Description
Roasted Corn Queso Fundido is a rich and creamy Mexican cheese dip featuring a blend of melted Oaxaca, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses combined with charred sweet corn, jalapeño, and spices. Perfectly baked until bubbly and served hot with tortilla chips or warm tortillas, this appetizer offers a delightful mix of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors complemented by fresh cilantro and lime juice.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of ½ lime
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the queso fundido.
- Cook Corn Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred. Add the chopped jalapeño, diced red onion, and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Season Corn: Stir in ¼ teaspoon chili powder and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the juice of half a lime for brightness.
- Assemble Queso Layers: In a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish, layer half of the shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses on the bottom. Spread the prepared corn mixture evenly over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Broil for Browning (Optional): For a golden browned top, switch the oven to broil and broil the cheese for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the queso fundido hot with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping.
Notes
- For extra richness and flavor, add a few tablespoons of cooked chorizo or crumbled bacon to the corn mixture before baking.
- You can substitute or mix in other cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
