Last Updated on August 29, 2025 by Casia Valdés
If you’ve ever walked into a Mexican restaurant and spotted a sizzling skillet of melted cheese bubbling with spicy sausage, you know the magnetic pull of queso fundido. It’s one of those appetizers that instantly says, “sit down, relax, and let the flavor take over.” Growing up, I was always drawn to that cheesy swirl, the smoky aroma of chorizo mingling with steamy heat, and the joy of scooping it up with crispy tortillas or crusty bread.
This Homemade Queso Fundido version brings that restaurant-quality appetizer right into your kitchen using simple ingredients and a skillet you already love. It’s creamy, spicy, indulgent, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re entertaining guests for a casual game night, looking for a decadent movie-night snack, or craving something cozy, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple ingredients, big payoff – Chorizo, cheese, and aromatics come together in minutes
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Instant crowd-pleaser – Easy to double and share, perfect for gatherings
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Customizable – Add peppers, different cheeses, or a splash of mezcal for fun variations
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Warm and comforting – The kind of appetizer that warms hearts (and bellies)
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Fast and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with no hassle
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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½ pound chorizo, casing removed
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (leave seeds in for more heat)
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1 tomato, seeded and diced
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1 clove garlic, chopped
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¼ cup tequila (or Mexican beer) — optional, adds a bit of flair
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½ pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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Warm tortillas, chips, or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chorizo, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until it’s browned and the fat renders out. That salty, fragrant fat is the flavor base for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add the diced onion, jalapeño, and tomato to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes until everything is soft and fragrant, and the onions are translucent and sweet.
Step 3: Garlic Time
Toss in the chopped garlic and stir for about 30–60 seconds—just long enough to release its aroma without burning.
Step 4: Deglaze (Optional)
If using tequila or beer, pour it into the pan to deglaze. Use your spoon to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Cook until most of the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. This extra step elevates the flavor, but feel free to skip it for a straight-ahead version.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Turn the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack evenly over the chorizo mixture. Stir gently until the cheese is melted into gooey perfection—2–3 minutes. If you want it extra creamy, stir slower to keep it silken smooth.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve immediately with warmed tortillas, crispy chips, or toasted bread. Dig in while it’s hot and bubbling.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas for dipping
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Use as a taco or burrito topping alongside beans and rice
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Pair with chopped avocado or pico de gallo for freshness
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Add sliced radishes or hot sauce for texture and brightness
Tips & Variations
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Go extra cheesy: Mix Monterey Jack with queso Oaxaca, pepper jack, or even cheddar for dimension.
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Vegetarian option: Replace chorizo with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
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Make it smoky: Use chipotle in adobo or smoked paprika in place of jalapeño.
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Make it smoky-sweet: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey over the top.
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Prep ahead: Crisp up the chorizo and veggies ahead of time — just assemble and melt in the oven just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cheese to use?
Monterey Jack melts beautifully—but you can blend in queso Oaxaca, pepper jack, cheddar, or even mozzarella for different textures and flavors.
Can I make queso fundido in the oven?
Absolutely. Transfer mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or broil until bubbly and golden.
Is it spicy?
It has moderate heat from the chorizo and jalapeño. Remove seeds from the jalapeño for a milder version or leave in for more zing.
Can I prep ahead?
Yes. Cook the base mixture separately and refrigerate. Reheat in skillet, add cheese, and melt when ready to serve.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes—made with naturally gluten-free ingredients (check labels if using beer or store-bought chorizo).
Final Thoughts
Queso Fundido delivers on everything: creamy, savory, spicy, and utterly delicious. With just minutes and a few ingredients, you can recreate that warm, melty magic you loved at restaurants. The buttery cheese, juicy chorizo, and aromatic veggies all marry into a rich dip that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.
Whether it becomes a regular on your appetizer table or a cozy indulgence for movie nights, this is one dish you’ll make over and over. Just don’t forget extra chips—and maybe a napkin or two.
Homemade Queso Fundido
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chorizo, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until it's browned and the fat renders out. That salty, fragrant fat is the flavor base for the rest of the dish.
- Add the diced onion, jalapeño, and tomato to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes until everything is soft and fragrant, and the onions are translucent and sweet.
- Toss in the chopped garlic and stir for about 30–60 seconds—just long enough to release its aroma without burning.
- If using tequila or beer, pour it into the pan to deglaze. Use your spoon to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Cook until most of the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. This extra step elevates the flavor, but feel free to skip it for a straight-ahead version.
- Turn the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack evenly over the chorizo mixture. Stir gently until the cheese is melted into gooey perfection—2–3 minutes. If you want it extra creamy, stir slower to keep it silken smooth.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve immediately with warmed tortillas, crispy chips, or toasted bread. Dig in while it’s hot and bubbling.
