Cheese Options For The Perfect Queso Fundido

Queso Fundido is a Mexican dish that translates to melted cheese in English. It is typically made with Asadero, Mennonite, Manchego or Chihuahua cheeses, although good substitutes include Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Muenster or Oaxaca. The cheese is placed in a small clay or metal skillet and melted on a grill, or baked in the oven. It is often served as an appetizer with tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, and roasted salsa.

Authentic Mexican cheeses

Queso Fundido, or "molten cheese" in English, is a traditional Mexican comfort food. It is a simple dish of white cheese melted over Mexican chorizo. The best cheeses for this dish are those that melt well, such as:

• Asadero
• Menonita
• Chihuahua
• Manchego
• Oaxaca
• Panela
• Mozzarella
• Monterey Jack
• Muenster
• Queso Quesadilla
• Pepper Jack

These cheeses are hard to find outside of Mexico, so good substitutes are Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Muenster, or Oaxaca.

Substitutions

The best cheeses for queso fundido are those that melt well and are mild in flavour. Authentic Mexican cheeses such as Asadero, Chihuahua, and Menonita can be hard to find outside of Mexico, so good substitutes include:

• Mozzarella
• Monterey Jack
• Muenster
• Oaxaca
• Panela
• Queso Quesadilla
• Pepper Jack

If you can't find Oaxaca or Queso Quesadilla, you can use Chihuahua cheese or Monterey Jack.

Avoid using cheeses that don't melt well, such as Queso Fresco, Cotija, or Ranchero.

Cooking methods

There are several methods for cooking queso fundido, all of which involve melting cheese. The cheese can be melted in the oven, on a grill, on a stove, or in a microwave.

Oven

Queso fundido can be cooked in the oven in an oven-proof dish or skillet. First, cook the chorizo in a skillet on the stove. Drain the excess fat, and place the chorizo in the oven-proof dish. Top the chorizo with grated cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Grill

To cook on a grill, place the cheese in a small clay or metal skillet and melt it alongside tortillas.

Stove

Queso fundido can be made in a skillet on the stove. First, cook the chorizo in the skillet. Then, drain the excess fat and add the cheese to the skillet.

Microwave

Queso fundido can also be made in the microwave.

Serving suggestions

Queso Fundido is a Mexican dish that is often served as an appetizer. It is a popular dish at barbecues and steakhouses in Mexico, and it is also a great dish to serve at parties.

The following are some serving suggestions for this delicious treat:

• Tortilla Chips: The most common way to serve Queso Fundido is with tortilla chips. The crispy chips provide a nice contrast to the melted cheese, and they are perfect for scooping up all the gooey goodness.
• Tortillas: Warm flour or corn tortillas are another popular choice for dipping into Queso Fundido. You can roll up the melted cheese, chorizo, and chilis in a warm tortilla to make a delicious little quesadilla.
• Salsa: A good salsa can add a nice kick of flavour to your Queso Fundido. Try serving it with a roasted salsa, pico de gallo, or a simple mix of diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
• Guacamole: The creaminess of guacamole pairs perfectly with the melted cheese. A side of guac can also help to cool things down if your Queso Fundido is on the spicy side.
• Margaritas: If you're looking for a drink to pair with your Queso Fundido, a pitcher of Margaritas is the way to go. The salty, tangy drink will cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: For something a little different, try serving Queso Fundido with roasted fingerling potatoes. The potatoes provide a hearty base for the cheese dip, and they can be a nice change from the usual chips or tortillas.
• Veggies: If you're looking for something a little healthier to dip into your Queso Fundido, try some sliced peppers, carrots, or celery sticks. The cheese dip will taste great with just about any vegetable.

There are endless possibilities for serving and enjoying Queso Fundido. Get creative and experiment with different dips, sides, and drinks to find your perfect combination!

Reheating tips

To reheat your queso dip, you can use a microwave, oven, stove, or crockpot. However, it is not recommended to reheat queso dip multiple times, as the number of bacteria can increase, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:

Microwave:

• Use a microwave-safe container that is large enough to prevent the queso from spilling over.
• Set the microwave to 80% power or medium-high heat.
• Heat the queso in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is warm and gooey.
• Once the queso is hot, stir it thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Use a skillet or baking dish and melt some butter in it over medium heat.
• Add the leftover queso to the skillet and stir well. If the queso is too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream.
• Heat the skillet in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the queso is fully melted, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Remove the skillet from the oven and stir to distribute the melted butter evenly.

Stove:

• Place a saucepan on the stove and heat it over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Transfer the queso to the saucepan and heat for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
• Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes, or until the queso is heated through and has a smooth texture.
• Taste the queso and adjust seasoning if needed, then transfer to a serving dish.

Crockpot:

• Transfer the leftover queso to a crockpot.
• Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of queso.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• You can add ingredients like butter, cheese, or milk to enhance the flavour and texture.
• Once the queso reaches the desired temperature, keep the crockpot on the warm setting while serving.

General Tips:

• Before reheating, allow the refrigerated queso to come to room temperature for a few minutes to ensure even heating and prevent clumping.
• Always keep a close eye on the queso while reheating and avoid overcooking, as this can cause it to become grainy and lose its creamy texture.
• Reheating queso in the oven or adding butter can enhance the flavour and texture, making it even more delicious.
• If you have a large amount of leftover queso, consider dividing it into smaller portions before reheating to avoid reheating the entire batch each time.
• If you won't consume the leftover queso within a few days, it is better to freeze it than to repeatedly reheat it to prevent bacterial growth.

Frequently asked questions