If you’re ready to light up your next gathering or simply indulge in a cozy night in, let me introduce you to the sizzling marvel known as Homemade Queso Fundido. This irresistible Mexican appetizer brings together bubbling hot cheese, spicy chorizo, and all the vibrant flavors you could want, making every bite absolutely unforgettable. Whether scooped up with a warm tortilla or paired with your favorite side, Homemade Queso Fundido is the showstopper you need in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade Queso Fundido starts with simple, flavorful ingredients that each play a starring role. From creamy cheese to bold chorizo and the fresh zip of cilantro, these are the essentials that make the dish sing.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and prevents sticking during the chorizo sauté.
- Mexican chorizo: Brings spicy, smoky depth that perfectly complements the melted cheese.
- Onion: Finely diced onion softens for sweetness, balancing out the spice.
- Jalapeño: For a punch of heat and fresh, bright flavor—adjust to your spice preference.
- Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese: Melts luxuriously smooth for that gooey, stretchy texture.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Blends in for creaminess and a mild, buttery taste.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal lift right before serving.
- Corn or flour tortillas: Essential for dipping and scooping up all that cheesy goodness!
How to Make Homemade Queso Fundido
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the cheese melts evenly and transforms into an ultra-gooey, golden delight once it hits the heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Chorizo
Heat up a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe pan over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the chorizo (with casings removed), breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for about 5 minutes until fully browned and your kitchen starts to smell amazing.
Step 3: Add Onion and Jalapeño
Stir in your finely diced onion and jalapeño. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes—these will soften and release their flavors, creating the perfect aromatic base for your Homemade Queso Fundido.
Step 4: Layer On The Cheese
Take the skillet off the heat and liberally sprinkle over the shredded Oaxaca (or mozzarella) and Monterey Jack cheeses, making sure to spread evenly for that signature melt in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Place your skillet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. When the cheese is fully melted, creamy, and starting to bubble with golden spots on top, it’s ready!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro if you like even more freshness. Serve immediately while molten and gooey, with warm tortillas on the side to scoop up the comfort.
How to Serve Homemade Queso Fundido
Garnishes
To take your Homemade Queso Fundido to the next level, top with extra sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime or a few pickled onions also bring a delightful zing and pop of color to every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish steals the show as an appetizer, but it’s also fantastic paired with guacamole, pico de gallo, or sides of charred vegetables. Tortilla chips make great alternatives to tortillas for dipping, and a simple salad helps cut through the richness if you want to keep things lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative with your Homemade Queso Fundido, serve it family-style in the skillet for that rustic, communal feel, or scoop individual portions into mini cast iron pans or ramekins for a tapas-style spread. For extra fun, offer a toppings bar so guests can customize their cheese dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Homemade Queso Fundido cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days, though it’s at its meltiest best straight from the oven.
Freezing
While cheese dips like this don’t always freeze as smoothly, you can freeze Homemade Queso Fundido in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—just know that the texture may be slightly less silky once reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chilled queso fundido back in a skillet or oven-safe dish and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbling. If it seems a little thick, stir in a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Queso Fundido vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chorizo for sautéed mushrooms or your favorite meat-free protein, and you’ll still get all the savoriness and melty goodness.
What’s the best cheese combination for Homemade Queso Fundido?
Authentic queso fundido shines with Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or Asadero cheeses, but mozzarella and Monterey Jack work beautifully for meltiness and flavor when the others are harder to find.
Can I prepare it ahead for a party?
Yes, you can prep the chorizo and veggie mixture ahead of time, then add cheese and bake just before serving. This way, it comes out hot, fresh, and ready for dipping when your guests arrive.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The jalapeño and chorizo determine most of the heat. For milder Homemade Queso Fundido, use less jalapeño or swap it for bell pepper; for extra kick, leave some jalapeño seeds in or serve with spicy salsa on the side.
Will store-bought tortillas work for serving?
Definitely! Both corn and flour tortillas work great—just warm them up before serving for a soft and tasty scoop. Tortilla chips are also delicious if you prefer more crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the melty, savory bliss of Homemade Queso Fundido. Whether you share it at your next gathering or treat yourself to a special night in, this cheesy skillet is bound to win hearts and disappear fast. Fire up your oven, grab your tortilla, and get ready for instant comfort—enjoy every gooey, flavor-packed bite!
Print
Homemade Queso Fundido Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Queso Fundido recipe is a flavorful and gooey Mexican cheese dip with spicy chorizo, perfect for sharing as a delicious appetizer. Serve it hot with warm tortillas for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Mexican chorizo (casing removed)
- 1/2 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped)
- 8 oz shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- corn or flour tortillas (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Chorizo: In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chorizo, cook for 5 minutes until browned. Add onion and jalapeño, cook for 2–3 more minutes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese over the chorizo mixture. Bake for 10–12 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Remove from oven, top with cilantro if desired, and serve hot with tortillas.
Notes
- You can use a combination of cheeses like Chihuahua or asadero for more authenticity.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the chorizo and sauté mushrooms instead.
- Best served immediately while hot and melty.
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