Patrick Oconnell
Queso Fundido, a Mexican dish that translates to melted cheese, is a popular appetizer for any Mexican-inspired meal. It is traditionally served with warm tortillas, into which the cheese is scooped to make a small taco. While there are many types of cheese that can be used to make this dish, the most commonly used are Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, and Queso Quesadilla.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer |
| Main Ingredients | Cheese and Chorizo |
| Cheese Options | Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Asadero, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Manchego, Menonita, Queso Quesadilla, White American |
| Add-Ins | Poblano Peppers, Onions, Green Chilis, Mushrooms, Blistered Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Pico De Gallo |
| Accompaniments | Tortillas, Crispy Tortilla Chips, Guacamole, Salsa, Sour Cream, Pickled Jalapenos, Flour Tortillas, Corn Tortillas |
| Storage | Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days and reheated until melted |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Oaxaca cheese
Queso fundido, or ""melted cheese" in English, is a popular Mexican dish often served as an appetizer. It is made with a variety of cheeses, including Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Oaxaca cheese.
In terms of substitutes, mozzarella, string cheese, and queso asadero are suitable alternatives due to their similar textures and flavours. However, mozzarella is slightly spongier, and asadero is drier than Oaxaca cheese.
Gouda Sides: Delicious Ways to Use Every Bit
You may want to see also
Chihuahua cheese
The physicochemical specifications for Chihuahua cheese are 45% maximum moisture, 26% minimum butterfat, 22% minimum milk protein, 55% minimum total solids, 6.5% maximum ash, and a pH of 5.0 to 5.5. It is considered a very mild-flavoured cheese and is often seasoned well when used in dishes.
Queso fundido is a popular Mexican appetizer and can be made with a variety of cheeses, including Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Oaxaca cheese. It is traditionally served with warm tortillas, preferably corn, and can be garnished with sour cream, pickled jalapeños, flour tortillas, and salsa. The dish can also be made vegetarian by substituting soy-based chorizo for Mexican chorizo.
Feta Cheese Pasta: Easy, Delicious Recipes
You may want to see also
Mozzarella
Queso Fundido is a Mexican dish that translates to "melted cheese" in English. It is a popular appetizer or snack, often served with warm tortillas, crispy chips, or margaritas. While traditionally made with Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, mozzarella can be used as a substitute for Oaxaca cheese in Queso Fundido.
Oaxaca cheese is a key ingredient in Queso Fundido, known for its mild flavour and stretchy, stringy texture even when melted. However, if Oaxaca cheese is unavailable, low-moisture (not fresh) mozzarella can be used as a suitable substitute. Mozzarella can provide a similar melting texture and stretchiness, enhancing the overall appearance and taste of the dish.
When selecting mozzarella for Queso Fundido, it is important to choose low-moisture varieties. Fresh mozzarella tends to have higher moisture content, which can affect the melting properties and overall consistency of the dish. By opting for low-moisture mozzarella, you can achieve better melting characteristics that align with the desired outcome of Queso Fundido.
Using mozzarella in Queso Fundido offers a slightly different flavour profile compared to traditional cheese options. Mozzarella has a milder, milkier flavour that can complement the other ingredients in the dish. It melts smoothly, creating a creamy and stretchy texture that is ideal for dipping.
In addition to mozzarella, some recipes for Queso Fundido also suggest using a blend of cheeses to enhance flavour and texture. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Chihuahua cheese are popular choices that can be combined with mozzarella to create a unique and delicious version of this Mexican favourite.
When preparing Queso Fundido with mozzarella, it is recommended to use blocks of cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents or stabilizers to prevent clumping, which can impact the overall cheesiness and texture of the dish. Grating blocks of mozzarella cheese ensures a creamier and more decadent Queso Fundido.
Soft Cheese Secrets: Making Mozzarella
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Monterey Jack
Queso Fundido, a Mexican dish that translates to "melted cheese", is traditionally made using Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese. However, if you can't find Oaxaca cheese, a fine substitute is Monterey Jack.
To make queso fundido with Monterey Jack, start by placing poblano peppers on a sheet pan and broiling until they are blackened on all sides. Next, heat butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add onion and the roasted peppers. Cook until the onion is softened, then shred and add the Monterey Jack cheese to the skillet. Add milk and stir everything together.
Place the skillet in an oven preheated to 350°F and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. To rewarm, place the leftovers in an oven preheated to 350°F until the cheese is melted again.
Creamy Cheeses to Substitute for Mascarpone
You may want to see also
Queso quesadilla
Queso fundido is a popular appetizer for any Mexican-inspired meal or game-day spread. It is traditionally served with warm tortillas, and the fundido is scooped into the tortilla to make a small taco. It can also be served as a dip for thick chips.
If you can't find queso quesadilla, a good substitute is Monterey Jack, which melts well and can be used in the same way. Other types of cheese that can be used for queso fundido include mozzarella, Chihuahua, Asadero, Cotija, and American cheese.
Delicious Ways to Use Mizithra Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Oaxaca cheese is the most traditional option, but you can also use Chihuahua, Cotija, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, or Queso Quesadilla.
If you can't find Oaxaca cheese, a good substitute is Monterey Jack.
Mexican restaurants typically use Chihuahua cheese, or a blend of Chihuahua and white American cheese.
American restaurants tend to use a blend of Monterey, American, and Cheddar cheese.
You can experiment with different types of cheese as long as they melt well. Some options include Mozzarella-style cheese, shredded Mexican cheese blend, or a combination of multiple varieties.
