Randy Chandler
Mexican melting cheese, or Queso Fundido, is a delicious and easy-to-make dish. The perfect appetizer, it is made by melting cheese over spicy chorizo. While there are many varieties of cheese that can be used, Oaxaca cheese is a popular choice. This white cheese, with its mild flavour and stringy texture, is an excellent melting cheese. To make this dish, cook the chorizo in a pan, top it with cheese, and bake until melted and bubbling. Serve it with warm tortillas or tortilla chips, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Queso Fundido |
| Main Ingredients | Mexican chorizo, Oaxaca cheese, onion, garlic |
| Other Ingredients | Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, salsa, tortilla/tortilla chips, tomatoes, chilli, coriander, salt, pepper, butter, flour, milk, green chillies |
| Oven Temperature | 345˚F to 400˚F (180˚C) |
| Cooking Time | 8-12 minutes |
| Pan | Cast iron pan, iron skillet, oven-safe baking dish |
| Cheese Texture | Melty, stringy, stretchy |
| Cheese Type | Mild flavor, white cheese, Mexican melting cheese, Cacique Asadero Cheese, Cacique Queso Quesadilla Cheese |
| Chorizo Type | Fresh Mexican chorizo, ground meat (pork), seasoned with red chile powder and other spices |
| Serving Style | Family-style, served in a pan, spooned into tortillas, served with red sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
When making a dish with melted Mexican cheese and chorizo, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right cheese, including the desired flavour profile and the melting properties of the cheese.
Queso Oaxaca, also known as Oaxaca cheese, is a popular choice for Mexican melted cheese dishes. It is a white cheese that originates from the Oaxaca region in southwestern Mexico. Oaxaca cheese has a mild flavour and a stringy, soft texture that melts very easily, making it ideal for fillings and dips. It is commonly used in dishes such as quesadillas, enchiladas, and chilis.
Other types of cheese that melt well and can be used in Mexican dishes include Monterey cheese, Asadero, Manchego, and Chihuahua cheese. These cheeses may be more difficult to find outside of Mexico. Additionally, freshly shredded cheese will melt more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
For a spicier kick, Pepper Jack cheese can be used, while Queso Fresco is a traditional Mexican cheese with a mild, salty flavour and a semi-soft, crumbly texture that is commonly used in quesadillas, enchiladas, and tacos. Cotija is another popular Mexican cheese that is aged, dry, crumbly, and salty, similar to Parmesan. It is often used in grilled street corn (Elote), salads, soups, or beans.
When making a Mexican cheese dip, it is recommended to start by melting butter on low heat and then whisking in flour. Grated Mexican cheese of choice can then be added, along with milk or half-and-half to achieve the desired consistency. Different cheeses have different melting points, so adjustments may be needed when using a cheese blend.
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Cooking the chorizo
If you don't have a cast-iron pan, you can cook the chorizo in a regular skillet or frying pan and then transfer the cooked chorizo to an oven-safe baking dish before adding the cheese.
Once the chorizo is cooked, you can add the cheese. It is important to note that Mexican cheese does not melt in the same way that American cheeses do; it gets stretchy but does not fully melt into a liquid. Oaxaca cheese, a white cheese with a mild flavour and stringy texture, is commonly used in queso fundido. Monterey Jack cheese can also be used, or a combination of the two. Asadero and Manchego cheeses are also popular choices, but they can be difficult to find outside of Mexico.
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Combining cheese and chorizo
There are a few varieties of cheese that can be used to make Queso Fundido. The most popular choice is Oaxaca cheese, a white cheese with a mild flavour and stringy texture, originally from Oaxaca in southwestern Mexico. Monterey Jack cheese is also a popular choice, and it is often used in combination with Oaxaca cheese. Other options include Asadero cheese, Manchego cheese, Chihuahua cheese, and Quesadilla cheese.
When making the dish, the chorizo is first cooked in a pan until brown. Mexican chorizo is a fresh sausage made from ground meat, usually pork, seasoned with red chile powder and other spices. Once the chorizo is cooked, it is topped with grated cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The dish is then served family-style, with the pan placed in the centre of the table, and enjoyed with warm tortillas or tortilla chips.
