When you’re looking to impress with a classic Mexican appetizer, chorizo queso fundido is a must-try.
Start by gathering your kitchen tools: a skillet, oven-safe dish, and spatula.
You’ll need 8 oz of chorizo, 1 cup each of Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a diced jalapeño.
With precise steps and careful timing, you’ll create a bubbling, savory masterpiece.
Ready to elevate your appetizer game? Let’s explore the details.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 oven-safe dish
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
Ingredients
- 250 grams chorizo sausage, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 300 grams shredded Oaxaca cheese
- 100 grams shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas for serving
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chorizo Queso Fundido, you can follow this timeline:
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- 0:00 – 2:00 minutes: Gather all ingredients and equipment (large skillet, wooden spoon, oven-safe dish, cutting board, sharp knife).
- 2:00 – 4:00 minutes: Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- 4:00 – 6:00 minutes: Remove casing from chorizo sausage and crumble it.
- 6:00 – 8:00 minutes: Shred the Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese if not pre-shredded.
- 8:00 – 10:00 minutes: Slice the jalapeño and chop the fresh cilantro.
- Cooking (20 minutes)
- 10:00 – 12:00 minutes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 12:00 – 16:00 minutes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent.
- 16:00 – 20:00 minutes: Add crumbled chorizo to the skillet, cook until browned.
- 20:00 – 21:00 minutes: Remove skillet from heat, drain excess fat.
- 21:00 – 22:00 minutes: Transfer chorizo mixture into an oven-safe dish.
- 22:00 – 23:00 minutes: Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the chorizo mixture.
- 23:00 – 24:00 minutes: Top with sliced jalapeños.
- Baking (10-15 minutes)
- 24:00 – 34:00/39:00 minutes: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Resting (5 minutes)
- 34:00/39:00 – 39:00/44:00 minutes: Remove from the oven and allow to rest.
- Serving
- 39:00/44:00 minutes: Garnish with fresh cilantro, serve with lime wedges, and tortilla chips or warm tortillas.
Recipe
Chorizo Queso Fundido is a delightful Mexican appetizer that combines the savory flavors of chorizo with the creamy goodness of melted cheese.
This dish is perfect for sharing, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or as a starter for a Mexican-themed meal.
The rich and spicy chorizo pairs beautifully with the mild Monterey Jack and the traditional Oaxaca cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
The key to a successful Chorizo Queso Fundido is to guarantee that the chorizo is cooked thoroughly, releasing its flavorful oils, which meld with the sautéed onions and garlic.
This forms a robust base that’s then topped with a generous layer of cheese, which melts into a gooey, irresistible topping.
The addition of sliced jalapeño and fresh cilantro adds a touch of freshness and a hint of heat, while the lime wedges provide a zesty contrast, elevating the dish to a new level of deliciousness.
To prepare Chorizo Queso Fundido, begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
Crumble in the chorizo and cook until browned, guaranteeing it’s thoroughly cooked.
Remove the skillet from heat, drain any excess fat, and transfer the chorizo mixture to an oven-safe dish.
Layer with shredded Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese, and top with sliced jalapeños.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving with lime wedges and tortilla chips or warm tortillas.
For the best results, make sure the chorizo is fully cooked to avoid any chewy texture.
Adjust the amount of jalapeño to match your preferred heat level, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
Serving the dish immediately after resting guarantees you experience the best gooey-cheese texture, maximizing the indulgent experience that Chorizo Queso Fundido offers.
Cooking Steps
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring the entire surface is evenly coated.
Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent.
Then crumble 250 grams of chorizo into the skillet, cooking it until thoroughly browned.
Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish for the next step.
Step 1. Heat Oil in Skillet
Begin by drizzling one tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet and set it over medium heat.
Verify the skillet is large enough to accommodate the other ingredients comfortably.
The olive oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
Watch closely to avoid overheating, which can lead to a burnt flavor.
- Ensure even coating: Tilt the skillet to spread the oil uniformly.
- Monitor the heat: Medium heat helps maintain control, preventing the oil from smoking.
- Prep and timing are key: Have all ingredients ready to keep the process seamless.
Step 2. Sauté Onion Until Translucent
Toss the diced onion into the shimmering olive oil in your skillet. Stir gently with a wooden spoon, ensuring each piece is coated in the oil.
Maintain a medium heat, allowing the onion to soften gradually.
You’ll know it’s perfect when the onion turns translucent, taking about 3-5 minutes.
Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
It’s essential not to rush this step; a slow sauté enhances the onion’s sweetness, adding depth to your queso fundido.
As the onion softens, its aroma will fill your kitchen, a sign that you’re on track.
Season lightly with salt to draw out moisture, but avoid over-seasoning since other ingredients will add more flavor later.
Step 3. Brown Crumbled Chorizo Thoroughly
Add the crumbled chorizo to the skillet, guaranteeing it’s evenly distributed across the surface.
Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon, allowing each piece to brown evenly for about 6-8 minutes.
