If you’re a fan of molten cheese and crave bold, savory flavor, Queso Fundido with Chorizo is a swoon-worthy appetizer that absolutely delivers. Bubbling, gooey cheese layered over spicy, sizzling chorizo is pure party food magic—and the best part? It comes together with just a handful of ingredients and hardly any effort. Prepare to meet your new favorite crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Impressive: With only a few simple steps, you’ll serve a dish that looks restaurant-worthy and never fails to wow guests.
- Ultra-Melty Cheese: Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese melts into dreamy, stringy perfection for every scoop.
- Big, Bold Flavor: Spicy, smoky chorizo infuses every bite with authentic Mexican taste you simply can’t fake.
- Customizable & Fun: Make it your own with different cheeses, extra toppings, or your favorite tortillas for scooping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Queso Fundido with Chorizo is its simplicity—each ingredient pulls its weight, adding its own touch of richness, creaminess, or heat. Let’s break down what you need and why every piece matters in this irresistible skillet dip.
- Vegetable Oil: Just a splash gets things sizzling, though many chorizos are so juicy you might not even need added fat.
- Mexican Chorizo (about 5 ounces): The flavor powerhouse! It brings smoky depth, spice, and vibrant color. Remove the casings for the best texture.
- Monterey Jack or Oaxaca Cheese (12 ounces, grated): These cheeses melt beautifully and give you that classic gooey cheese-pull everyone loves. Monterey is easier to find, while Oaxaca adds authentic Mexican flair.
- Flour Tortillas or Tortilla Chips: You’ll want plenty to scoop up your queso fundido—tortillas for softness, chips for crunch. Don’t be shy, you’ll want extra!
- Roasted Salsa (about 1 ½ cups): This is the finishing touch—a spoonful of smoky salsa on top adds brightness and a little tang.
Variations
The real joy of Queso Fundido with Chorizo is how easy it is to customize—no need to stick strictly to tradition! Play with the ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, dinner guests’ preferences, or your own cravings.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chorizo for sautéed mushrooms, poblano peppers, or a plant-based chorizo for all the flavor, minus the meat.
- Cheese Swap: Can’t find Oaxaca? Use mozzarella, asadero, or even a sharp cheddar for a different spin.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the chorizo for extra heat and smoky depth.
- Tex-Mex Style: Toss in sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.
How to Make Queso Fundido with Chorizo
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil if your chorizo is on the leaner side. Remove the casings from the chorizo and crumble it into the pan, then let it sizzle away—stirring frequently—until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes). Keep an eye on it so nothing burns!
Step 2: Drain and Layer
Once the chorizo is fully cooked, you’ll want to remove the excess fat for a perfect (not greasy) dip. Either carefully spoon it off or drain the chorizo briefly on a paper towel. Spread the cooked chorizo evenly in an oven-proof dish—saving a couple spoonfuls to sprinkle on top after baking for extra pop and color.
Step 3: Top with Cheese and Bake
Pile the grated Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese over the chorizo, spreading it right to the edges. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling around the sides. Watch closely—overbaking can make the cheese chewy instead of beautifully stringy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove your queso fundido from the oven and let it cool slightly (it will be lava-hot!). Scatter on the reserved chorizo for a tempting finish, and set it right on the table with a generous bowl of roasted salsa plus warm flour tortillas or tortilla chips. The cheese will stay melty for just a few minutes, so dig in while it’s perfect.
Pro Tips for Making Queso Fundido with Chorizo
- Choose the Right Cheese: For the ultimate stretch and melt, always shred your cheese fresh—pre-shredded blends are convenient but often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent the dreamy ooze!
- Mind the Oven Time: Pull your queso fundido from the oven as soon as the cheese is completely melted and bubbly—baking too long can turn your cheese rubbery instead of luscious.
- Chorizo Fat Check: Mexican chorizo varies widely in fat content. If your skillet seems greasy, always drain or blot—nobody likes a puddle!
- Individual Servings: For extra fun (and even faster melting), bake your queso fundido in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—perfect for parties with lots of dippers!
How to Serve Queso Fundido with Chorizo
Garnishes
This dish absolutely shines when you finish it with a sprinkle of reserved chorizo, a few spoonfuls of roasted salsa, and maybe some fresh cilantro or diced jalapeños for a punch of color and flavor. Don’t skip that colorful salsa topper—it cuts through the richness like magic.
Side Dishes
Queso Fundido with Chorizo is truly the life of the party, but it pairs incredibly well with sides like crisp jícama sticks, light Mexican slaw, or a simple green salad with lime. If you want to keep things festive, add guacamole and pico de gallo for a seriously tempting appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For wow factor, serve your queso fundido in a rustic cast iron skillet straight from the oven—or try baking mini portions in ramekins for personal dippers at parties. A colorful platter ringed with warm tortillas, chips, and little bowls of toppings feels absolutely vibrant and inviting for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the queso cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cheese will firm up, but don’t worry—it’s easy to bring back to its glorious melty state!
Freezing
While Queso Fundido with Chorizo is best enjoyed fresh (that cheese pull can’t be beat!), you can freeze leftovers in a heavy-duty container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop your queso into an oven-safe dish and warm gently at 325°F until melted and bubbly, usually about 10 minutes. A splash of milk can help revive the creamy texture if it seems too thick. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch—stir halfway through to keep it evenly smooth.
FAQs
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What’s the difference between Mexican and Spanish chorizo for Queso Fundido with Chorizo?
Mexican chorizo is fresh, uncured, and boldly spiced—perfect for crumbling and frying into queso fundido. Spanish chorizo is cured, firmer, and smokier; it won’t melt into the cheese as seamlessly, but you can use it in a pinch for a different (still delicious) texture and flavor.
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Can I make Queso Fundido with Chorizo in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can cook the chorizo ahead, grate your cheese, and assemble everything in your baking dish. Cover and refrigerate, then pop it in the oven to melt just before serving. This makes party prep a breeze!
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Is there a way to make Queso Fundido with Chorizo gluten free?
Definitely—just be sure your chorizo and salsa are gluten-free (most are naturally), and serve with corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla chips instead of flour tortillas. Everyone can dig in worry-free!
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Can I make Queso Fundido with Chorizo without an oven?
You sure can! Make it on the stovetop: Cook the chorizo as directed, reduce the heat, then add the cheese and stir constantly until melted and creamy. You can even use a microwave—just stir every 30 seconds for even melting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, wildly delicious appetizer that’s always a hit, Queso Fundido with Chorizo simply can’t be beat. It’s one of those no-fuss, maximum-flavor dishes that turns any night into a celebration. Grab your chips, rally your favorite people, and get ready to savor every melty, cheesy bite!
Print
Queso Fundido with Chorizo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in this delicious Queso Fundido with Chorizo, a cheesy and flavorful Mexican dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Queso Fundido:
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 5 ounces Mexican Chorizo casings removed
- 12 ounces Monterey or Oaxaca Cheese grated (2 1/2 cups)
Serving Suggestions:
- 6 Flour tortillas or
- 12 ounces tortilla chips for serving
- 1 1/2 cup of Roasted Salsa
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a skillet over medium heat, add the oil if using. Add the chorizo and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove excess fat.
- Place cooked chorizo in an oven-proof dish. Top with grated cheese. Bake for 10-12 minutes until melted and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and serve. Garnish with reserved chorizo. Serve warm with salsa and tortillas or chips.
Notes
- You can use Spanish chorizo if Mexican Chorizo is not available.
- Queso Fundido can be made over the stove, grill, or microwave. Stir frequently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
