Queso Flameado with Chorizo, also known as Fundido Cheese, is a mouthwatering Mexican dish that’s perfect for sharing! This rich, gooey cheese dish features sizzling, melted cheese combined with spicy chorizo, and it’s usually served hot in a cast-iron skillet. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity: savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s the ideal appetizer or snack for a fun gathering, but it’s so delicious, you might want to make it the star of the meal!
Here’s how to make this flavorful treat at home.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb (225g) Mexican chorizo (either fresh or cooked, depending on preference)
- 2 cups of Mexican melting cheese (like Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or Monterrey Jack), shredded
- 1/4 cup of onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños (optional, for heat), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if needed to cook the chorizo)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Flour tortillas or tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the Chorizo:
- In a medium skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat. If using raw chorizo, cook it through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If the chorizo is too fatty, you can drain some excess grease, but a little fat adds flavor!
- Once the chorizo is fully cooked, add the finely chopped onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
- Prepare the Cheese:
- While the chorizo and onions are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll need an oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) for the next step.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In the oven-safe skillet, add the cooked chorizo and onion mixture. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Layer the shredded cheese on top of the chorizo mixture. You want to completely cover it with cheese so it melts into that delicious chorizo.
- Bake the Queso Flameado:
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro and optional sliced jalapeños and diced tomato for some extra color and freshness.
- Serve hot with warm flour tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
Tips:
- You can get creative and add other toppings like sautéed peppers or even some roasted garlic for extra depth of flavor.
- If you want a little extra heat, drizzle a little hot sauce or sprinkle some chili powder on top before serving.
This dish is indulgent, flavorful, and perfect for any casual occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Enjoy!
