If you’re a fan of rich, gooey, and flavorful cheese dips, Queso Fundido is the ultimate indulgence! This Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for game nights, parties, or whenever you’re craving a comforting, melty appetizer. Unlike traditional queso dips, Queso Fundido is all about real cheese, bold flavors, and a luscious texture—no processed cheese here!
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make Queso Fundido at home, the best cheeses to use, and tips for the perfect melt. Plus, we’ll answer some common questions so you can master this crowd-pleaser effortlessly!
What Is Queso Fundido?
Queso Fundido, which means “melted cheese” in Spanish, is a classic Mexican dish typically made with melted cheese, chorizo, and sometimes peppers or onions. Unlike Tex-Mex queso dips, which are often made with processed cheese and cream, Queso Fundido is thicker and meant to be scooped up with warm tortillas or crispy chips.
The best part? It’s customizable—you can make it spicy, smoky, or add extra toppings like mushrooms or roasted poblanos for a unique twist!
Ingredients for Homemade Queso Fundido
For a perfect Queso Fundido, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups Oaxaca cheese (or Mozzarella), shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cooked chorizo (or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for spice)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper
- Corn tortillas or tortilla chips for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until browned (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeño in olive oil until softened (about 3 minutes).
2. Melt the Cheese
- In an oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron), spread the shredded cheese evenly.
- Sprinkle the cooked chorizo (or mushrooms) and the sautéed onion mixture over the cheese.
3. Bake Until Bubbly
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
4. Serve Immediately
- Remove from the oven and serve hot with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor!
Tips for the Best Queso Fundido
🔸 Use High-Moisture Cheese: Oaxaca cheese is the most traditional, but Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or even mild Cheddar work well. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
🔸 Add a Smoky Kick: Smoked paprika or chipotle powder enhances the depth of flavor.
🔸 Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It retains heat, keeping your queso gooey for longer.
🔸 Keep It Warm: Queso Fundido thickens as it cools. Serve it immediately or keep it warm on a low-heat burner if serving for a party.
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Serving Suggestions
🌮 With Tortillas: Warm flour or corn tortillas for an authentic experience.
🥑 With Guacamole: The creamy, fresh taste of guacamole balances the richness of the cheese.
🌶️ As a Topping: Spoon it over grilled chicken, fajitas, or nachos for an extra cheesy dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Make Queso Fundido Without an Oven?
Yes! If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can melt the cheese on low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
2. What Cheese Works Best for Queso Fundido?
The best cheeses for Queso Fundido are Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, and mild Cheddar. Oaxaca is the most authentic and has the perfect stretch!
3. How Do I Reheat Leftover Queso Fundido?
To reheat, place the queso in a skillet over low heat, stirring until melted. You can also add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.
4. Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chorizo with sautéed mushrooms, roasted poblanos, or black beans for a delicious meat-free version.
5. Can I Add More Toppings?
Yes! Try topping with chopped tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or even a drizzle of Mexican crema for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Print
Best Homemade Queso Fundido
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Queso Fundido is a rich and gooey Mexican melted cheese dip, perfect for scooping up with warm tortillas or crispy chips. Made with a blend of cheeses, flavorful chorizo, and roasted peppers, this dish is bold, creamy, and irresistibly delicious. Serve it straight from the oven for the ultimate cheesy indulgence!
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra flavor)
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Flavor Additions:
- ½ lb Mexican chorizo, casing removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes (optional, for freshness)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Warm corn or flour tortillas
- Tortilla chips
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish with butter.
Cook the Chorizo & Veggies:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until browned and crispy (5-7 minutes).
- Add onions, garlic, and jalapeño, cooking until softened.
- Stir in paprika, cumin, and black pepper, then remove from heat.
Melt the Cheese:
- In the greased baking dish, layer shredded cheeses evenly.
- Sprinkle cooked chorizo mixture on top.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Serve Hot:
- Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with warm tortillas or tortilla chips.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace chorizo with sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
- Want extra heat? Add chipotle powder or roasted poblanos.
- For a stretchier, authentic texture, mix in Oaxaca cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Cuisine: Mexican, Appetizer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: queso fundido, melted cheese dip, Mexican cheese dip, chorizo queso
Homemade Queso Fundido is the perfect cheesy, melty, and flavorful appetizer that will wow your guests! With simple ingredients and easy prep, you can bring the taste of an authentic Mexican restaurant to your home.
Try this easy Queso Fundido recipe today and enjoy every gooey, delicious bite!
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