Homemade Queso fundido

Queso Fundido is a delicious, melty Mexican cheese dip, typically served as an appetizer or a side dish. It’s made with melted cheese, often combined with chorizo, mushrooms, or roasted peppers, and served with warm tortillas or chips for dipping. The best part? It’s quick to make and utterly irresistible!

Ingredients:

1 lb (16 oz) Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella cheese (shredded)
(Oaxaca cheese is preferred for its meltiness and authentic flavor, but mozzarella works great too)
1/2 lb chorizo (or 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or mushrooms for a vegetarian version)
1 tbsp olive oil (if using chorizo)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Warm tortillas or tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions:

Cook the Chorizo (or your filling):
- If using chorizo, heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- If using ground beef or mushrooms, cook the meat or mushrooms in the skillet with a bit of oil until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Melt the Cheese:
- In a separate medium saucepan, melt the shredded Oaxaca cheese over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the cheese from burning. You can also melt the cheese in the microwave in a large, microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. If the cheese seems too thick, you can add a little splash of milk or cream to get a smoother texture.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Once the cheese is fully melted, add the sautéed chorizo (or your filling) and veggies into the cheese and stir to combine. If you like a little extra flavor, add cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Transfer the melted queso fundido to a serving dish (or leave it in a skillet for that rustic look). Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.

Optional Add-ins:

Roasted poblanos: For a smoky kick, you can add some roasted and chopped poblano peppers.
Jalapeños: Add some fresh or pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy version.
Avocado: A little diced avocado on top can add a creamy, fresh element.

Serving Tips:

Serve Queso Fundido hot! If it cools down too much, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or place it back over low heat to re-melt the cheese.
Pair with margaritas, Mexican beer, or a spicy salsa to complete the experience.

Enjoy your Homemade Queso Fundido! This gooey, cheesy dip is perfect for gatherings, game day, or as a snack with friends and family. You can customize it to your liking with different fillings, and it’s sure to be a hit.

Let me know how it turns out, or if you want any variations!