Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

If you are a lover of bold, melty, and hearty flavors, this Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe is about to become your new go-to appetizer that steals the show every time. Imagine smoky, spicy chorizo nestled in a creamy river of luscious, melted white American cheese, accented with fresh jalapeno heat and a zing of lime—this dish brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving something comforting yet extravagant, this Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience of rich, cheesy goodness and lively spice.

Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet every item plays a vital role in building up layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color. From the smoky chorizo to the silky cheese and the punch of fresh jalapeno and lime, each element complements one another perfectly.

  • Chorizo (1 lb peeled, cooked, and chopped): The star protein; packed with smoky and spicy flavor that defines this dish’s character.
  • White onion (1 cup diced): Adds sweetness and balances the spice with its mild, caramelized notes.
  • Garlic (1 glove diced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic warmth.
  • Jalapeno pepper (1 whole): Brings just the right amount of fresh heat without overpowering the cheese.
  • Water (½ cup): Helps in sweating the onion and loosening all the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
  • Heavy cream (1 cup, divided): Enriches the cheese for that silky, gooey texture that every bite demands.
  • White American cheese (16 oz, cubed or grated): Melts beautifully to create the signature luscious fundido base.
  • Cilantro (¼ cup chopped): Adds brightness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
  • Lime (juiced from 1 lime): Cuts through the richness with a fresh, tangy zing.
  • Tortilla chips (3 cups): The perfect vehicle for dipping into all that cheesy, spicy goodness.

How to Make Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chorizo

Start by peeling the chorizo if it’s in a casing and cooking it until it’s nicely browned in a tablespoon of canola oil. Browning brings out the chorizo’s rich, savory flavors and gives it that slightly crispy texture you want in every bite. Once cooked, remove it from the heat and set it aside to keep the flavors concentrated while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sweat the Onions and Garlic

In a medium saucepan, heat a splash of olive oil and add the diced white onions. Cook them gently for about three minutes until they soften and release their sweetness. Then add the diced garlic and cook for just one more minute—this keeps the garlic from burning and turning bitter. Adding ½ cup of water now lets you scrape up all those lovely browned bits on the bottom of the pan, which add incredible depth of flavor to your queso fundido.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese with Cream

Pour in ¼ cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for a minute. This step prepares the base for the cheese to melt beautifully and become smooth instead of stringy or clumpy. Gradually add the cubed or grated white American cheese, stirring every 30 seconds to encourage even melting and prevent scorching. The cream and cheese together create a silky, stretchy, and indulgently smooth foundation for your dish.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Once the cheese has completely melted, stir in the remaining heavy cream until fully combined. Add in the browned chorizo along with any juices still in the pan, and let the whole mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring often. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the texture achieve the perfect creamy yet robust consistency. Finish by stirring in the fresh lime juice to add a bright, tangy contrast that balances the richness spectacularly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your warm, bubbly Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe into a serving bowl and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh herbaceous touch. Serve with plenty of crunchy tortilla chips for dipping and share the cheesy, spicy love with friends or family!

How to Serve Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro can elevate your fundido by adding a crisp, vibrant note that cuts through the richness. You could also add thin slices of fresh jalapeno for some extra heat or a few diced tomatoes for extra freshness and color contrast. A drizzle of lime juice right before serving brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

This Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe pairs exceptionally well with simple sides like warm tortillas, pickled vegetables, or a light salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette. These sides help complement and balance the indulgent creaminess while keeping the overall meal feeling fresh and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the fundido in individual mini cast iron skillets or small earthenware bowls so everyone can enjoy their own personal serving. You can also make a layered fundido dip by adding black beans or diced roasted peppers between layers of cheese and chorizo for added texture and flavor complexity. Presentation can turn your casual gathering into a festive fiesta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The queso fundido will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the next day as a delicious snack or reheat for a quick meal.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh for the ideal cheesy texture, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to a month. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly upon thawing, so it’s best used in cooked dishes or reheated thoroughly.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the creamy consistency. Avoid high heat to keep that smooth, melty texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While white American cheese melts beautifully for this queso fundido, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican melting cheese blend. Just keep in mind the flavor and meltability may vary.

Is chorizo spicy in this recipe?

The spiciness depends on the type of chorizo you use. Mexican-style chorizo typically has a nice kick, but you can use milder versions or adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeno to suit your preference.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chorizo with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based chorizo substitute to enjoy a vegetarian version of this beloved dish without sacrificing flavor.

What is the best way to serve Chorizo Queso Fundido?

This dish shines best when served hot, straight from the stove to the table paired with crisp tortilla chips or warm tortillas for scooping up that irresistible cheese and chorizo mixture.

Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?

You can cook the chorizo ahead of time and store it separately in the fridge. When ready, simply reheat and combine with the melted cheese mixture for a quick, last-minute assembly.

Final Thoughts

This Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that feels like a warm hug in food form. Its perfect blend of spicy, creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors makes it an unbeatable choice for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how it brings smiles and satisfied sighs to everyone lucky enough to share it with you.

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Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

Chorizo Queso Fundido is a rich and flavorful Mexican appetizer featuring melted white American cheese blended with spicy chorizo, sautéed onions, garlic, and jalapeno, finished with fresh cilantro and lime juice. Served warm with crispy tortilla chips, it’s perfect for sharing at any gathering or as a delicious party snack.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop cooking, simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 lb chorizo (peeled, cooked, and chopped)
  • 16 oz white American cheese (cubed or grated)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (divided)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup white onion (diced)
  • 1 clove garlic (diced)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper (deseeded and diced)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 lime (juiced)

Liquids and Oils

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Other

  • 3 cups tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chorizo: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add peeled chorizo and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced white onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add diced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Deglaze the pan: Pour in 1/2 cup of water to the saucepan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add flavor to your sauce.
  4. Add heavy cream and melt cheese: Stir in 1/4 cup of the heavy cream and let it simmer for 1 minute. Then add the cubed or grated white American cheese gradually, stirring every 30 seconds until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
  5. Combine remaining cream and chorizo: Pour in the remaining 3/4 cup of heavy cream and stir until well combined. Add the cooked chorizo, stir, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  6. Finish with lime juice: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice. This adds a bright, fresh note to the rich cheese and chorizo mixture.
  7. Serve: Transfer the queso fundido to a serving bowl. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top. Serve immediately with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can adjust the jalapeno amount or omit it based on your spice preference.
  • Use fresh white American cheese for the best melting quality; other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack can be substituted if needed.
  • For a smokier flavor, use smoked chorizo or add a dash of smoked paprika.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese while it is warm and gooey.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated, but the texture may change slightly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Chorizo Queso Fundido, Mexican cheese dip, melted cheese appetizer, chorizo dip, party snack

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