- July 16, 2018
- Appetizers
Queso Fundido Con Chorizo
Queso fundido con chorizo is a delicious and easy Mexican dish that is made by melting cheese and chorizo sausage together. It’s a perfect appetizer for parties and game days!
I think it’s safe to say that queso dips have us all in a chokehold and for a very good reason. Whether you love making this version of smoked queso on the grill or this fiesta corn dip recipe, you’re going to be adding this traditional and authentic queso fundido recipe to your repertoire.
Queso fundido translates to “melted cheese” in English. The dish is a popular Mexican appetizer that typically consists of melted cheese mixed with other ingredients such as chorizo, vegetables, or seafood.
With only three ingredients and very little prep work, you can get this on the smoker or in your oven and serve it up all hot and bubbly in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal as a party appetizer or pre-game snack to share.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe works because it combines the flavors of spicy Mexican chorizo sausage and melted Mexican cheeses to create a delicious and satisfying combination. The chorizo adds a rich and spicy flavor to the dish, while the blended cheese provides a creamy and salty base.
Cooking the chorizo and poblano pepper together in a cast iron skillet before adding it to the cheese allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a cohesive and well-balanced flavor.
Smoking this on the Big Green Egg adds a little smokiness and helps to melt the cheese and give it a bubbly texture and golden top.
“School” Supplies:
- Cast Iron Skillet or Baking Dish
- Cheese Grater
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Wooden Spatula
- Tongs
“Class” Notes:
Welcome to my virtual classroom! Use the guided notes below where I often answer commonly asked questions I get from readers and cooks just like you.
This information is meant to help you have a stronger understanding of this recipe and the process so you can find success all on your own.
Ready to begin cooking? Simply jump to the recipe card below and begin.
Ingredients:
- Pork or Beef Chorizo
- Mexican Cheese Blend: Use a combination of asadero, chihuahua, and Oaxaca cheeses. If you can’t find these a mix of pepper jack cheese or Monterey jack as an alternative.
- Poblano Peppers
- Garnishes- Fresh cilantro and pico de Gallo if desired
- Flour Tortillas or Tortilla Chips
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the smoker or oven to 350°F (175°C). If using the grill, set it for indirect heat.
- In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until it’s browned and cooked through. This takes about 6-8 minutes. Line a plate with paper towels and drain the chorizo thoroughly or the dip will be very greasy.
- While chorizo is cooking, blister the skin on the outside of the poblano pepper. I do this directly over the burner on a gas stove or you can use a broiler. Let the pepper skin blacken entirely then rest it so it easily peels and falls off.
- Remove the seeds from the poblano and dice them into small pieces. Add the chorizo and the pepper back into an even layer at the bottom of the skillet.
- Grate all the cheese and mix it together and then add it all to the top of the chorizo mixture in the skillet in an even layer.
- Smoke in the preheated grill or oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and ooey gooey. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What To Serve With Queso Fundido
Traditionally this is served with fresh warm tortillas. If you buy tortillas from the grocery store, make sure to lightly cook them over the stove or grill for 15-20 seconds per side.
Scoop out some of the queso fundido with chorizo and place it into the tortilla and enjoy. You can absolutely serve this with tortilla chips or even with bread “fondue” style for a more social experience.
Expert Tips:
- Use high-quality cheese: Using a high-quality Mexican blend of cheese will make a big difference in the taste of the dish. Look for cheeses that are made with traditional methods and are free of artificial ingredients.
- Adjust the spiciness: If you prefer a spicier dish, swap the poblano pepper with jalapenos instead. Keeping the seeds in will make it hot!
- Experiment with different cheeses: While a traditional Mexican blend of cheeses like Oaxaca, Chihuahua, and asadero is used, you can play around with different types of cheeses to suit your taste. For example, you can use gouda, Monterey jack, or cheddar cheese.
- Serve it with different sides: Try serving this in other unique ways like pairing it with vegetables (maybe these Grilled Elote Style Cauliflower Steaks) or with other sides like rice and beans.
- Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the chorizo mixture and cheese ahead of time, then heat it in the oven or skillet when ready to serve the day of for easier preparation. You may need to add additional cooking time if the cheese and meat are very cold.
More Recipes To Try:
Chicken and Chorizo Stuffed Zucchini
Easy Smoky Poblano Cream Sauce
Queso Fundido Con Chorizo
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Chorizo pork or beef
- 16 oz. Mexican Cheeses A blend of Oaxaca, asadero and chihuahua is best
- 1 Poblano Pepper diced small
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker or oven to 350 F. If using a grill, set it for indirect heat.
- Grate all of the Mexican cheeses and set it aside.
- In a cast iron skillet, cook the chorizo sausage until fully browned. Remove from the skillet and drain the excess grease onto a paper towel lined plate (this prevents the dip from separating).
- Fire roast the poblano pepper to remove the skin. Do this over and open burner on a gas stove or under a broiler in the oven. Let the skin blacken and peel it to remove it and then remove the seeds. Dice the pepper into small pieces.
- Add the cooked chorizo and diced pepper back into the cast iron skillet.
- Sprinkle the Mexican cheeses back over the top of the chorizo in an even layer.
- Place the cast iron skillet onto the smoker (or in the oven) and smoke for about 30 minutes or until it's golden on top and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the queso fundido with warm flour tortillas or tortilla chips and enjoy!