How to Make the Perfect Loaded Queso Fundido
Mexican · Easy · 30 min · 6 servings
A bubbling skillet of melted cheese mixed with spicy chorizo, roasted peppers, and warm spices. Served straight from the pan with warm tortillas for dipping.
Why this recipe works
This Loaded Queso Fundido recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 430 calories with 20g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 oz Mexican chorizo casings removed
- 1.5 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 whole poblano pepper roasted and diced
- 0.5 whole white onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 8 whole flour tortillas warmed
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook, breaking it into crumbles, for 5 to 6 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chorizo to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
Step 2: Saute the Vegetables
In the same skillet over medium heat, add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cumin and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Stir in the roasted diced poblano and remove from heat.
Step 3: Preheat the Broiler
Preheat your oven broiler to high. Return the cooked chorizo to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the skillet.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Broil
Evenly layer the shredded Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese over the chorizo mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler for 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet carefully from the oven using oven mitts. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top of the bubbling queso fundido. Serve immediately straight from the skillet with warm flour tortillas for scooping.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Mexican chorizo → plant-based chorizo crumbles for a vegetarian version
- Oaxaca cheese → low-moisture mozzarella which melts in a similar stretchy way
- poblano pepper → roasted red bell pepper for a milder heat level
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using pre-shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents which prevent it from melting into a smooth and gooey consistency
- Not draining excess grease from the chorizo which makes the final dish oily and heavy
- Letting the queso fundido sit too long before serving as it firms up quickly and loses its ideal melted texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 430 calories, 20g protein, 12g carbs, 34g fat, 1g fiber.
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