Queso Fundido
A bubbling skillet of melted cheese, often enriched with savory chorizo or roasted poblano peppers, served hot and scooped up with warm tortillas. This classic Mexican appetizer is best enjoyed immediately.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Oaxaca cheese(Shredded or cut into small cubes for faster melting.)
- 200 g Chihuahua cheese(Shredded or cut into small cubes. Monterey Jack can be substituted if needed.)
- 200 g Mexican chorizo(Casings removed.)
- 1 Poblano pepper(Roasted, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced into strips (rajas).)
- 8 Flour tortillas(For serving, warmed.)
- 2 tbsp Optional: Cilantro(Freshly chopped, for garnish.)
- 1/2 tsp Optional: Jalapeño(Finely minced, for extra heat.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chorizo: Remove the chorizo from its casings and crumble it into a cold, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works well). Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. If there's a lot of rendered fat, carefully drain off most of it, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet for flavor.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Assemble the cheese base: Evenly distribute the shredded or cubed Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses over the cooked chorizo in the skillet. If using, scatter the roasted poblano pepper strips (rajas) over the cheese.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Melt and bubble the cheese: Place the skillet in a preheated oven. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, gooey, and slightly bubbly around the edges. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Finish and serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and minced jalapeño. Serve immediately, directly from the skillet, with warm flour tortillas for scooping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For best results, use cheeses that melt well, like Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
- ✓Serve directly from the oven in its skillet to keep it hot and melty.
- ✓This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation as it can become firm as it cools.
- ✓Ensure your skillet is oven-safe before proceeding.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sautéed mushrooms or sautéed onions along with the chorizo.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chorizo and add extra roasted poblano peppers or sautéed mushrooms.
- Incorporate a pinch of cumin or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese mixture for added flavor.