You want the chorizo to release its rich oils and develop a crispy texture, enhancing its savory depth.
- Color change: Look for a deep, reddish-brown hue as your indicator of doneness.
- Aroma alert: The kitchen should fill with a robust, spicy fragrance.
- Sound check: Listen for a gentle sizzle, signaling that the moisture is evaporating properly.
Maintain medium heat to prevent burning, adjusting as necessary.
This process caramelizes the meat’s natural sugars, adding complexity to your dish.
Step 4. Drain Excess Fat From Skillet
Once your chorizo is perfectly browned, it’s crucial to drain the excess fat from the skillet.
Begin by using a wooden spoon to carefully push the chorizo to one side of the skillet, creating a clear area for the fat to pool.
Tilt the skillet slightly, allowing the fat to gather in the open space.
Use a heat-resistant spoon or ladle to remove the fat, transferring it to a heat-safe container.
Be mindful not to remove too much, as some rendered fat adds flavor.
This step guarantees your queso fundido isn’t greasy, maintaining the perfect balance of flavors.
Once you’ve drained the excess fat, you’re ready to proceed with adding the cheeses and other flavorful ingredients.
Step 5. Transfer to Oven-Safe Dish
With the excess fat removed from the skillet, you’re ready to elevate your dish to the next stage.
Carefully spoon the chorizo mixture into an oven-safe dish, guaranteeing an even layer for uniform melting.
Use a spatula to scrape every flavorful bit, maximizing taste.
Distribute the 300 grams of shredded Oaxaca cheese and 100 grams of Monterey Jack cheese over the chorizo.
These cheeses provide a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Balance flavors: Guarantee an even blend of chorizo and cheese for a harmonious taste.
- Oven-safe choice: Use a dish that withstands 375°F (190°C) to prevent cracking.
- Even layering: Ensures consistent melting and a visually appealing dish.
Top it all with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Serving Tips
- Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up the cheesy chorizo goodness, providing a satisfying crunch.
- Warm Tortillas: Ideal for making small tacos or wraps with the melted cheese and chorizo filling.
- Pita Bread: A soft and chewy alternative that pairs well with the rich flavors of the dish.
- Vegetable Sticks: Offer a lighter option with celery or carrot sticks to dip into the queso fundido.
- Crusty Bread: Great for those who enjoy a hearty bite, adding texture to the creamy cheese and spicy chorizo.
Storage/Freezing/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Chorizo Queso Fundido in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Freezing: Avoid Freezing Chorizo Queso Fundido, as the cheese may become grainy upon thawing, affecting the dish’s texture and overall quality.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven until the cheese melts and is bubbly again, approximately 10 minutes, ensuring even heating and preserving the dish’s creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
Although preparing Chorizo Queso Fundido might seem straightforward, mastering the art of balancing flavors can elevate your dish to new heights.
Precision in ingredient measurements plays an essential role in achieving culinary success.
Here’s a quick reference to make sure you get it right:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Chorizo Sausage | 250 grams |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Oaxaca Cheese | 300 grams |
| Monterey Jack | 100 grams |
| Fresh Cilantro | 2 tablespoons |
When crafting this dish, focus on the harmony between spicy chorizo and creamy cheese.
Confirm the chorizo is thoroughly browned, and let the cheese melt to a bubbly finish.
Remember, serving it immediately guarantees a delightful experience.
Adjust ingredients to your taste, but keep the balance intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage Instead of Chorizo?
You can substitute the chorizo with another sausage, like Italian or andouille. Just remove the casing, cook until browned, and guarantee it’s thoroughly cooked. Adjust spices to match the dish’s flavor profile for a seamless swap.
What Can I Substitute for Oaxaca Cheese if Unavailable?
You can substitute Oaxaca cheese with mozzarella for its similar meltability and mild flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio. For added authenticity, mix in a bit of fresh mozzarella for a more authentic texture and taste.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Dish?
You can create a vegetarian version by swapping the chorizo with 250 grams of crumbled plant-based sausage. Make sure it’s browned well before mixing in the cheeses. Add smoked paprika for extra flavor if desired. Enjoy!
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
To make it less spicy, reduce the jalapeño slices or remove their seeds. Substitute smoked paprika for jalapeños, using 1/2 teaspoon for a milder kick. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance for a Party?
You can prepare this dish ahead by cooking the chorizo mixture and storing it in the fridge. Assemble with cheese just before baking. This way, you’ll save time and guarantee a fresh, bubbly finish at your party.
Chorizo Queso Fundido
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 oven-safe dish
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
Ingredients
- 250 grams chorizo sausage casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 300 grams shredded Oaxaca cheese
- 100 grams shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 jalapeño sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
- Crumble the chorizo into the skillet and cook until browned.
- Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the chorizo mixture into an oven-safe dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese over the chorizo.
- Top with sliced jalapeños.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and tortilla chips or warm tortillas.
Notes
