Description
Cheesy Queso Fundido is a bold, melty Mexican appetizer that turns simple ingredients into an irresistible, share-worthy dish. Made with sizzling chorizo, sautéed onions, and a rich blend of Pepper Jack, Cheddar, and Oaxaca cheeses, this recipe delivers intense flavor and that iconic stretchy “cheese pull” everyone loves. Finished under the broiler and served bubbling hot, queso fundido is best enjoyed straight from the skillet with crispy tortilla chips.
Perfect for parties, game days, or festive dinners, this dish is fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This queso fundido recipe is ideal for:
- Anyone hosting parties, gatherings, or game nights
- Cheese lovers craving a bold, melty appetizer
- Fans of authentic Mexican flavors
- Home cooks looking for a quick but impressive starter
- Anyone who loves skillet-served comfort food
If you enjoy spicy sausage, gooey cheese, and shareable dishes, this recipe belongs on your table.
Why It’s Great
- Ultimate cheese pull thanks to Oaxaca cheese
- Bold, smoky flavor from fresh chorizo
- Quick to prepare in under 25 minutes
- One-skillet recipe with minimal cleanup
- Customizable with toppings and heat level
This dish balances spice, richness, and texture perfectly—making it a guaranteed crowd favorite.
Ingredients Overview
Main Ingredients
- Mexican-style ground chorizo
- White onion, diced
- Diced green chiles
- Shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
- Shredded Oaxaca cheese
Optional Toppings
- Diced grape tomatoes
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Crumbled queso fresco
For Serving
- Tortilla chips
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 12-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven broiler
How to Make Cheesy Queso Fundido
- Prepare the broiler
Position an oven rack 4–6 inches from the broiler and preheat it to high. - Brown the chorizo
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until lightly browned. - Sauté the vegetables
Add the diced onion and green chiles to the skillet. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. - Add the cheese
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the Pepper Jack, Cheddar, and Oaxaca cheeses evenly over the chorizo mixture. Gently nudge the cheese so it settles without stirring completely. - Broil until bubbly
Place the skillet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden on top. - Garnish and serve
Remove carefully from the oven. Top with tomatoes, cilantro, and queso fresco if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips while hot and gooey.
Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh: Queso fundido is at its peak when served immediately.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to restore texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can separate the cheese.
FAQ
Can I make queso fundido without chorizo?
Yes. You can omit the chorizo or substitute sautéed mushrooms or poblano peppers for a vegetarian version.
What cheese can replace Oaxaca?
Low-moisture mozzarella is the closest substitute for melt and stretch.
Is queso fundido the same as queso dip?
No. Queso fundido is thicker, cheesier, and traditionally served hot in a skillet rather than as a pourable dip.
Can I make it less spicy?
Use mild chorizo and reduce or omit the green chiles and Pepper Jack cheese.
What else can I serve with queso fundido?
Warm tortillas, crusty bread, or even roasted vegetables work great for dipping.
Conclusion
Cheesy Queso Fundido with Chorizo is the ultimate hot appetizer—rich, indulgent, and full of authentic Mexican flavor. With sizzling sausage, perfectly melted cheese, and endless dipping potential, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this queso fundido proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most unforgettable bites.
