Article By: Chef Joshua Houghton
Contributing Writer

Servings: 4 to 6 people (as an appetizer)

Queso Fundido is a beloved Mexican dish that originated in northern Mexico, often enjoyed as
an appetizer or snack. Its name translates to “melted cheese,” and the dish was likely inspired
by the tradition of cooking over open flames. While the original version featured just melted
cheese and roasted chiles, it has evolved to include flavorful ingredients like chorizo and
mushrooms. Served hot with tortillas or chips, Queso Fundido is a rich and satisfying dish,
perfect for gatherings and sharing.

Equipment:
● Cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish (to cook and bake the cheese)
● Cheese grater (for shredding the cheeses)
● Sauté pan (for cooking chorizo or other toppings)
● Spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring and spreading ingredients)
● Cutting board and knife (for chopping veggies and toppings)
● Oven mitts (to safely handle the hot skillet)
● Serving spoon or fork (to scoop the cheese)
● Tongs (optional, for serving tortillas)
Ingredients:
● 12 oz (340g) Oaxaca cheese, shredded (or mozzarella)
● 6 oz (170g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
● 1/2 cup chorizo, crumbled (optional)
● 1/4 cup diced onion
● 1 small jalapeño, diced (optional)
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
● 1 small tomato, diced (optional)
● Warm tortillas or tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for melting the cheese. While the oven
heats, grab a skillet and, if you’re using chorizo, crumble it into the pan. Set the heat to medium
and let the chorizo cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and crispy.
As it sizzles, you’ll notice that delicious, smoky aroma filling your kitchen. A soft store bought
Mexican Style Chorizo works great for this recipe, but if you are looking for a little extra flair,
reference one of my earlier articles that will teach you how to make your own homemade

Chorizo. If you prefer a vegetarian option or want to skip the chorizo, you can just sauté diced
onions and jalapeños in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil instead, letting them soften for a few
minutes.
Now, it’s time to focus on the cheese. Get an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) or a baking
dish, and layer your shredded Oaxaca (or mozzarella) and Monterey Jack cheeses in an even
layer. These cheeses melt beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy texture that’s perfect for
dipping. Once your chorizo (or onions and jalapeños) is ready, carefully spoon it over the top of
the cheese. Make sure to spread it out so every bite has a mix of flavors.
Place the skillet in your preheated oven. You’ll want to keep an eye on it as the cheese melts,
watching for that golden, bubbly top. After about 10-12 minutes, the cheese should be fully
melted, with some deliciously crispy edges forming. That’s your signal that it’s time to pull the
dish out of the oven.
As the cheese cools slightly, grab some fresh cilantro and sprinkle it generously over the top.
For a burst of freshness, toss on some diced tomatoes too—this adds both color and a touch of
brightness to balance the richness of the cheese.
Finally, serve the Queso Fundido while it’s still piping hot. You can scoop it into warm tortillas or
use tortilla chips for dipping. The gooey, melted cheese mixed with the savory chorizo (or
veggies) creates an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.Enjoy the
experience of pulling apart the cheesy goodness, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your
new favorite party appetizer!
Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations, from roasted poblanos to sautéed
mushrooms, or even add shrimp or bacon for an extra layer of flavor. Queso Fundido is all about
comfort and customization—so make it your own! Take a look at these awesome variations
below!
Variation Ideas:
1. Mushroom Queso Fundido:
Replace or add to the chorizo with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Any
Mushroom will work great for this but my favorite would be Shitake.
2. Roasted Poblano Queso Fundido:
Add roasted, diced poblano peppers for a smoky kick. I would recommend this 10/10.
3. Spicy Jalapeño & Chipotle Queso Fundido:
Add diced jalapeños and chipotle in adobo for a spicier version.
4. Shrimp Queso Fundido:
Top with sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
5. Bacon & Caramelized Onion Queso Fundido:
Use crispy bacon and caramelized onions for a sweet and savory variation. Also added
ground beef to this verison instead of Chorizo will created a cool spin to remind you of
cheesy bacon Burger. Awesome for Game day!

6. Tex-Mex Queso Fundido:
Add seasoned ground beef or turkey with taco spices for a Tex-Mex spin. Top with
shredded lettuce and sour cream!