If you are craving an irresistibly melty, smoky, and cheesy appetizer that will have everyone reaching for seconds, this Queso Fundido Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine luscious ribbons of molten cheeses mingling perfectly with spicy chorizo, accented by the sweetness of caramelized onions and a hint of garlic, all bubbling right in a hot skillet. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for sharing and savoring. You’ll fall in love at first dip!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Queso Fundido Skillet Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it adds creamy texture, spicy excitement, or a burst of color. The list is delightfully straightforward, making your cooking experience both simple and satisfying.
- 1/2 lb chorizo (bulk, not in casings): Delivers smoky, spicy depth and a rich meaty base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking): Helps saute the ingredients if your chorizo is lean.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and tender texture when cooked.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic punch that balances the richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey stretch and mild creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, tangy flavor contrast.
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend: Such as Oaxaca or Asadero, for authentic melty creaminess and subtle smokiness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish): Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note.
- 1-2 tablespoons pickled or fresh jalapeños (optional): Adds a spicy kick for those who love some heat.
- Tortilla chips or flour tortillas (for serving): The perfect vehicle to scoop up this cheesy goodness.
How to Make Queso Fundido Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat—ideally a cast iron skillet for that even cooking and rustic presentation. Add your bulk chorizo and break it up with a spoon, cooking until it’s thoroughly browned and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops those deep, smoky flavors that are essential to the dish. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep the queso from becoming oily.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion. Cook it for a few minutes until it softens and releases its natural sweetness, which beautifully complements the spiciness of the chorizo. Add the minced garlic last, stirring quickly for around 30 seconds—this tiny time frame lets it get fragrant without burning, preserving its delicate flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Cheeses
Turn the heat down to medium-low and evenly sprinkle the trio of cheeses: mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for bite, and the Mexican cheese blend for authentic creamy richness. This combo is what makes the Queso Fundido Skillet Recipe irresistibly gooey and flavorful. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt slowly into a bubbling, cheesy dream over 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness, and add pickled or fresh jalapeños if you want to dial up the spice. Then, it’s time to bring out the tortilla chips or wrap the warm flour tortillas ready for dunking into that molten cheesy delight.
How to Serve Queso Fundido Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of green but also a lovely herbal brightness that balances the rich cheese and spicy chorizo. For an extra punch, sliced jalapeños, whether fresh or pickled, enhance the dish with vibrant heat and a little tang. Feel free to sprinkle a dash of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lime to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its richness. Think crisp lettuce salads with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the cheese or grilled vegetables that bring earthiness. For a more filling meal, serve alongside Mexican rice or refried beans, making it a festive feast for all ages.
Creative Ways to Present
The rustic look of the skillet right on the table invites communal eating and conversation, perfect for casual gatherings. For an elevated presentation, scoop portions onto small plates topped with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. You can also turn it into a savory filling for stuffed peppers or even baked potatoes for a fun twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover queso fundido can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, but keep in mind the texture may firm up as the cheese cools.
Freezing
Because of the melted cheese, freezing this dish isn’t ideal—it can alter the texture and make the cheese grainy once thawed. If you need to save leftovers for longer, it’s better to freeze the cooked chorizo mixture separately and add fresh cheese when reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, covering it to help the cheese melt evenly without drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but do it in short bursts to prevent the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess if it feels too thick.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chorizo with sautéed mushrooms, seasoned tempeh, or even spiced black beans for a vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What cheeses work best in queso fundido?
The best cheeses melt well without becoming greasy. Mozzarella, cheddar, Oaxaca, Asadero, or Monterey Jack blends provide the ideal balance of flavor and meltiness for this dish.
Is cast iron necessary for cooking this dish?
While cast iron is wonderful for even heating and presentation, any heavy-bottom skillet will do the job just fine. The key is to cook evenly and keep the cheese bubbling.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The heat primarily comes from the chorizo and jalapeños, both of which you can adjust according to your taste. Leaving out jalapeños will make it milder, while adding pickled ones adds tangy spice.
Can I prepare queso fundido ahead of time?
You can cook the chorizo and onion mixture ahead and refrigerate it, then add cheese and melt just before serving to enjoy it fresh and gooey.
Final Thoughts
This Queso Fundido Skillet Recipe is a true superstar for any occasion, bringing warmth, spice, and an irresistible cheesy pull to your table. It’s quick to make yet impressively flavorful and versatile enough for casual nights or celebrations. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself dreaming up excuses to make it again—and again. Trust me, your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Queso Fundido Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Queso Fundido Skillet is a delicious Mexican-inspired dish featuring savory chorizo cooked with onions and garlic, topped with a rich blend of melted cheeses. Served hot and bubbly straight from the skillet, it makes a perfect appetizer or snack when paired with crispy tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 lb chorizo (bulk, not in casings)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend (such as Oaxaca, Asadero, or Monterey Jack)
- 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 to avoid greasy texture.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, enhancing the flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring frequently to prevent burning and releasing aromatic flavors.
- Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and Mexican cheese blend over the chorizo mixture in the skillet.
- Cover and Melt: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 3-4 minutes until it is gooey and bubbly, creating a luscious cheesy topping.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and pickled or fresh jalapeños if you desire a spicy kick.
- Serve: Serve immediately with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for dipping and scooping up the cheesy, spicy goodness.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of jalapeños or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve even cooking and better cheese melting.
- Remove excess grease after cooking chorizo to prevent the dish from being too oily.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Substitute cheeses based on availability, but maintaining a mix of mozzarella and cheddar with a Mexican blend gives the best flavor and melt.
