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Queso fundido means “melted cheese” in Spanish — and that’s exactly what this is. Traditionally made with melted Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese and sometimes mixed with spicy chorizo or roasted peppers, it’s served hot and bubbly, perfect for scooping with warm tortillas or chips.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: ~20 minutes
🍽️ Equipment Needed
- Oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) or baking dish
- Skillet (for cooking chorizo or veggies)
- Grater
- Spoon or spatula
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca, Chihuahua, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked Mexican chorizo (crumbled) or sautéed mushrooms/peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 small roasted poblano or jalapeño, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips, for serving
🧂 Ingredient Notes
- Oaxaca cheese is traditional and melts beautifully; Monterey Jack or mozzarella works well if you can’t find it.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the chorizo and use mushrooms, onions, or peppers instead.
- Want a smoky flavor? Add a spoonful of chipotle in adobo or roasted garlic.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the filling (if using):
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chorizo until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes.
- If using onions or peppers, sauté until soft. Set aside.
- Layer the cheese:
- In an oven-safe dish or skillet, add half the shredded cheese.
- Spoon chorizo or veggies evenly over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and starting to brown on the edges.
- Serve immediately:
- Serve hot with warm tortillas or tortilla chips.
- Optional: top with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime.
🧮 Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Fat | ~20 g |
| Protein | ~13 g |
| Carbs | ~2–5 g (from add-ins) |
💡 Tips & Variations
- Keep it melty: Queso fundido sets quickly — serve in a warm dish or over a tea light/candle warmer.
- Spicy kick: Mix in diced pickled jalapeños or chipotle peppers.
- No oven? Melt cheese in a skillet over low heat, covered, until bubbly.
- Make it Tex-Mex: Stir in a spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo before serving.
