More Perfect Dips
Queso Fundido, The Magical Melty-Cheese Dish, Perfect For Every Occasion.
Have you ever had the pleasure of sinking a crispy tortilla chip into a melty vat of cheese dip filled with spicy chorizo? If so, then you know that Queso Fundido is pure magic. If you haven’t, then you’re in for a real treat. Behold: the absolute best queso fundido recipe there is.
What Is Queso Fundido?
Possibly one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind, the literal Queso Fundido translation is “melted cheese” (aka perfection). This dish is also referred to as queso flameado (the flambéed version made with liquor) and is served as an appetizer in many restaurants throughout Mexico. Queso fundido typically consists of melted cheese and chorizo; a smoky, spicy, ground pork sausage.
This queso fundido recipe has these traditional elements, plus a few extras to really kick up the flavor.
Our Queso Fundido recipe includes:
- Melted cheese (Two different kinds)
- Double the chorizo...because, why not?
- Canned green chilis (which add an additional element of spice).
- Pico de gallo, that makes the whole dish come alive.
What Cheeses Are In Queso Fundido?
The first time I made a queso fundido recipe I went to great effort to get it just right. I picked up some really authentic cheeses (Asadero and Chihuahua) that were absolutely delicious, but were hard to find. I’ve since learned that you can make this baked cheese dip out of practically any melty, mozzarella style cheese.
Here are a few cheeses we recommend for making an incredible Queso Fundido (any combination will work):
- Mozzarella
- Monterrey Jack
- Oaxaca
- Panela (if you can find it)
- Asadero (if you can find it)
- Chihuahua (if you can find it)
What Is The Difference Between Mexican and Spanish Chorizo?
Although we are fans of both Mexican and Spanish chorizo, it’s important to know the difference.
Mexican Chorizo: Spicy, uncooked, ground, commonly found in a plastic tube form, LOTS of flavor!
Spanish Chorizo: Ready to serve and eat, dried, cured, commonly found near the salami.
*For this fabulous cheese dip, we highly recommend using the ground Mexican variety.
How Do You Make Queso Fundido?
This queso fundido recipe might be one of the easiest dishes you will ever make. Let me show you just how simple it really is!
- Heat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook your chorizo (stirring frequently) over medium heat until crumbly in an ovenproof skillet. A cast iron pan works well.
- Drain the fat and add the green chilis to the pan, giving them a good toss to combine with the sausage.
- Cover with cheese (my favorite part).
- Bake until all bubbly and melted.
- Remove skillet from the oven and top with fresh pico de gallo!
How Do You Eat Queso Fundido?
There is no wrong way to enjoy queso fundido! Dip whatever your heart desires into it, and you will be just fine! You can set this queso dip out with some crispy tortilla chips and guacamole, and everyone will be completely content. However, if you really want to impress your guests, serve this queso fundido alongside little warm tortillas. There is just something so satisfying about grabbing a fresh, warm tortilla, and scooping up the melty cheese, chorizo and chilis, and rolling it up tightly. It’s like the most heavenly little quesadilla you have ever tasted.
Queso Fundido Variations
- Add some roasted poblano peppers when they are in season...to die for!
- If you love mushrooms, add them! OMG...over the top good.
- Really brighten up this dish by adding some blistered tomatoes. Mmm!
- Caramelized onions in place of the chilis are heavenly and help to tone down the spice a bit if needed.
Tools You Will Need:
Cheese Dip Baby, Dip!
When this ooey gooey queso fundido dish makes it to your table, we’d love to hear about it! Be sure to post your dish to Instagram and tag @themodernproper and #themodernproper. We’re likely to see it, be jealous, and run into our kitchens frantically searching for cheeses to construct our own queso fundido!
