RecipesMexicoQueso Fundido

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.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyEasy

🧂 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

🔄 Variations

  • 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.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving

Calories450 kcal
Protein25g
Carbs20g
Fat35g
Fiber2g

🏷️ Tags

Queso Fundido Recipe - Mexico | world.food