Queso Fundido is a popular Mexican dish that’s essentially melted cheese served as a dip. It’s creamy, gooey, and perfect for dipping tortillas, chips, or even vegetables. Traditionally, it’s made with a variety of Mexican cheeses and can be customized with additional ingredients like chorizo, peppers, or mushrooms. Here’s a simple recipe to make Homemade Queso Fundido:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella if unavailable), shredded
- 1 cup Chihuahua cheese (or any melty cheese, like Monterey Jack), shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cooked chorizo (optional, for added flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Fresh tortilla chips or warm tortillas for serving
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese:
- Shred both the Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses (or substitute with mozzarella and Monterey Jack).
- Set the shredded cheeses aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables and Chorizo:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- If you’re using chorizo, add it to the skillet and cook until it’s fully browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Melt the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheeses to the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese begins to melt and becomes smooth and creamy.
- If the cheese seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream, a little at a time, to help it melt more easily.
4. Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and gooey, remove from heat.
- Optionally, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately with fresh tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or even sliced vegetables like cucumber or carrot sticks for dipping.
Tips:
- Cheese Options: The key to great queso fundido is using melty cheeses. Oaxaca cheese is ideal for this dish, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses that melt well.
- Customization: Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted poblanos, or diced tomatoes for additional flavor and texture.
- Make it Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or other chili peppers to the mix to give the queso fundido some heat.
- Keep Warm: If you’re serving the queso fundido at a party, keep it warm in a fondue pot or a small slow cooker.
Queso Fundido is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s rich, cheesy, and perfect for sharing. The combination of melted cheese, savory chorizo, and optional vegetables creates a deliciously indulgent dip that will have everyone coming back for more! Enjoy!