Gooey Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe: A Zesty Cheese Adventure

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

The cheesy chorizo queso fundido bursts with bold, smoky flavors that tantalize every taste bud.

Rich, gooey cheese stretches from skillet to plate, creating an instant crowd-pleaser.

Mexican cuisine shines through each delectable bite of this mouthwatering appetizer.

Sautéed peppers and chorizo blend seamlessly with molten cheese, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Serve this indulgent dish straight from the oven for maximum impact and watch as everyone dives in with excitement.

Prepare to be the hero of your next gathering with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Chorizo Queso Fundido

• Chorizo: Brings smoky, spicy flavor and crispy texture to the dish, choose high-quality Spanish or Mexican-style chorizo for authentic taste.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic warmth, look for fresh, firm cloves without sprouts.

• Onion: Provides sweet undertones and foundational flavor, select firm white or yellow onions without soft spots.
• Jalapeno: Introduces vibrant heat and fresh pepper kick, choose bright green peppers with smooth, glossy skin.
• Cilantro: Delivers bright, fresh herbal notes, pick bunches with crisp, deep green leaves.
• Tomatoes: Offers fresh, tangy contrast, select ripe, firm tomatoes with deep color.

• Shredded Cheeses: Create luxurious, melty texture, blend varieties like Monterey Jack and Oaxaca for complex flavor profile.
• Cumin: Contributes earthy, warm spice, use ground cumin for even distribution.
• Tortillas: Serve as perfect vehicle for scooping and dipping, warm corn or flour tortillas work wonderfully.
• Tortilla Chips: Provide crunchy alternative for serving, choose thick, sturdy chips that won't break when dipping.

Tools for Chorizo Queso Fundido

• Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan: Essential for cooking chorizo and baking the queso fundido.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for chopping onions, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro, and tomatoes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up chorizo while cooking.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred cheese quickly and evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of cumin.
• Broiler or oven: Needed to melt and crisp the cheese topping.

Chorizo Queso Fundido Cooking Steps

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees, getting ready for some serious cheese magic.

• Brown the Spicy Sausage

Sizzle the chorizo in a cast-iron skillet, breaking it into crispy bits that’ll make your mouth water.

• Add Some Flavor Boosters

Toss in diced onions and jalapenos, letting them dance and soften in the pan’s searing heat.

• Sprinkle in Aromatic Spices

Drop in minced garlic and cumin, stirring until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

• Layer the Cheesy Goodness

Spread the chorizo evenly and blanket it with a generous shower of shredded cheese.

• Melt to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the oven, letting the cheese transform into a bubbling, golden landscape.

• Create a Crispy Crown

Give it a quick broil to create a slightly golden, crisp top that’ll have everyone diving in.

• Dress It Up

Scatter fresh cilantro, juicy tomato bits, and zesty jalapeno slices across the molten masterpiece.

• Serve and Devour

Bring out the hot skillet with warm tortillas or crispy chips, ready for an epic dipping adventure.

Tips & Alternatives for Chorizo Queso Fundido

• Cheese Melting Magic: Use a mix of cheeses like monterey jack and cheddar for maximum flavor and perfect meltability.
• Spice Control: Adjust jalapeno quantity to match your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder version or adding extra for bold flavors.
• Make-Ahead Trick: Prepare chorizo mixture in advance and refrigerate, then add cheese and bake right before serving to save time during gatherings.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace traditional chorizo with plant-based chorizo for vegetarian version, or use turkey chorizo for a leaner protein alternative. Gluten-free tortilla chips work perfectly for those with wheat sensitivities.

How to Serve Chorizo Queso Fundido

• Party Starter Platter: Arrange the Chorizo Queso Fundido in the center of a large wooden board surrounded by crispy tortilla chips, fresh salsa, and sliced jalapeños for a stunning appetizer spread that will wow your guests.
• Brunch Companion: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and warm flour tortillas for a decadent weekend brunch that brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your morning meal.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transfer the hot skillet directly to the table with a side of extra chips and let friends dig in during sports events or movie nights, creating an interactive and delicious shared experience.
• Taco Night Upgrade: Use the melted queso as a rich, spicy topping for build-your-own tacos, adding an extra layer of flavor and excitement to your traditional taco dinner routine.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Chorizo Queso Fundido

• Fresh Batch Prep: Create multiple servings ahead of time by preparing chorizo mixture and storing separately from cheese. Refrigerate components up to 3 days, then quickly reheat and assemble before serving.
• Cooling Strategy: Let queso fundido rest 5-10 minutes after baking to stabilize melted cheese texture. Transfer carefully to prevent breaking delicate cheese layers.
• Smart Refrigeration: Store leftover queso in airtight container for maximum 2-3 days. Reheat gently in oven at 350F, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency and prevent cheese separation.
• Freezing Wisdom: Not recommended for this dish due to cheese's delicate structure. Dairy tends to break down and lose smooth texture when frozen and thawed, compromising overall quality and taste.

Cheesy Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican chorizo queso fundido melds spicy sausage with melted cheese for a sizzling appetizer. Rich flavors combine in this irresistible dish you can savor with warm tortillas or crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (226 g) Mexican chorizo, casings removed
• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• Tortilla chips
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
• Sliced jalapenos (for extra heat!)
• Salsa or guacamole

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, creating an ideal surface for browning chorizo and developing rich flavors.
2. Meat Foundation: Crumble chorizo into the skillet, cooking until edges transform into crispy, caramelized fragments while releasing savory oils.
3. Vegetable Infusion: Incorporate diced onions and minced jalapenos into the rendered chorizo, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Spice Activation: Sprinkle minced garlic and ground cumin into the mixture, stirring continuously to unlock deep, complex flavor profiles.
5. Cheese Melting: Distribute the chorizo-vegetable blend evenly across the skillet, then lavishly cover with an abundant layer of shredded cheese varieties.
6. Oven Transformation: Slide the skillet into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, allowing the cheese to melt into a luxurious, bubbling masterpiece.
7. Final Flourish: Engage the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust, then remove and adorn with fresh cilantro, vibrant diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeno rings.
8. Serving: Present immediately with warm tortillas or crisp tortilla chips, inviting guests to dive into this molten cheese sensation.

Notes

• Choose the Right Skillet: Cast-iron ensures even heat distribution and perfect crispy chorizo edges, creating a rich, caramelized flavor base.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust jalapeno quantities to match personal heat preference, removing seeds for milder version or adding extra for bold palates.
• Monitor Cheese Melting: Watch carefully during broiling stage to achieve golden-brown crust without burning, keeping skillet about 4-5 inches from broiler element.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Mix Mexican cheeses like queso Oaxaca and Monterey Jack for authentic flavor, or use readily available options like cheddar and mozzarella for accessibility.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 347
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 706 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg