Description
Queso Fundido Skillet is a gooey, cheesy Mexican appetizer featuring spicy chorizo and a melty blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Mexican cheeses. Cooked on the stovetop and served hot, this dish is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings or game day.
Ingredients
Scale
Chorizo and Aromatics
- 1/2 lb chorizo (bulk, not in casings)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend (such as Oaxaca, Asadero, or Monterey Jack)
Garnishes and Serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1-2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños or fresh jalapeños (optional, for extra spice)
- Tortilla chips or flour tortillas (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Chorizo: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease from the skillet to prevent greasiness in the final dish.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the chorizo and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, blending aromatics with the meat.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more, stirring frequently to prevent burning and release the garlic’s aroma.
- Add the Cheese Blend: Lower the heat to medium-low to prevent burning. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Mexican cheese blend over the chorizo mixture, creating an even layer of cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes gooey, bubbly, and fully melted into a luscious topping over the chorizo.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the queso fundido with fresh chopped cilantro and pickled or fresh jalapeños according to your spice preference.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for dipping and scooping up the cheesy, savory mixture.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and the best melting texture.
- Removing excess grease from cooked chorizo yields a less oily dish.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spiciness according to your taste.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the cheese at its melty peak.
- For a spicier variation, add diced green chilies or hot sauce before adding the cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop, but texture may change.
