Name: Cheese and Chorizo Queso Fundido Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chorizo sausage; 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup); 1 small jalapeno pepper, finely diced; 4 cups (452 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; Tomato, diced for garnish; Jalapeno pepper, diced for garnish; Cilantro, chopped for garnish; Warm tortillas or tortilla chips

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Introduction

This Cheese and Chorizo Queso Fundido Skillet is a mouthwatering blend of spicy chorizo and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for sharing, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines bold flavors with creamy texture, ideal for parties or cozy nights in.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with a layered dish. The bottom layer is melted, bright orange cheese with slightly browned edges. On top of this, there is a layer of ground meat browned with green herbs scattered throughout. The next layer has melted white cheese spread unevenly over the meat. The center is topped with finely chopped red tomatoes and several slices of green jalapeño peppers, adding a fresh and colorful contrast. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chorizo sausage
1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
1 small jalapeno pepper, finely diced
4 cups (452 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Tomato, diced for garnish
Jalapeno pepper, diced for garnish
Cilantro, chopped for garnish
Warm tortillas or tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the queso fundido.
Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground chorizo for about 4 minutes, breaking it into small pieces for even browning.
Step 3: Add the diced yellow onion and finely diced jalapeno to the skillet. Cook for another 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chorizo is fully cooked and the onions are softened.
Step 4: Drain excess grease from the skillet, leaving about ¼ cup of the chorizo mixture aside to use as a topping later.
Step 5: Spread the cooked chorizo evenly in the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, then add the reserved chorizo mixture on top of the cheese.
Step 6: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly with a slight golden color.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with diced tomatoes, extra jalapeno, and chopped cilantro. Serve warm with tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before dicing to reduce heat.
Try adding other cheeses like mozzarella or queso blanco for a different flavor and texture.
Use a cast iron skillet for the best heat distribution and oven safety.
If you prefer, substitute chorizo with spicy Italian sausage or cooked ground beef.

Storage

Store leftover queso fundido in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

A black cast iron skillet filled with a dish showing three main layers: the bottom layer is bright orange melted cheese, topped with a middle layer of browned ground beef and melted white cheese covering parts of the beef, and the top layer consists of fresh chopped red tomatoes and green sliced jalapeños scattered in the center. Small green herb bits are sprinkled throughout, adding texture. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make queso fundido ahead of time?

You can prepare the chorizo and vegetable mixture ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake the queso fundido just before serving for the best melted cheese texture.

What can I serve with queso fundido?

Queso fundido is delicious with warm corn or flour tortillas and tortilla chips. Fresh vegetables like cucumber slices or bell pepper strips also work well for dipping.