If you’re dreaming of stretchy, melty cheese meets zesty Mexican chorizo, this Queso Fundido Skillet recipe is about to make your day. Golden cheese bubbling away in a cast iron skillet, dotted with flavorful sausage and finished with fresh garnishes—this is the party dip that never fails to impress. Whether you’re inviting friends over or just indulging in a cozy night in, Queso Fundido Skillet brings everyone together for one truly irresistible, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Queso Fundido Skillet so perfect? It’s the harmony of just a handful of high-impact ingredients. Each one adds its unique character, from the rich sausage to the gooey cheese and the pop of fresh toppings. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Mexican chorizo (8 oz, casings removed): This spicy, seasoned sausage brings bold flavor and beautiful color to your skillet.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): A drizzle helps sauté the chorizo if it’s lean or your pan needs a little extra lubrication.
- Onion (½ small, finely chopped): The sweet bite of onion balances the boldness of the chorizo, softening into the cheese as it bakes.
- Jalapeño (1 small, seeded and minced): A fresh, bright kick of heat without overpowering the dish. Adjust the amount to suit your spice love.
- Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): This cheese melts into stretchy, gooey ribbons that are essential to classic Queso Fundido Skillet.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): For creaminess and a mild, melty lift that complements the Oaxaca or mozzarella.
- Chili powder (¼ teaspoon): Just a hint of earthy warmth to round out all the flavors.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for brightening up all the ingredients—taste as you go.
- Chopped fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes (for garnish): They add a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips (for serving): You need something to scoop up that dreamy, molten cheese!
How to Make Queso Fundido Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Chorizo
Preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s ready for the final melting. In a cast iron skillet set over medium heat, crumble in the chorizo and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. You want deep browning and a crispy edge for maximum flavor. If the chorizo seems a bit lean and starts sticking to the pan, swirl in that tablespoon of olive oil to keep things moving smoothly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Stir the finely chopped onion and minced jalapeño into the sizzling chorizo. Let this cook together for 2–3 minutes, until the onions are softened and the jalapeño is fragrant. These aromatics not only add flavor but also bring a little texture and freshness to the Queso Fundido Skillet experience.
Step 3: Season and Cheese Layer
Once everything is cooked and aromatic, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chili powder evenly over the chorizo mixture, then give it a quick taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Layer the Oaxaca (or mozzarella) and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top, making sure every corner gets some of that cheesy love—this way, you’ll get the perfect cheese pull in every bite!
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on it as the cheese transforms into gorgeous, molten goo—bubbling at the edges and melting seamlessly into the chorizo. For extra golden spots on top, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two (just watch carefully so it doesn’t over-brown).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove your Queso Fundido Skillet from the oven and, while it’s bubbling hot, scatter chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes over the top. This burst of color and freshness is the finishing touch. Now, simply gather everyone around and serve straight from the skillet with warm tortillas or crispy chips—and let the swooning begin!
How to Serve Queso Fundido Skillet
Garnishes
To make your Queso Fundido Skillet pop both visually and flavor-wise, don’t skimp on the garnishes. A sprinkling of chopped fresh cilantro adds an herby lift, while diced tomatoes lend a cool juiciness that balances the richness of the cheese. If you like, add sliced radishes or a squeeze of lime for an extra flourish.
Side Dishes
While Queso Fundido Skillet happily shines as the center of attention, it’s also perfect alongside other Mexican appetizers like chunky guacamole, fresh salsa, or a citrusy ceviche. Pair it with a light salad to cut through the richness, or offer rice and beans if you want to turn it into a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Queso Fundido Skillet to the next level by serving it with a DIY taco bar—let everyone tuck the cheesy mix into their own tortillas with extra fixings. Try baking in mini cast iron skillets for individual servings, or spoon the queso over roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables for an entirely new twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Queso Fundido Skillet (a rare but lucky event!), let the mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind, the texture of the cheese will firm up, but it’ll still taste fantastic when reheated.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for the ultimate cheese pull, you can freeze Queso Fundido Skillet for future cravings. Divide leftovers into small, airtight freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for optimum results.
Reheating
To bring your Queso Fundido Skillet back to oozy, melty life, reheat gently in a microwave-safe dish or directly in a skillet over low heat. If the cheese seems dry, a splash of milk or cream stirred in will revive its silky texture. Always serve reheated queso immediately for that satisfying gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use another type Appetizer
Absolutely! While Mexican chorizo delivers tons of flavor (and its signature red color), you can swap in spicy Italian sausage or even a veggie sausage for a different twist. Just keep those bold, savory spices in mind for best results.
Is Queso Fundido Skillet spicy?
Most of the heat comes from the jalapeño and chorizo, but you control the final spice level. For a milder version, use less jalapeño (or skip it altogether) and opt for a mild sausage. If you love things extra hot, go for pepper jack cheese or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
Can I make Queso Fundido Skillet ahead of time?
You can prep all the components (cook the chorizo, sauté the veggies, grate the cheese) ahead of time and keep them separate in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, quickly assemble in the skillet and bake—this will deliver that fresh-from-the-oven taste with minimal wait.
What’s the best cheese for Queso Fundido Skillet?
Oaxaca cheese is traditional and delivers the perfect stretchy melt, but mozzarella works well if that’s what you have. Monterey Jack adds creaminess, and you can toss in pepper jack if you’re seeking more kick. The key is to use cheeses that melt easily and smoothly.
Do I need a cast iron skillet?
A cast iron skillet is ideal for its heat retention and rustic table presentation, but you can use any ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Just make sure whatever you use goes safely from the stovetop to the oven for a seamless cheese-melting process.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Queso Fundido Skillet, there’s a good chance it’ll become your go-to appetizer for gatherings—or solo snacking sessions! It’s bold, bubbly, and a guaranteed hit with anyone who loves cheese. Gather your crew, grab your favorite chips, and dive into the melty magic. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Print
Queso Fundido Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Queso Fundido Skillet is a delightful and cheesy Mexican appetizer that combines the flavors of chorizo, melted Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a hint of spice from jalapeños. Perfect for dipping with warm tortillas or tortilla chips, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
Chorizo:
8 oz Mexican chorizo (casings removed)
Other Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed), ½ small onion (finely chopped), 1 small jalapeño (seeded and minced), 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, salt to taste, chopped fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes for garnish, warm tortillas or tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cook Chorizo: Cook chorizo in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until browned. Add onion and jalapeño and cook until softened.
- Layer and Bake: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle chili powder, layer cheeses on top, and bake for 8–10 minutes until melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro and tomatoes. Serve hot with tortillas or chips.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix Oaxaca and Monterey Jack, or use pepper jack for added heat.
- Best served hot—cheese firms up when cooled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¼ cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
