Choriqueso Fundido Recipe
Introduction
Choriqueso Fundido is a warm, gooey cheese dip loaded with spicy chorizo and melty Oaxaca and mozzarella cheeses. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or as a flavorful appetizer paired with chips or tortillas.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chorizo, ground or links (casing removed if linked)
- ½ white onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 10 oz Oaxaca cheese, cubed
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Step 1: In a pan or cast iron skillet over low-to-medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely diced onions and cook until translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 2: Add the chorizo to the pan with the onions. Cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the chorizo is fully cooked. Reserve ¼ of the cooked chorizo and set it aside.
- Step 3: Leave the remaining chorizo and onions in the skillet. Add the cubed Oaxaca cheese on top and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the cheese layer.
- Step 4: Place the skillet in a preheated oven or smoker at 350°F. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.
- Step 5: If grease pools on top, carefully blot it with a paper towel. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the reserved chorizo over the melted cheese. Serve immediately with chips or warm tortillas.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute chorizo with spicy Italian sausage or vegetarian sausage for a different flavor.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Chihuahua cheese if Oaxaca is unavailable.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
- To avoid excess grease, drain cooked chorizo briefly before mixing with the cheeses.
Storage
Store leftover choriqueso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm and melty again. Note that the texture may firm up once cooled, so serve immediately after reheating for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make choriqueso fundido without an oven?
Yes, you can melt the cheese on the stovetop using low heat. Cover the pan to help the cheese melt evenly, but be careful not to burn the cheese or chorizo.
What can I serve with choriqueso fundido?
This dish pairs well with tortilla chips, warm flour or corn tortillas, and sliced vegetables like bell peppers or jicama for dipping.
PrintChoriqueso Fundido Recipe
Choriqueso Fundido is a rich and savory Mexican appetizer featuring spicy chorizo sausage cooked with sautéed onions and melted Oaxaca and mozzarella cheeses. Served hot and bubbly straight from the oven or smoker, it is perfect for dipping with warm tortillas or crispy chips, making it a crowd-pleasing starter for any Mexican-inspired meal or festive gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Chorizo and Onion Mixture
- 1 lb chorizo (ground or links, casing removed if linked)
- ½ cup white onion, diced finely
- 2 tablespoons butter
Cheese
- 10 oz Oaxaca cheese, cubed
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a pan or cast iron skillet over low-to-medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely diced onions and cook until translucent, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cook Chorizo: Add the chorizo to the pan with the onions and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring regularly until the chorizo is fully cooked and browned. Reserve ¼ of the cooked chorizo separately for topping later.
- Add Cheeses: Keeping the skillet with the remaining chorizo, evenly distribute the cubed Oaxaca cheese over the mixture, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top to form a cheese layer.
- Melt Cheese in Oven or Smoker: Place the skillet into a preheated oven or smoker set at 350°F (175°C). Let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the cheeses have melted completely and turn bubbly and slightly golden around the edges.
- Finish and Serve: If the cheese surface has pools of grease, gently blot them with a paper towel. Remove the skillet from heat and evenly top the melted cheese with the reserved cooked chorizo. Serve immediately with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet is ideal for even cooking and allows you to transfer directly to the oven or smoker.
- Oaxaca cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack if unavailable, though the traditional stringy texture is best with Oaxaca.
- To reduce grease, consider draining some fat from the chorizo after cooking before adding the cheese.
- This dish pairs excellently with fresh salsa, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños as accompaniments.
- For a spicier kick, opt for a hotter chorizo or add diced jalapeños with the onions.
Keywords: Choriqueso, Mexican appetizer, melted cheese, chorizo, fundido, Oaxaca cheese, party dip, cheese dip, spicy sausage, Mexican cuisine
