Queso fundido is a rich, gooey, melted cheese dish that’s a perfect appetizer or snack. It’s commonly enjoyed with warm tortillas or tortilla chips, and can be customized with different ingredients for extra flavor. Here’s a recipe to make it at home:
Homemade Queso Fundido
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. of cheese (Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or a mix of Monterey Jack and Mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-2 jalapeños or serrano peppers, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 8 oz. chorizo (or any other sausage you like)
- ¼ cup of diced tomatoes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the chorizo: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully cooked and nicely browned (about 5-7 minutes). If it’s too greasy, drain some of the fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes if you’re using them, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the cheese: Grate or shred the cheese. Mix it together in a large, oven-safe skillet or a baking dish.
- Combine: Add the cooked chorizo and vegetables over the cheese, spreading them evenly. Gently mix everything together to ensure the flavors are combined well.
- Melt the cheese: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and top with fresh cilantro for color and flavor.
- Serve immediately: Queso fundido is best enjoyed while hot and gooey. Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
Tips:
- You can add other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, roasted poblano peppers, or even ground beef for a different twist.
- If you prefer a more runny cheese dip, you can stir in a bit of milk or heavy cream while melting the cheese.
Enjoy the savory, melty goodness!