Sizzling Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe: A Cheesy Fiesta Dip

Melted cheese and spicy chorizo dance together in this queso fundido that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Regional Mexican cuisine brings intense flavors to every bite of this sizzling appetizer.

Skilled home cooks can easily transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Peppers and onions add depth to the rich, bubbling cheese mixture.

Chorizo crumbles bring a smoky, bold punch that makes this dish irresistible.

The skillet becomes a canvas for culinary magic, inviting you to dive into a world of deliciousness.

Warm tortillas stand ready to scoop up every last creamy, spicy morsel.

Grab a spoon and let’s turn dinner into a celebration of flavor!

Why Chorizo Queso Fundido Is Full Of Flavor

• Quick and Spicy Party Starter: This chorizo queso fundido delivers explosive flavor in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for game nights, gatherings, or spontaneous celebrations.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Deliciousness: With simple steps and just one skillet, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills and cleanup.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adjust spice levels by controlling jalapeno quantity, swap cheese types, or add extra toppings to match personal preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile recipe for different taste buds.
• Authentic Mexican-Inspired Experience: Combining traditional ingredients like chorizo, cumin, and fresh cilantro, this dish offers an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine that transports your palate without leaving home.

Ingredients Breakdown For Chorizo Queso Fundido

• Chorizo: Spicy Mexican sausage that adds deep, rich flavor and creates a crispy base for the queso.
• Onion, Jalapeno: Fresh vegetables that provide aromatic and spicy undertones to complement the chorizo.

• Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a smooth, stretchy texture and classic queso flavor, choose high-quality block cheeses for best melting.

• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Cumin: Warm spice that brings depth and traditional Mexican-style seasoning.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright, herbal garnish.
• Tomatoes: Adds fresh, acidic contrast to the rich cheese and meat.

• Tortillas, Tortilla Chips: Traditional vehicles for scooping and enjoying the queso fundido, warm corn tortillas work best.

Storage Tips For Chorizo Queso Fundido

• Refrigerate leftover queso fundido in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese grainy and separate.
• For best results, consume within 24 hours to maintain the original rich flavor and smooth consistency.
• When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the melted cheese and prevent drying out.
• Discard any queso that shows signs of spoilage or has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Best Matches For Chorizo Queso Fundido

• Craft Spicy Margarita Companion: Pair this chorizo queso fundido with a zesty margarita featuring jalapeño-infused tequila to match the dish's heat and complement its rich, spicy flavors.
• Select Crisp Mexican Lager Pairing: Reach for a cold, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cut through the cheese's richness and refresh the palate between bites.
• Design Fresh Salsa Side Dance: Accompany the queso with a bright, tangy pico de gallo that adds freshness and acidity to balance the heavy, melted cheese and crispy chorizo.
• Create Herb-Packed Sangria Blend: Mix a red sangria with fresh mint and orange slices to provide a fruity, herbal counterpoint that softens the dish's intense spiciness and provides a cooling contrast.

Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace chorizo with plant-based sausage or roasted bell peppers and black beans for a meatless version that's packed with flavor and protein.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap chorizo with cooked shrimp or crab meat, adding a coastal twist to the traditional queso fundido with complementary Mexican-style seasonings.
• Spicy Green Chile Edition: Incorporate roasted green chiles instead of jalapenos, mixing in pepper jack cheese to amplify the heat and create a southwestern-inspired rendition.
• Mediterranean Crossover: Blend feta and mozzarella cheeses, top with crumbled lamb sausage, and sprinkle oregano for a unique international approach to the classic dish.

Chorizo Queso Fundido Questions Answered

• What type of chorizo works best for this recipe?

Mexican-style fresh chorizo is ideal. It has a softer texture and releases more flavorful oils while cooking, which enhances the overall taste of the queso fundido. If you can’t find fresh chorizo, Spanish cured chorizo can work, but the texture and oil release will be different.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by controlling the amount of jalapenos. For less spice, remove the seeds and membranes. For more heat, leave the seeds in or add extra diced jalapenos. You can also swap jalapenos for milder poblano peppers or hotter serrano peppers.

• What cheeses create the best melting texture?

A combination of monterey jack and sharp cheddar works perfectly. These cheeses melt smoothly and create that classic stretchy, gooey texture. For extra flavor, you can add a bit of pepper jack or queso fresco to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Is this dish best served as an appetizer or main course?

Chorizo queso fundido is versatile! It’s typically served as a shared appetizer or party snack. However, with some warm tortillas, it can easily become a hearty, satisfying main course for casual gatherings or game day.

Steps To Cook Chorizo Queso Fundido

Step 1: Sizzle Spicy Chorizo

• Diced onions
• Chopped jalapenos

Let these vegetables soften and mingle with the sausage. Sprinkle in minced garlic and ground cumin, stirring until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance.

Step 2: Shower Cheese Everywhere

Kill the heat and spread the chorizo mixture evenly across the skillet. Rain down a generous cascade of shredded cheeses, completely blanketing the spicy meat.

Step 3: Melt Into Molten Deliciousness

Slide the skillet into a scorching oven preheated to 400F (200C). Let the cheese transform into a bubbling, golden landscape for 10-12 minutes. For extra drama, blast under the broiler for a quick 1-2 minutes to create crispy golden peaks.

Step 4: Dress And Devour

• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos

Serve immediately with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips. Scoop the cheesy goodness directly onto tortillas or dive in with chips for an instant flavor explosion!

Tips That Help With Chorizo Queso Fundido

• Select Spicy Chorizo: Choose high-quality, authentic Mexican chorizo for maximum flavor and authentic taste profile.
• Prep Cheese Strategically: Shred cheeses fresh and mix varieties like Monterey Jack and queso blanco for complex, rich melting texture.
• Control Heat Carefully: Watch skillet temperature to prevent burning chorizo and ensure even cooking without scorching meat or vegetables.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal heat preference or remove seeds for milder version.
• Perfect Serving Technique: Serve immediately after baking to maintain optimal cheese consistency and prevent solidifying.

Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican Chorizo Queso Fundido brings fiery flavor and melted cheese together in one irresistible appetizer. Spicy chorizo and gooey cheese create a perfect party starter you’ll want to dive into with warm tortillas.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ pound Mexican chorizo, casings removed
• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
• ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra flavor)

Garnishes and Serving Accompaniments:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
• Sliced jalapenos (for extra heat!)
• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• Tortilla chips
• Salsa or guacamole

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), preparing a cast-iron skillet for a flavor-packed culinary adventure.
2. Place the skillet over medium heat and introduce the chorizo, breaking it down into crispy, golden fragments that release their robust, spicy essence.
3. Incorporate diced onions and jalapenos into the chorizo, allowing them to soften and meld together, creating a fragrant base of layered flavors.
4. Sprinkle minced garlic and ground cumin into the mixture, stirring briefly to awaken their aromatic potential and infuse the dish with depth.
5. Distribute the chorizo mixture evenly across the skillet, creating a rustic, even landscape of spicy meat and vegetables.
6. Blanket the chorizo with a generous layer of shredded cheeses, ensuring complete coverage that promises a molten, gooey texture.
7. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven, letting the heat transform the cheese into a bubbling, golden masterpiece over 10-12 minutes.
8. For an extra touch of decadence, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes, developing a slightly crisp, caramelized top that adds textural complexity.
9. Artfully garnish the queso fundido with vibrant chopped cilantro, fresh diced tomatoes, and thin jalapeno slices for a burst of color and freshness.
10. Serve immediately alongside warm tortillas or crisp tortilla chips, inviting guests to scoop and indulge in this irresistible, communal dish.

Notes

• Manage spice levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity or removing seeds for milder heat.
• Select high-quality melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Oaxaca for smooth, creamy texture.
• Prepare ingredients beforehand to ensure quick and seamless cooking process.
• Use cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and perfect crispy chorizo bottom.
• Consider vegetarian alternative by replacing chorizo with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
• Prevent cheese from becoming greasy by using a combination of cheeses and avoiding high heat.
• Make ahead by cooking chorizo mixture in advance and adding cheese just before serving.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg