Spicy Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

Sizzling Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta in Minutes

Melted cheese and spicy chorizo queso fundido beckon with an irresistible allure of Mexican comfort food.

Chorizo brings a fiery kick to this decadent appetizer that sizzles with flavor.

The combination of gooey, stretchy cheese and crumbled spicy sausage creates a mouthwatering dip that demands attention.

Rich, bold flavors dance across your palate with each bite of this indulgent starter.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines through in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Crispy tortillas stand ready to scoop up every last morsel of this molten cheese delight.

Prepare to be transported by a recipe that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Mexican cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Chorizo Queso Fundido

For Meat Base:
  • Chorizo: Spicy sausage that provides rich flavor and textural contrast, choose fresh Mexican-style for authentic taste.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, select firm yellow onions for best caramelization.
  • Jalapeno: Introduces heat and brightness, pick bright green peppers with smooth skin.
  • Garlic: Enhances savory profile, use fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
  • Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy undertones, opt for ground spice within six months of purchase.
For Cheese Blend:
  • Monterey Jack: Melts smoothly and provides creamy texture, choose block version for better melting.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp tangy notes, select medium or sharp for robust flavor.
For Garnish and Serving:
  • Cilantro: Provides fresh herbal brightness, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
  • Tomatoes: Adds fresh acidic element, pick ripe Roma tomatoes for best color.
  • Sliced Jalapenos: Offers extra heat and visual appeal, select firm peppers with consistent color.
  • Tortillas: Serves as delicious vehicle for dipping, warm corn or flour tortillas work perfectly.
  • Tortilla Chips: Alternative dipping option, select thick, sturdy chips for optimal scooping.

Kitchen Gear For Chorizo Queso Fundido

  • Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan: Essential for cooking chorizo and melting cheese evenly.
  • Cutting board: Used for chopping onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up chorizo.
  • Cheese grater: Great for shredding cheese quickly and evenly.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure cumin and other spices.
  • Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot skillet.

Steps To Cook Chorizo Queso Fundido

  • Fire Up the Skillet

Grab your trusty cast-iron skillet and warm it over medium heat. Drop in the chorizo and break it into crispy bits, letting those spicy flavors dance around the pan.

  • Sizzle and Soften

Toss in chopped onions and jalapeños, letting them mingle with the chorizo. Sprinkle in garlic and cumin for an extra flavor punch that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

  • Cheese Avalanche

Kill the heat and spread the chorizo mixture evenly. Rain down a generous blanket of shredded cheeses, covering every delicious morsel.

  • Bake to Melty Perfection

Slide the skillet into a 400F oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece – about 10-12 minutes of pure anticipation.

  • Dress and Devour

Pull out your molten creation and shower it with fresh cilantro, bright tomatoes, and zesty jalapeño slices. Grab warm tortillas or crispy chips and dive right in while it’s hot and irresistible.

Tips To Improve Chorizo Queso Fundido

  • Cheese Melting Magic: Use a blend of Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca and Monterey Jack for authentic, stretchy texture.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeno amounts or remove seeds to customize heat intensity for different spice tolerances.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare chorizo mixture in advance and add cheese just before baking to save time during gatherings.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap traditional chorizo with plant-based chorizo or use vegan cheese for vegetarian/vegan versions; use gluten-free tortilla chips for gluten-sensitive guests.
  • Serving Versatility: Transform this appetizer into a main dish by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp directly into the cheese mixture before baking.

How To Serve Chorizo Queso Fundido

  • Festive Fiesta Gathering: Perfect for game nights, movie parties, or casual get-togethers with friends where everyone can dig into this delicious shared appetizer.
  • Appetizer Adventure: Create a Mexican-inspired spread by pairing the queso fundido with guacamole, salsa, and a fresh Mexican street corn salad for a complete flavor experience.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve with an array of dippers like crispy tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, soft corn tortillas, or even grilled vegetable sticks for a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
  • Spice Level Customization: Set out extra chopped jalapenos, hot sauce, and mild salsa on the side so guests can adjust the heat level to their personal preference.

Plan Ahead And Store Chorizo Queso Fundido

  • Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover queso fundido in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the cheese and chorizo mixture from any fresh garnishes to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm the queso fundido in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently to restore its creamy consistency. Add a splash of milk if the mixture seems too thick or dry during reheating.
  • Freezing Strategy: While possible to freeze, the texture might slightly change. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Consume within 1 month for best quality.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare chorizo mixture and cheese separately up to 24 hours in advance. Keep components refrigerated and assemble just before baking to ensure maximum flavor and perfect melting texture.
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Spicy Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

Spicy Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Chorizo queso fundido enchants Mexican cuisine enthusiasts with its rich, melted cheese and spicy sausage blend. Diners will savor this irresistible appetizer that brings authentic flavors straight from Mexico’s culinary heart.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ pound (227 g) Mexican chorizo, casings removed
  • 2 cups (454 g) shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (227 g) shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Sliced jalapenos (for extra heat!)
  • Warm flour or corn tortillas
  • Tortilla chips
  • Salsa or guacamole

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to a scorching 400F (200C), positioning a cast-iron skillet for a culinary journey of intense flavors.
  2. Chorizo Foundation: Unleash chorizo in a medium-heated skillet, fragmenting it into crispy, golden morsels that exude a spicy, rich aroma while simultaneously sautéing diced onions and jalapenos until they soften and intertwine.
  3. Aromatic Layering: Introduce minced garlic and ground cumin, stirring briefly to awaken their intricate essence and create a complex flavor profile across the skillet’s landscape.
  4. Cheese Transformation: Distribute the chorizo mixture evenly, then blanket with a seamless layer of shredded cheeses, ensuring complete coverage for a molten, decadent experience.
  5. Oven Alchemy: Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven, allowing 10-12 minutes of intense heat to transform the cheese into a bubbling, golden masterpiece, with an optional 1-2 minute broil for a crisp, caramelized finish.
  6. Final Flourish: Adorn the queso fundido with vibrant chopped cilantro, fresh diced tomatoes, and delicate jalapeno slices, creating a visual and flavor explosion, then serve immediately with warm tortillas or crisp tortilla chips for an irresistible communal feast.

Notes

  • Select High-Quality Chorizo: Choose authentic, well-seasoned Mexican or Spanish chorizo for authentic flavor complexity and optimal spice profile.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Use a blend of melting cheeses like Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or mild cheddar to achieve that perfect stretchy, gooey texture without overwhelming greasiness.
  • Control Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno and chorizo quantities to manage heat intensity, ensuring the dish suits various tolerance levels without compromising robust flavor.
  • Serving Temperature Matters: Serve immediately after removing from oven to maintain molten cheese consistency and prevent premature solidification, maximizing sensory enjoyment.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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