Have you ever had the pleasure of sinking a crispy tortilla chip into a melty vat of Mexican melted 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. When this ooey gooey queso fundido dish makes it to your table, sit back and listen as everyone raves!
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 (a flambéed version made with liquor) and is served as an appetizer in many restaurants throughout Mexico. Queso fundido typically consists of two main ingredients: melted cheese and chorizo. This queso fundido recipe has these traditional elements, plus a few extras to really kick up the flavor. For a truly tasty super bowl party, or any get together, serve this queso fundido with a pitcher of Margaritas, and some Restaurant-Style Salsa. And for even more Tex-Mex goodness, try our Frito Pie.
Queso Fundido Ingredients
Chorizo: Mexican chorizo is a smoky, spicy, ground pork sausage. Spicy, uncooked, ground, commonly found in a plastic tube form, LOTS of flavor! Not to be confused with Spanish chorizo, which is cured (more like salami).
Cheese: The first time we made a queso fundido recipe we went to great effort to get it just right. Our first batch used really authentic Mexican cheeses (Asadero and Chihuahua) that were absolutely delicious, but can be harder to find. You can make this baked cheese dip out of practically any melty, mild, mozzarella-style cheese.
Pico de gallo + Green chilies: All that molten cheese is so satisfying, but we enjoy it even more when there are some smokey, saucy, flavorful veggies mixed in.
What Cheeses To Use To Make Queso Fundido:
You can use many different types of cheese to make this queso fundido recipe. You just need something that melts really well (think about how mozzarella melts on top of pizza — we want that level of gooey melty goodness). A few of our favorites are:
Mozzarella
Monterey Jack
Oaxaca
Panela (if you can find it!)
Asadero (if you can find it)
Chihuahua (if you can find it)
What’s the Difference Between Queso and Queso Fundido?
Queso Dip is more of a true, simple cheese dip (a lot like Rotel Dip) whereas queso fundidio is like a straight up bowlful of molten cheese, with some hunks of chorizo mixed in. They’re both indulgent, delicious cheese dips, but queso fundido is even heartier than queso dip.
How To Make Queso Fundido
Heat your oven to 350°F.
Cook the chorizo in an ovenproof skillet or cast iron pan until it’s crumbly.
Drain the fat (there will be fat!) and add the green chilis.
Cover with cheese (the best part!).
Bake until the cheese is all bubbly and melted.
Remove skillet from the oven and top with fresh Pico De Gallo!
How To Eat Queso Fundido
There is no wrong way to enjoy queso fundido! 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, Homemade Corn 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 green chilis are heavenly and help to tone down the spice a bit if needed.
More Mexican Recipes To Serve To A Crowd
Cheese Dip Baby, Dip!
For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest or order our cookbook. We love when you share your meals. Tag us on Instagram using #themodernproper, and we’d love to hear what you think of this recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!
