This Queso Fundido with Chorizo isn’t dairy-free or vegan — it’s indulgent and unapologetically rich. It may not be the healthiest dish, but it’s incredibly delicious and perfect for entertaining. If you’re looking for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing appetizer, this is it.
I asked on Instagram Stories if you wanted my queso fundido recipe and the response was a resounding yes. I make this when I host parties because it disappears fast — people gather around it and keep coming back for more.
So what’s the difference between Tex‑Mex queso and queso fundido? Queso is the familiar yellow, gooey cheese sauce that’s a staple of Tex‑Mex cuisine. Queso Fundido, which literally means “melted cheese,” is its more savory Mexican cousin. It usually features grilled or sautéed peppers folded into the cheese for extra flavor and texture.
In this version, roasted poblano and sautéed onion are mixed into the cheese and the finished dish is topped with browned chorizo. It’s best served right away — the cheese begins to firm up after about 20 minutes, so get it on the table hot. If you prefer a pourable, velvety queso that you can keep warm throughout your event, consider a crockpot-style queso instead.
- 1/2 poblano pepper, seeded and diced fine
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced fine
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- juice of 1 lime
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz. chorizo
- 2 cups shredded monterrey jack cheese
- 2 cups oaxaca cheese, shredded (can sub mozzarella if needed)
- Cilantro for serving, if desired.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, remove chorizo from the casing and sauté, breaking it up with the back of a wooden spoon, until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat a separate cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat with 2 tbsp. olive oil. Add the onions and poblano with the cumin and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until just tender.
- Remove from heat and add the shredded cheeses to the skillet. Squeeze the lime juice over the cheese and toss to coat evenly.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake 5–7 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven, mound the cooked chorizo in the center of the queso and garnish with cilantro, if desired.
- Serve warm with tortillas or tortilla chips.
- Enjoy!