To enhance the flavour of the dish, additional ingredients can be added. Diced onions and garlic are commonly cooked with the chorizo, providing a fragrant base. For those who enjoy spice, diced jalapeños or other peppers can be mixed in. Roasted poblano peppers, diced tomatoes, and mushrooms are also delicious additions.
Queso Fundido is a simple yet mouthwatering dish that brings together the savoury flavours of cheese and chorizo. It is a wonderful choice for a fun and flavourful appetizer, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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Adding toppings and sides
While Mexican melting cheese with chorizo is delicious on its own, you can elevate your dish by adding toppings and sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Toppings
When it comes to toppings, you can sprinkle chopped green chilies, diced tomatoes, cilantro, roasted poblano peppers, or your favorite pepper over the melted cheese and chorizo. If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of sodium citrate to enhance the meltiness of the cheese. You can also top your dish with reserved cooked chorizo, placing it in the center as a garnish.
Sides
This cheesy chorizo dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with warm tortillas, corn or flour tortillas, or tortilla chips for a classic combination. For a heartier option, try carne asada tacos, taco bowls, or ground beef street tacos, and top them with the melted cheese mixture. If you're looking for something different, roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli topped with the melted cheese can be a unique and tasty option.
Dips
To enhance the flavor and provide a creamy contrast, serve your melted cheese and chorizo with dips like salsa, pico de gallo, or a red sauce made by grilling tomatoes, onion, and chili, and then blending with coriander, salt, and pepper.
Appetizers and Sides
If you're serving the melted cheese and chorizo as an appetizer, you can pair it with other classic Mexican appetizers like Mexican Street Corn, Layered Bean Dip, Classic Guacamole, Margaritas, or even turn it into a queso dip with tortilla chips.
With these toppings and sides, you can create a flavorful and diverse spread to enjoy with your melted Mexican cheese and chorizo.
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Serving suggestions
Mexican melting cheese with chorizo, also known as Queso Fundido, is a delicious and versatile dish. It can be served as a dip with tortilla chips, stuffed into tortillas, or used as a filling for quesadillas. Here are some detailed serving suggestions:
As a Dip
Queso Fundido is a popular choice for a warm and comforting dip. To serve it this way, cook the chorizo in a skillet, drain the excess fat, and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the cheese and let it melt. You can use Oaxaca cheese, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a combination of these cheeses. For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of milk or evaporated milk. Once the cheese is melted, top it with the cooked chorizo and serve with tortilla chips. You can also add additional toppings such as minced jalapeños, cilantro, or chopped green chilies for extra heat.
In Tortillas
Another option is to use the melted cheese with chorizo as a filling for tortillas. Warm some flour tortillas and scoop the cheesy chorizo mixture onto the center. You can add other ingredients such as pico de gallo, guacamole, or salsa to create a hearty and flavorful bite. This method of serving creates a scoopable, rather than dippable, consistency.
For Quesadillas
If you're looking to create a more substantial dish, Queso Fundido can be used as a filling for quesadillas. Simply spread the melted cheese and chorizo mixture onto a tortilla, top it with another tortilla, and grill it until the tortillas are toasted. You can also add other ingredients such as chopped onions, jalapeños, or even some shredded chicken to create a heartier quesadilla.
Other Suggestions
Queso Fundido can also be served as a topping for nachos, stuffed into peppers or mushrooms, or used as a filling for other Mexican dishes such as enchiladas or burritos. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different types of cheese, spices, and toppings to create your perfect Mexican melting cheese with chorizo dish.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese to melt with chorizo is Oaxaca cheese, a white cheese with a mild flavour and stringy texture. Monterey Jack cheese can also be used.
It takes around 10-12 minutes to melt Mexican melting cheese with chorizo in the oven.
Melted Mexican cheese with chorizo can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or stuffed into tortillas. It can also be served as a topping for tacos, taco bowls, or roasted vegetables.
In addition to chorizo, you can add ingredients like onions, garlic, jalapeños, roasted poblano peppers, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, and cilantro to the melted cheese.
