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Flavorful Smoked Queso Fundido with Chorizo

smoked queso fundido with chorizo - featured image

A rich, smoky, and indulgent queso fundido featuring melty Oaxaca and sharp white cheddar cheeses combined with spicy smoked chorizo. Perfect for parties or cozy nights, this dip offers a bold flavor with a gooey, stretchy texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces smoked Mexican chorizo, casing removed
  • 1 cup Oaxaca cheese, shredded (about 100 g)
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (about 110 g)
  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Tortilla chips or warm tortillas, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chorizo. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  2. In the same skillet with the chorizo fat, add the chopped onion and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Return the cooked chorizo to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions, jalapeño, and garlic. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Let cook together for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Oaxaca and sharp white cheddar cheeses over the chorizo mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to help the cheese melt evenly. Melt for about 5-7 minutes until bubbly and stretchy but not browned.
  5. Optional: Transfer the skillet to a grill or stovetop smoker and smoke the queso fundido for 10-15 minutes with wood chips or pellets for a light smoky flavor.
  6. Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
  7. Serve immediately with warm corn tortillas or crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

If you don’t have a smoker, mimic smokiness with smoked paprika or liquid smoke added during cooking. Avoid overheating the cheese to prevent graininess. Warm tortillas or chips just before serving for best contrast. For vegetarian version, substitute chorizo with spiced sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika.

Nutrition

Keywords: queso fundido, chorizo dip, smoked cheese dip, party appetizer, Mexican dip, melted cheese, smoky chorizo, easy dip recipe