Queso fundido means melted cheese. If that first sentence doesn’t get you then maybe this recipe isn’t for you. But if you are part of the cheese-loving club continue reading! Queso fundido is traditionally found in Mexico and is typically shared by groups of people so its great party food!
In this dish, I cook spicy chorizo and then top it with cheese and baked it until melted and bubbling. Then, I spoon the hot melted cheese and spicy chorizo into warm tortillas.
I first tried queso fundido over 20 years ago in Acapulco, Mexico. My then-boyfriend, now-husband ordered it and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s so simple, yet so delicious. While doing research about the origin of this dish I learned, that it is said to have originated in Northern Mexico and even the southwestern part of the United States and was often served as a campfire dish. Today, it is very common to find it on menus in Mexican restaurants.
I’m keeping it traditional today and only using cheese and chorizo. There are many varieties out there so feel free to mix things up.
Here’s what you need to make queso fundido:
There are only 3 ingredients you need to make this classic appetizer. Mexican chorizo, Oaxaca cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
The chorizo can be pork, beef, or even soy. All are equally tasty and can be found in the meat section of your local grocery store. Be sure to get uncooked chorizo, not Spanish chorizo which is usually already cooked.
Let’s talk cheese since it’s the star of the dish! In the original dish Queso Asadero, Queso Panera, or Queso Chihuahua was oftentimes used. These cheeses can be difficult to find so I like to use a combination of Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese. Other cheeses will work, but if you are trying to stay true to the classic dish these work really well.
How to make queso fundido:
What type of pan should you use?
First, let’s talk about what you are going to cook this in. I like to use a cast-iron pan, but you can use any pan and then transfer the cooked chorizo to an oven-safe dish and finish it in the oven.
How to cook the chorizo:
Now let’s cook the chorizo. If using a cast-iron pan, warm the pan first and then add the chorizo. Do not add any oil because there is plenty of fat in the chorizo that will release during the cooking process.
Second, use a wooden spoon to break up the chorizo into small pieces and cook for about 6-7 minutes until the chorizo is cooked through. It will dry out a bit as you cook it. Once it’s done cooking, turn off the heat and use a paper towel to dab any excess oil off the chorizo.
After that, remove a spoonful or two of the cooked chorizo and set aside until later to add to the top once the dish is finished baking.
Add the cheese and bake!
Next, add the cheese. I like to combine the two kinds of cheese before adding it to the chorizo. You just want to put the cheese on top of the chorizo. No need to mix the cheese and chorizo together. I actually prefer to keep the chorizo on the bottom and the cheese on the top so there are two distinct layers.
Once the cheese has been added, bake for about 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Lastly, add the reserved chorizo to the top of the melted cheese. I usually just spoon it in the middle. It’s more of a garnish than anything else. Now it’s time to dig into this pan of melted cheese deliciousness!
How to eat this dish?
This dish is meant to be served family-style, so set the whole pan out and stand back! Spoon the queso fundido into warmed corn or flour tortillas. Kind of like a cheese taco! I also happen to love it with tortillas chips. However you decide to eat it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Other recipes you might enjoy!
How to make tortilla chips in the air fryer
Watch a video of me making queso fundido! https://www.instagram.com/p/CdGoK-7pNw2/
How to make queso fundio
Queso fundido is a classic Mexican dish. Translated it means melted cheese which is exactly what you can expect. Cast iron pan full of spicy chorizo and hot melted cheese. Enjoy with warm tortillas or chips.
Ingredients
- 9oz Mexican Chorizo (Pork, Beef or Soy)
- 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups grated Oaxaca cheese (found with Mexican cheeses)
serve with:
- Small Tortillas (flour or corn)
- Tortilla chips
- Favorite salsa
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
1. Add chorizo to a warm cast iron pan. *SEE NOTE BELOW* Breaking up the chorizo with a wooden spoon into small pieces. Cook chorizo for 6-7 minutes until cooked through.
2. When chorizo is done turn off the heat. Use a paper towel to pat any excess grease or oil off the chorizo. Reserve a spoonful or two of the chorizo and set aside until the dish is finished.
3. Combine grated cheeses into one bowl so they are mixed together.
4. Add the grated cheese to the top of the cooked chorizo
5. Transfer the cast iron pan to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove from the oven. Top the melted cheese with the reserved cooked chorizo I like to put it in the center.
6. Serve family style! Put the pan out and serve this dish hot with small flour tortillas or tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you do not have a cast-iron pan that is ok, just cook the chorizo in a regular sauté pan and then transfer the cooked chorizo to an oven-safe baking dish. Then top with the grated cheese and bake-off.
