushrooms and poblano peppers instead.
- Extra spicy: Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Queso Flameado: For a flambé version, splash with tequila or rum and ignite carefully before serving.
- Add-ins: Try diced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or black beans.
