If you’re searching for the ultimate party starter, look no further than Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido. This bubbling skillet of oozy, melty cheese dotted with spicy chorizo is outrageously satisfying—the kind of dip that gets devoured before you’ve even put the chips back in the pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick: It takes under 10 minutes from stovetop to table, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or last-minute cravings.
- Irresistible Cheese Pull: The combination of two gooey cheeses ensures every scoop is piping-hot and satisfyingly stretchy.
- Bold Flavors: Spicy chorizo transforms simple melted cheese into a punchy, crowd-pleasing appetizer with that signature Queso Fundido flair.
- Endlessly Customizable: Whether you like it mild or fiery, you can easily tailor this Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido to your taste and pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido keeps things blissfully simple, yet every ingredient brings something essential to the party—creamy textures, rich flavor, or a hint of irresistible spice. Here’s what you’ll need, and why they all matter:
- Chorizo (8 ounces): Spanish or Mexican chorizo adds meaty, spicy bursts of flavor that sing against all the gooey cheese. If you prefer a milder dip, beef chorizo is also a great option.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just enough to infuse the chorizo with savory depth and aroma—don’t skip this little powerhouse!
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): The secret to long, stretchy cheese pulls; mozzarella creates the melty magic that everyone loves.
- Queso Quesadilla or Oaxaca Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds the authentic creaminess and subtle tang you want in any queso fundido. If you can’t find these, chihuahua or Monterey Jack cheese works beautifully!
- Tortilla Chips: They’re non-negotiable for scooping—go fresh and thick for the best dunking experience.
Variations
The beauty of Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido is how forgiving it is. You can easily tweak the flavor, spice level, or texture to fit what you have on hand, any dietary needs, or just the way you love it—so make it your own!
- Vegetarian Swap: Skip the chorizo (or use a plant-based version) and add sautéed mushrooms, poblano peppers, or roasted corn for a still-hearty, flavorful dip.
- Extra Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the chorizo for a dip with attitude.
- Cheese Lover’s Mix: Play with different melting cheeses like asadero or pepper jack for a twist on the classic blend.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Serve with chicharrón (pork rinds) or slices of crisp bell pepper instead of tortilla chips for a lighter dunk.
How to Make Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido
Step 1: Brown the Chorizo and Garlic
Start by heating a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and sprinkle in the minced garlic. Let the chorizo cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and releasing its famously smoky, spicy oils—about five minutes. This step not only cooks the meat through but also infuses the garlic into every savory bite.
Step 2: Drain and Prep the Chorizo
Once your chorizo is beautifully browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain excess fat while preserving all those bold flavors. Set aside—you’ll be scattering this on top of the melted cheese soon.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
Preheat your oven to broil. Arrange the shredded mozzarella and queso quesadilla (or oaxaca) cheese in a small cast-iron skillet or ceramic baking dish. Slide it under the broiler and keep a close eye—within just a couple of minutes, the cheese will bubble and meld into a golden, irresistible pool of gooeyness.
Step 4: Top and Serve Hot
Right when the cheese is bubbling, pull it from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chorizo over the top. Serve piping-hot with plenty of tortilla chips for dipping—your Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido is ready to wow everyone!
Pro Tips for Making Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido
- Cheese Matters: Always shred your cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent that dreamy, smooth melt you want in a Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido.
- Skillet Choice: Use cast iron or a broiler-safe ceramic dish for best results; they retain heat and keep your dip warm and melty at the table.
- Watch the Broiler: Cheese melts FAST under the broiler—don’t walk away, or you risk burning the top before the inside is gooey!
- Chorizo Upgrade: For extra flavor, use a combination of spicy and smoked chorizo if you can find it—your guests will rave about the depth.
How to Serve Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or sliced fresh jalapeños adds beautiful color and a burst of freshness to your Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido. For extra zing, a squeeze of lime right at the end brightens the whole dish and makes every bite pop!
Side Dishes
This dip is fantastic alongside guacamole, fresh salsa, or a simple black bean salad. Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido also pairs well with grilled corn (elote) or a crunchy green salad to balance all that cheesy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your queso fundido right in the skillet for a classic, rustic look—or scoop it into mini ramekins for individual servings at a party. Feeling extra? Set up a DIY nachos bar with a big pan of Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido and lots of toppings for guests to build their perfect plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (miraculously) end up with leftovers, let the dip cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stash it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, and you’ll have a cheesy snack ready whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
While the texture of melted cheese can change when frozen and thawed, Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido does freeze reasonably well for up to a month—just be sure to wrap it tightly and thaw it slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your dip gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly again. If the cheese separates a bit, just stir it back together and maybe add a splash of milk to bring back that creamy magic.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought shredded cheese for Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido?
For the absolute best melty texture, it’s highly recommended to shred your cheese from the block. Store-bought shredded cheese often contains starches or additives that can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly.
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What’s the difference between queso fundido and regular queso dip?
Queso fundido is typically a skillet of melty, stretchy cheese (often with toppings like chorizo), served piping hot and meant to be scooped up, while regular queso dip is usually more pourable and made with cream or milk for a sauce-like consistency. Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido has that signature stretch!
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Can I make Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido in advance?
Absolutely! Prep the chorizo and assemble the cheese in your dish, then cover and refrigerate both separately. When you’re ready to serve, broil the cheese and top with the warmed chorizo for melty, just-made flavor.
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What type of chorizo works best for this recipe?
Either Mexican (raw and crumbly) or Spanish (cured and sliced) chorizo will work, but Mexican chorizo is preferred for that classic, slightly spicy, crumbly topping in Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido.
Final Thoughts
Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido is more than just a dip—it’s a celebration in a skillet. Serve it up, watch the cheese pulls, and get ready for every scoop to disappear in record time. Trust me, once you’ve made it, this one will earn a permanent spot at your party table (or even your cozy movie night rotation!).
Print
Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of this Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this cheesy dip with a hint of chorizo is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chorizo Dip:
- 8 ounces Chorizo
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
Cheese Mix:
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Queso Quesadilla Cheese (or substitute with chihuahua or Monterey jack cheese)
- Tortilla Chips, for dipping
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Heat the oven to broil. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chorizo and garlic for about 5 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Drain cooked chorizo, then add the cheeses to a skillet or dish. Broil until melted.
- Assemble and Serve: Top melted cheese with chorizo and serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
- If you cannot find oaxaca or queso quesadilla cheese, feel free to substitute with chihuahua or Monterey jack cheese.
- This dip can be refrigerated and enjoyed for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
