Cheesy and Spicy Queso Fundido Recipe: Your Next Favorite Party Dip

If you’re a fan of melted, cheesy goodness with a kick of spice, this Queso Fundido recipe is the one for you! Imagine the rich blend of ooey-gooey cheeses like Oaxaca and Chihuahua combined with crispy Mexican chorizo and smoky roasted poblano peppers, all served bubbling hot. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something indulgent for game day, this dish will have everyone reaching for chips or warm tortillas.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

This Queso Fundido holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those crowd-pleasers that never disappoints. I discovered this amazing version of Queso Fundido over at Insanely Good Recipes, and I just had to share it with you! The blend of flavors, especially the addition of charred poblano peppers, elevates this cheesy dip to something truly extraordinary. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll be hard not to come back for seconds... or thirds.

The Origins of Queso Fundido

Queso Fundido, meaning "melted cheese" in Spanish, is a popular Mexican appetizer typically served in sizzling skillets and paired with tortillas or chips. While it’s similar to the more familiar Tex-Mex queso dip, Queso Fundido stands out with its use of real, flavorful cheeses and meats like chorizo. In Mexico, it’s often served as a first course in family gatherings, giving people a chance to indulge in something savory before the main meal. What makes this version special is the smoky poblano peppers that add depth and a slight heat to the dish.

Ingredients

• 2 poblano peppers
• 1⁄2 pound Mexican chorizo, casings removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces shredded Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack)
• 8 ounces shredded Chihuahua cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Warm tortillas and tortilla chips, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the broiler to high and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
2. Broil the poblanos: Place the poblano peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil them for 5-10 minutes on each side, until the skin is blackened and blistered. Remove from the oven and transfer the peppers to a small bowl, covering them with plastic wrap to steam for 10-15 minutes.
3. Prepare the peppers: Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and finely dice them.
4. Cook the chorizo: In a large, oven-safe skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat until browned and crispy, breaking it into crumbles. Once cooked, remove the chorizo from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. Sauté the onion and garlic: Using the remaining chorizo oil in the skillet, sauté the onion until soft, then add in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Mix in the peppers and chorizo: Add the diced poblano peppers and half of the cooked chorizo to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together and spread it evenly across the skillet.
7. Cheese time!: Add both types of shredded cheese to the skillet and gently mix. Sprinkle the remaining chorizo on top.
8. Bake the Queso Fundido: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the dish for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Check it every couple of minutes to avoid overcooking.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top, and serve immediately with warm tortillas and tortilla chips.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results:

• Shred the cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly, so it’s best to shred the cheese yourself for a perfectly creamy texture.
• Watch the grease: Chorizo can be oily, so if you notice too much fat in the skillet after cooking the sausage, drain some of it off to keep your dip from becoming greasy.
• Char those poblanos!: Don’t be afraid to get the skins nice and blackened on the peppers — this adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese and spicy chorizo.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chorizo for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based chorizo alternative for a meat-free version.
• Extra Spice: For a spicier dip, add jalapeños or even a dash of cayenne pepper along with the poblano peppers.
• Low-Carb: Serve this dip with sliced veggies instead of chips or tortillas for a low-carb alternative.

Final Thoughts

Queso Fundido is one of those indulgent, comforting dishes that’s perfect for sharing — though you might not want to! Whether you’re serving it as a starter or making it the star of the meal, this cheesy, spicy dip will wow your guests every time.

Did you love this recipe? Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to follow for more amazing recipes like this. Feel free to share this with your friends and family, too — they’ll thank you later!