Name: Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound chorizo; 1/2 onion, chopped; 1 cup Oaxaca cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup queso quesadilla (queso asadero), shredded; Jalapeños, sliced; Radishes, thinly sliced; Cilantro, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a truly indulgent and crowd-pleasing appetizer that boasts bold flavors and gooey, cheesy goodness, look no further than Chorizo Queso Fundido. This vibrant Mexican dish brings together spicy chorizo and a blend of melty cheeses to create a luscious, savory dip that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just want a comforting snack that satisfies every craving, Chorizo Queso Fundido delivers irresistible taste and warmth in every bite.

Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for a perfect Chorizo Queso Fundido are a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role — from the spicy kick of chorizo to the creamy blend of cheeses that melt together beautifully, these components create a dish that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in appearance.

1 pound chorizo: Provides a spicy, smoky foundation that infuses the dish with bold flavor.
1/2 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and an aromatic depth that balances the richness of the chorizo.
1 cup Oaxaca cheese, shredded: A creamy, stringy cheese that melts exceptionally well for that perfect gooey texture.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Offers a mild flavor and supple melt that complements the other cheeses.
1 cup queso quesadilla (queso asadero), shredded: Gives a smooth, buttery finish that brings everything together.
Jalapenos: Adds a fresh, spicy kick as a garnish to brighten the dish.
Radishes: Provide a crunchy, peppery contrast for added texture.
Cilantro: Lends a fresh herbaceous note to balance the richness.

How to Make Chorizo Queso Fundido

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Having your oven ready at the right temperature is key to achieving that perfect cheese melt without drying out the chorizo or cooking too quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mix

In a large bowl, combine Oaxaca, mozzarella, and queso quesadilla cheeses. Mixing the cheeses beforehand ensures an even distribution of flavor and melt in the skillet later on.

Step 3: Cook the Chorizo and Onion

Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and chorizo. Cook for about 10 minutes until the chorizo is fully cooked through and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step releases flavorful fats that make the dish irresistibly savory.

Step 4: Remove Excess Fat

Carefully remove the cooked chorizo and onions from the skillet, and drain any excess fat. This keeps the final dish from becoming greasy while still retaining that deep, rich flavor.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Now for the fun part: place half of the cheese mixture into the skillet, then add half of the cooked chorizo and onions on top. Follow with the remaining cheese, and top it off with the last of the chorizo mixture. This layering creates a gooey, textured masterpiece.

Step 6: Bake Until Melty

Pop your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. This step brings all the elements together, creating that iconic molten cheese experience you’re after.

How to Serve Chorizo Queso Fundido

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced radishes, and vibrant cilantro truly elevate the dish. These garnishes cut through the richness with fresh, sharp, and slightly spicy notes, creating a perfect balance.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chorizo Queso Fundido with warm flour tortillas and crispy tortilla chips. They’re essential for scooping up the cheesy goodness and make every bite a fun, hands-on experience that family and friends will love.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests further, serve your Chorizo Queso Fundido in individual mini skillets or rustic cast iron ramekins. You can also add a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salsa to bring contrast and color to your presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Chorizo Queso Fundido leftover (which might be tough!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to intensify, making your next serving just as delightful.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze only the cooked chorizo separately. Cheese sauces often change texture when frozen, so for the best results, prepare the cheese portion fresh when reheating.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can cause the cheese to separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?

Absolutely! While Mexican chorizo brings a distinctive flavor, you can substitute with spicy Italian sausage or another flavorful sausage to suit your taste, though the characteristic smoky warmth might be milder.

What if I can’t find all the Mexican cheeses?

Don’t worry! You can often swap Oaxaca for mozzarella and queso quesadilla with a mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack or even fontina. The key is to use a good melting combination to recreate that luscious texture.

Is this dish spicy?

The chorizo naturally adds some heat, but it’s generally mild to moderately spicy depending on the brand. You can adjust the spice level by choosing your chorizo carefully and controlling spicy garnishes like jalapenos.

Can I make Chorizo Queso Fundido vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace chorizo with sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or a plant-based chorizo alternative to keep the bold flavors and texture without meat.

What’s the best way to serve this for a party?

Serve it directly from the cast iron skillet on a heat-safe trivet and provide plenty of tortillas and chips for dipping. It encourages sharing and creates a lively, communal eating experience everyone enjoys.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a bubbling, golden Chorizo Queso Fundido out of the oven and gathering around to dive in together. It’s the kind of dish that turns any occasion into a celebration and invites warmth and flavor into your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience firsthand why this combination of spicy chorizo and melty cheese steals the show every time.

Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Chorizo Queso Fundido is a rich and flavorful Mexican appetizer featuring melted cheeses combined with savory, spicy chorizo sausage. This dish is perfect for sharing at parties or as a comforting starter, served warm with fresh tortillas or tortilla chips and topped with fresh jalapeños, radishes, and cilantro for added brightness and crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound chorizo
1/2 onion, chopped
1 cup Oaxaca cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup queso quesadilla (queso asadero), shredded

For Garnish

Jalapeños, sliced
Radishes, thinly sliced
Cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for melting the cheese mixture later.
Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine all three shredded cheeses—Oaxaca, mozzarella, and queso quesadilla—and set aside.
Cook Chorizo and Onions: Heat a 10-inch iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and chorizo, cooking until the chorizo is fully cooked and browned, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook evenly.
Drain Excess Fat: Remove the cooked chorizo and onions from the skillet and drain off any excess fat from the skillet to prevent greasiness.
Assemble in Skillet: Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly in the skillet, then layer half of the cooked chorizo and onions on top. Add the remaining cheese, followed by the rest of the chorizo to create layers.
Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish liberally with sliced jalapeños, radishes, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with warm flour tortillas and tortilla chips for dipping and scooping.

Notes

For extra spice, use spicier chorizo or add more jalapeños as a garnish.
Use a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet to ensure even cooking and melting of cheese.
You can substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack if preferred.
Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey melted cheese at its best.
This dish pairs well with fresh salsa or guacamole for added flavor contrast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking and stovetop cooking
Cuisine: Mexican