This ridiculously simple Queso Fundido makes the perfect appetizer for parties and game day!
My hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is fortunate to have a wealth of authentic Mexican restaurants. And just about all of them serve queso fundido, each with their own spin, and all of them delicious. I was pleased to learn that queso fundido is super easy to make at home because at its core, queso fundido is simply chorizo and cheese. And as a Wisconsinite, there’s nothing better than meat and cheese.
Despite queso fundido’s simplicity, it’s full of flavor. This simple dish is rich, creamy, and savory, thanks to the spicy chorizo. The Monterey Jack cheese melts into a smooth, stretchy consistency, perfect for dipping! And feel free to add other spices and veggies to the mix. I usually throw in some poblano peppers, if I can find them, though bell peppers are good, too. And for some heat, try topping it with jalapeño peppers!
Is Queso Fundido Healthy?
That’s a hard no, friends. Queso fundido is the definition of indulgence. It’s loaded with cheese, and traditional chorizo isn’t known for being lean. However, you could lighten up on the cheese. Also, if you’re lucky, your grocery store carries chicken chorizo, which is much lower in fat. And you can always make your own chorizo with leaner cuts of meat as well.
Queso Fundido: your flavor canvas
As I mentioned before, this queso fundido recipe is pretty simple. That said, it’s never a bad idea to amp up the flavor with additional ingredients. Personally, I like to sauté onions, garlic, and poblano peppers. They contrast so well with the cheese and complement the spicy chorizo. Mushrooms are good too, if you’d like to add an earthy flavor. And while you’re at it, sprinkle fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes on top. It doesn’t take much to elevate this dish!
How to Make Ahead and Store
Queso fundido is best fresh, though it stores nicely in the fridge for up to 5 days or so. You can even cover it and put the whole skillet in the fridge, and reheat in the oven later.
Serving Suggestions
Queso fundido is the perfect appetizer for game days, parties, and casual get-togethers. But first things first—you need something to dip with! Air-Fryer Tortillas are your best bet, though these Keto Tortilla Chips are equally delicious if you’re low-carb. For something healthier, Blanched Broccoli is an excellent dipper, too!
I also like to pair queso fundido with lighter dips, like this Easy Fresh Mango Salsa and guacamole. Remember, parties need more than one appetizer. These Spicy Grilled Sweet Potatoes With Avocado Salsa And Turkey Sausage make a fun pairing, and Air-Fryer Nachos are always a sure hit!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork or beef chorizo
- 16 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Begin by preheating the oven to ensure it's ready for baking the cheese to melty perfection.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until fully cooked and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break apart the chorizo as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet and spread the cooked chorizo evenly across the bottom of the skillet.
- Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the cooked chorizo, covering it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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