Name: Homemade Queso Fundido Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz chorizo sausage (Mexican-style, casing removed); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, seeded and minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional); Lime wedges and warm tortillas or tortilla chips for serving

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If you’re searching for the meltiest, cheesiest dip with a big punch of flavor, look no further than Homemade Queso Fundido. This dish celebrates everything that’s irresistible about Mexican cuisine: Appetizer. It’s a true showstopper for parties or any cozy gathering — basically, it guarantees you’ll never have leftovers!

Homemade Queso Fundido Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Queso Fundido is that you need just a few vibrant ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. The rich, spiced sausage brings depth, the cheese melts like a dream, and a touch of fresh cilantro offers brightness. Here’s what you’ll need to make magic:

Chorizo sausage (8 oz, Mexican-style): Remove the casing — this sausage infuses bold spices and a gorgeous red color into every bite.
Small onion (finely chopped): Sweated with the chorizo, it becomes sweet and aromatic, perfect for balance.
Jalapeño or serrano pepper (1, seeded and minced): Adds an irresistible pop of heat — adjust to your spice preference.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A touch of garlic sharpness rounds out the flavor and mingles beautifully with the chorizo.
Shredded Oaxaca cheese (2 cups): Traditional and gloriously melty; if you can’t find it, a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella works beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): A little cheddar gives both color and a slight tang to the mix.
Chopped fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon, optional): A garnish that adds fresh, herbal notes and eye-catching color.
Lime wedges and warm tortillas or tortilla chips: For scooping, swirling, and squeezing over top — essential for the full experience!

How to Make Homemade Queso Fundido

Step 1: Brown the Chorizo

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a skillet and set it over medium heat, then crumble in the Mexican chorizo. Let it sizzle, breaking it up with a spoon as you go, until it’s fully cooked and browned — this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If the chorizo releases a lot of fat, spoon off the excess, but keep a little for flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Jalapeño

Once the chorizo is cooked, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced jalapeño. Sauté them together for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice the onions turning translucent and the kitchen starting to smell amazing — these veggies absorb the chorizo’s spices and add layers of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Add Garlic for a Kick

Stir in the minced garlic and cook everything together for another 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly and you want just a hint of golden, not burnt. This is where the savory aroma really gets mouthwatering! Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Transfer the chorizo and veggie mixture into an oven-safe dish or a small cast-iron skillet. Spread it out in an even layer — this ensures every scoop is packed with those meaty, flavorful bits. Now comes the most exciting part: pile on the shredded Oaxaca cheese (or your melty blend) and sprinkle the cheddar all over.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, gooey, and starting to bubble around the edges. If you love a golden, slightly crisped cheesy top, switch on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the very end — but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the Homemade Queso Fundido is bubbling hot, sprinkle over some chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, passing lime wedges, warm tortillas, or tortilla chips around the table. Time to dig in and watch that cheese pull!

How to Serve Homemade Queso Fundido

Garnishes

A finishing scatter of chopped cilantro makes the dish look beautiful and adds a refreshing lift. Try extra jalapeño slices, a dusting of chili powder, or even diced tomatoes for a festive flourish. Don’t forget the lime wedges — a good squeeze over the top brightens every bite of your Homemade Queso Fundido.

Side Dishes

Homemade Queso Fundido is fantastic served with warm tortillas for scooping, but tortilla chips are equally delicious (and extra crispy). Want to round out your appetizer table? Set out bowls of guacamole, pico de gallo, or a fresh corn salad for a full-on fiesta spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving Homemade Queso Fundido in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins so everyone gets their own bubbling portion. Or turn this dish into an epic topping for nachos or loaded baked potatoes! It even transforms into a decadent taco filling with just a few extra toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (somehow!) you have leftovers, let your Homemade Queso Fundido cool to room temperature. Scoop it into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully and the cheesy base stays creamy for reheating.

Freezing

While cheese dips like this aren’t always freezer winners, you can freeze Homemade Queso Fundido if needed. Portion it into freezer-friendly containers, leaving a little space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, spoon the chilled queso fundido into an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly again, about 10–15 minutes. You can also zap individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds for the creamiest results. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I make Homemade Queso Fundido vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the chorizo for sautéed mushrooms or black beans for a meat-free version that’s just as satisfying and flavorful. The smokiness and richness still shine through, making it a great option for mixed crowds.

What’s the best cheese for authentic queso fundido?

Oaxaca cheese is the traditional choice thanks to its fantastic meltability and subtle flavor. If it’s hard to find, Monterey Jack and mozzarella make an excellent duo for that iconic stretch and ooze your Homemade Queso Fundido needs.

How do I keep the cheese smooth and not greasy?

Using freshly shredded cheese (rather than pre-shredded) helps prevent excess oiliness and delivers a smoother finish. Also, draining some of the chorizo fat before baking keeps things luscious without being greasy.

Can I make Homemade Queso Fundido ahead for a party?

You can cook the chorizo mixture in advance, refrigerate it, and assemble with cheese right before baking. That way, you’re just a few minutes away from hot, melty bliss when guests arrive!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the tastiest results, reheat your leftover Homemade Queso Fundido in the oven until it’s fully melted and bubbling. Stir well, and enjoy as a dip or even spooned over tacos, rice, or roasted veggies.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Homemade Queso Fundido enough for appetizer fans or anyone who loves a bit of party drama (who could resist that molten cheese pull?!). Give it a try — it’s a surefire way to win hearts and satisfy every cheese craving, whether for game night, gatherings, or simply an indulgent snack at home. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and let the dipping begin!

Homemade Queso Fundido Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ooey-gooey goodness of Homemade Queso Fundido, a flavorful Mexican-style chorizo and cheese dip perfect for sharing with friends and family. This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser that will disappear quickly!

Ingredients

Scale

Chorizo Mixture:

8 oz chorizo sausage (Mexican-style, casing removed)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, seeded and minced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese Blend:

2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Lime wedges and warm tortillas or tortilla chips for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook chorizo mixture: Cook the chorizo in a skillet until browned, then add onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook until softened.
Assemble: Spread the chorizo mixture in a dish, top with cheeses, and bake until melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with tortillas or chips.