The Hot, Cheesy Dip I Make for Every Gathering

Introduction

Nothing brings people together like a warm, gooey, cheesy dip fresh out of the oven. Whether it’s game night, a holiday party, or a casual get-together with friends, one dish I can always count on to disappear in minutes is my favorite queso fundido with chorizo. This simple yet flavorful recipe is packed with melted cheese, spiced chorizo, and zesty green chiles. It’s the perfect comfort food and a surefire crowd-pleaser.

This dish is inspired by traditional queso fundido, a Mexican-style melted cheese dip often served with warm tortillas or tortilla chips. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different variations, adding ingredients like onions, pickled jalapeños, and fresh cilantro to enhance its flavors. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best queso fundido, along with expert tips, serving ideas, creative variations, and healthier alternatives to make it fit any dietary preference.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Dip

• Quick and Easy: Takes just 25 minutes from start to finish.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses only cheese, chorizo, and a few flavorful add-ins.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or even as a taco filling.
• Always a Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the first dish to go at any party!
• Endless Variations: Easily customizable with different meats, cheeses, and toppings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family night or a holiday feast, this dip is always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious queso fundido, you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground fresh Mexican-style chorizo (without casing)
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Oaxaca cheese (or substitute with Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup diced grape tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon crumbled queso fresco (optional, for garnish)
• Tortilla chips or crusty bread, for serving
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for a warm, earthy note)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)

How to Make Queso Fundido with Chorizo

Step 1: Preheat Your Broiler

Set an oven rack 4 to 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler on high.

Step 2: Cook the Chorizo and Vegetables

• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the ground chorizo.
• Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking it into crumbles, until lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in the diced onion and green chiles and continue cooking until soft and fragrant (another 5-7 minutes).
• Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

• Turn off the heat and evenly distribute the shredded cheeses over the chorizo mixture.
• Make small pockets in the meat so the cheese melts into the dish instead of just sitting on top.

Step 4: Broil Until Bubbly

• Place the skillet in the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with diced grape tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco.
• Serve immediately with warm tortilla chips or slices of crusty bread.
• For an extra smoky touch, drizzle with a bit of hot sauce or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips for the Best Queso Fundido

1. Shred Your Own Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the meltiest, gooiest dip, shred your cheese fresh from a block.

2. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet

A cast-iron skillet holds heat well and keeps the dip warm for longer. If you don’t have a broiler-safe skillet, transfer the chorizo mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese.

3. Add Heat and Spice

If you like a spicy dip, try:

• Chopped pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the chorizo.
• Freshly chopped serrano peppers for extra heat.
• A drizzle of habanero hot sauce for an intense fiery bite.

4. Serve It Hot and Fresh

Queso fundido is best enjoyed immediately while it’s hot and melty. If it cools down, simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve Queso Fundido

• With Tortilla Chips: The classic choice—perfect for scooping up that melty cheese.
• With Soft Flour or Corn Tortillas: Make delicious queso fundido tacos.
• With Veggies: Serve with celery, carrots, or bell pepper strips for a low-carb option.
• As a Nacho Topper: Pour over a plate of loaded nachos.
• Inside a Baked Potato: Spoon it over a baked potato for a fun twist!
• As a Filling for Empanadas: Use the mixture inside pastry dough and bake for a handheld treat.
• Over a Burger: Add a spoonful to your burger for a cheesy, flavorful topping.

Additional Flavor Variations to Try

• Chipotle Queso Fundido: Add a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce for deep, smoky heat.
• Mushroom & Spinach Fundido: Sauté mushrooms and spinach and mix them into the chorizo before adding the cheese.
• BBQ Chorizo Fundido: Swap half the chorizo for barbecue pulled pork and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
• Taco-Style Fundido: Add a teaspoon of taco seasoning to the chorizo for a Tex-Mex flavor.
• Poblano Fundido: Roast a poblano pepper, dice it, and mix it into the dip for a mild, smoky kick.

Healthier Swaps and Modifications

Want to lighten up your queso fundido? Try these swaps:

• Use turkey chorizo instead of pork chorizo for a leaner option.
• Replace half the cheese with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with fewer calories.
• Add more veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach for extra nutrients.
• Serve with whole wheat pita chips or cucumber slices instead of tortilla chips.
• Use a mix of reduced-fat cheese varieties to cut down on calories.

Final Thoughts

Queso fundido with chorizo is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a game-day party, family gathering, or weekend hangout, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit. With its bold flavors, melty cheese, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Beyond being an incredible dip, it also serves as a delicious ingredient in a variety of dishes. Try using it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even quesadillas. It can also be spooned over grilled meats, mixed into scrambled eggs for a cheesy breakfast, or layered inside a grilled cheese sandwich for an indulgent twist. The possibilities are endless!

Hosting a big gathering? You can easily double or triple the recipe to ensure there’s enough for everyone. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until melty and warm.

Try it at your next gathering and watch it disappear in minutes! Don’t forget to share your experience, your favorite serving ideas, and any fun variations you’ve tried. Whether you prefer it spicy, smoky, or extra cheesy, queso fundido will always be a winner at the table.

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