Queso Fundido Recipe

Chorizo: A spicy sausage that brings a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.

Oaxaca cheese: A semi-soft, stringy cheese that melts beautifully, similar to mozzarella.

Monterey jack cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that complements the oaxaca cheese.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the dish.

Poblano pepper: Provides a mild heat and earthy flavor.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chorizo and vegetables, adding a subtle richness.

When cooking the chorizo, make sure to break it up into small pieces as it browns. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld better with the onion, poblano pepper, and garlic. Additionally, using a cast-iron skillet can help retain heat and provide a nice, even bake when you transfer it to the oven.

• casing removed chorizo - Substitute with ground pork sausage: Ground pork sausage can mimic the texture and flavor profile of chorizo, especially if you add some paprika and garlic to it.

• casing removed chorizo - Substitute with soy chorizo: For a vegetarian option, soy chorizo provides a similar spicy and savory flavor.

• shredded oaxaca cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a similar meltability and mild flavor, making it a good stand-in for oaxaca cheese.

• shredded oaxaca cheese - Substitute with queso asadero: Queso asadero is another Mexican cheese that melts well and has a similar taste to oaxaca cheese.

• shredded monterey jack cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack adds a bit of spice while maintaining the creamy texture of monterey jack.

• shredded monterey jack cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar provides a sharp flavor and melts well, making it a versatile substitute.

• diced small onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• diced small onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion-like flavor and can add a different texture to the dish.

• diced poblano pepper - Substitute with bell pepper: Bell peppers are milder and can add a sweet flavor without the heat.

• diced poblano pepper - Substitute with anaheim pepper: Anaheim peppers have a similar mild heat and flavor profile to poblanos.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it lacks the fresh, pungent taste of minced garlic.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor along with a hint of onion.

• olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties to olive oil.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is another neutral-flavored oil that works well for cooking and sautéing.

• Allow the queso fundido to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the queso fundido to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a piece of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious when reheated.
• For freezing, place the cooled queso fundido in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Queso fundido can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the queso fundido in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain its texture and flavor.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• If the queso fundido seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate.
• Serve hot with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for the best experience.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover queso fundido in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. Stir occasionally for even reheating.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the leftover queso fundido and cover with a lid. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the cheese starts to stick, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of milk to help it along.

• Microwave Method: Place the queso fundido in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cheese is fully melted and heated through.

• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the queso fundido to a slow cooker. Set it on low heat and cover. Stir occasionally until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through. This method is great for keeping the queso fundido warm during a party.

• Double Boiler Method: Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top, ensuring it doesn't touch the water. Add the queso fundido to the bowl and stir occasionally until the cheese is melted and smooth. This gentle heating method prevents the cheese from burning.

• Skillet: A versatile cooking pan used for browning the chorizo and sautéing the vegetables.

• Oven: Used to bake the queso fundido until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring and mixing the chorizo and vegetables in the skillet.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the onion and poblano pepper, and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the vegetables and garlic.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the shredded cheeses accurately.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for holding the cooked chorizo temporarily while you sauté the vegetables.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when transferring the hot skillet to and from the oven.

• Serving dish: Optional, but can be used to present the queso fundido attractively with tortilla chips or warm tortillas.

Pre-cook the chorizo: Cook the chorizo ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to the skillet when needed.

Prep vegetables in advance: Dice the onion, poblano pepper, and mince the garlic beforehand. Store them in airtight containers to save time during cooking.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded oaxaca and monterey jack cheese to skip the shredding step.

One-pan method: Use an oven-safe skillet to cook everything. This minimizes dishwashing and makes the transition from stovetop to oven seamless.