Rich, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy, Homemade Queso Fundido is a classic Mexican appetizer made with melted cheese, flavorful chorizo, and roasted peppers. Served bubbling hot with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips, it’s perfect for parties, game nights, or as a delicious starter for any Mexican-inspired meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Queso Fundido
- 8 ounces (225 g) Oaxaca cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces (225 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces (115 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for extra stretch)
- 8 ounces (225 g) Mexican chorizo, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- ½ medium white onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 poblano pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced green onions
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
For Serving
- Warm flour tortillas
- Warm corn tortillas
- Tortilla chips
- Pico de Gallo
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Poblano
- Roast the poblano pepper over an open flame, under a broiler, or on a hot grill until the skin is blackened.
- Place it in a bowl and cover for 10 minutes.
- Peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds, and dice the pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo
- Heat a medium oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chorizo and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles.
- If there’s excessive grease, carefully drain most of it, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
- Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the diced roasted poblano, jalapeño (if using), cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Evenly sprinkle the Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella cheeses over the chorizo mixture.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
For a lightly golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with:
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Green onions
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
Serve immediately while hot and stretchy with warm tortillas or tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Queso Fundido
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Choose Oaxaca cheese: It gives the traditional stretchy texture.
- Serve immediately: Queso Fundido is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
- Don’t overbake: Too much heat can make the cheese oily and less creamy.
- Customize it: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, cooked shrimp, or roasted corn for delicious variations.