Queso Fundido is the cheesy, melty, ooey-gooey dip of your dreams. It's creamy and super flavorful and the perfect molten cheesy, liquid gold appetizer that is just amazing. From game day snacks to drizzled over tacos to the best topping for soups and nachos, you cannot go wrong. Make this once and you'll keep it on the regular rotation!
And, did I mention, it bakes in the oven in the same dish you mix the ingredients in. No time for extra dishes!
Let's get started!
Jump to:
Queso Fundido: My Love Letter
I love queso, I could drink it, and I could bathe in it. But, I digress.
Queso Fundido is the perfect recipe for everything from game day snacks to Taco Tuesday. Use it as a dip for your favorite tortilla chips, as an enchilada sauce, or even on top of your morning scrambled eggs.
This recipe is mixed and cooked in a single baking dish, making it a one-pot wonder. No one has time to wash extra dishes. Not when there is queso fundido to eat!
Queso vs Queso Fundido
You may ask, "But, Rufus...what is the difference between queso and queso fundido?"
Let's chat, shall we?
Queso Fundido is a more traditional version of what we typically see in a restaurant queso. While they are both delicious and should be considered their own food group, there are a few differences.
Queso aka Queso Dip is gonna be more of an Americanized smooth, creamy chip dip. I love, love it. You can't go wrong with this version.
Queso Fundido is a more traditional Mexican style cheesy dip that was usually prepared over an open flame while the main meal was being prepped. Click here to read an interesting article that delves into the history of this dish a little more.
Queso Fundido is more stringy cheesy and typically will use Oaxacan or a Mexican quesillo cheese. You will also usually find a chorizo type sausage in the mix. Again, this version is beyond delicious and you can't go wrong here either. I am Team Queso either way!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
I will forever suggest you shred your own cheese. It makes a world of difference especially when you need to have melty cheese. Yes, melty is a word.
Pre-shredded cheese is coated in an anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. This gets in the way when we are trying to make the best Queso Fundido. We don't need anything getting in the way of this queso and a chip.
Could you put this in a slow-cooker?
This would be a fantastic slow cooker recipe! Just throw everything in, turn the heat to low, give it a little stir, and cook until all the ingredients are nice and melted. Whisk to combine and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
Typically, this recipe is made with chorizo. However, I have two small kids and they don't necessarily like that flavor. That's why I use half ground beef and half mild pork sausage. BUT, you could use any protein you like!
Think:
Chopped Brisket
Pulled Pork
Shredded Smoked Chicken
You can even leave the meat out and this queso recipe will still be wonderful!
Serving Ideas
This Queso Fundido recipe is the best you'll ever have just as it is. However, the right garnishes will just send it over the top.
My favorite garnishes for this recipe are:
- Pico De Gallo
- Avocado Slices
- Fresh Cilantro
- Fresh Salsa
- Green Onion
- Serranos Slices
- Jalapeños Slice
- Pickled Jalapeños
Tips and Tricks
- Shred the cheese yourself. Please.
- Stir the queso ever 10 minutes or so after putting it in the oven. It will help it come together easier at the end.
- If you want a thicker queso, use a little less milk. If you like it thinner, add a little more milk.
Queso Fundido Recipe
Equipment
- large skillet or griddle
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef, browned
- ½ lb ground sausage, browned
- 16 oz Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 16 oz White American cheese, shredded I find this in the deli section
- 1½-2 cups whole milk
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles with juices
- 1 (4 oz) can green chiles with juices
- kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
- Add ingredients to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Place baking dish into the oven. After 10 minutes, carefully stir the queso ingredients. Return it to the oven.
- In another 10 minutes, give the queso another stir. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until everything is bubbly and melted.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir until the queso is completely combined.
- Find a dipping vessel and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- The queso will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in the microwave in small increments covered with a damp paper towel. You may need to add a little milk to loosen it up a bit.
- To reheat on the stove, do so in a small sauce pan on medium-low heat stirring often. Milk may be need to loosen it up for this method as well.
- This recipe will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply let it thaw out slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Queso Fundido recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok!
If you guys make this Queso Fundido, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Recipes You'll Love
Chicken Quesadillas - An all-time favorite around here. Tender chicken and lots of melty cheese on homemade flour tortillas! So good everytime!
Salsa Verde - A fun twist on a classic tomato salsa. It's bright and tangy and perfectly spicy!
Chicken Taquitos - We love these so much! They're easy to do and a great dinner idea if you need to get out of the usual rotation!
Mexican Street Corn - This is such a fun side dish/salad option for so many things! The flavor is fantastic and everyone loves it!
Leave a Reply