Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

Cook aromatics

Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Brown chorizo

Add the crumbled chorizo to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it up with a spoon and cook 6–8 minutes until fully cooked and any excess fat has rendered. If there is an excessive amount of fat (more than ~2 tablespoons), drain off most, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

Warm queso base

Reduce the heat to low. Add the white queso and 3 tablespoons cream to the skillet with the cooked chorizo, stirring to combine. Cook gently 2–3 minutes until the queso softens and becomes glossy.

Add shredded cheeses

Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and Asadero (or Oaxaca) cheeses over the melted queso and chorizo. Stir slowly as the cheeses melt to form a smooth, cohesive fundido. Continue on low heat 2–4 minutes until all cheeses are melted and mixture is bubbly but not boiling. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper if needed.

Transfer to serving dish (optional)

If desired, transfer the hot queso fundido to a small cast-iron skillet or ovenproof dish for table presentation. For a slightly browned top, place under a preheated broiler 1–2 minutes, watching closely until top is lightly golden.

Make pico de gallo

In a small bowl combine the diced tomato, diced white onion, chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, the finely diced jalapeño, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix and taste; adjust lime or salt as desired.

Garnish fundido

Spoon the pico de gallo over the melted queso fundido or serve on the side. Add a few sliced jalapeño rounds on top if you want extra heat and a squeeze of lime to finish.

Serve immediately with tortilla chips and lime wedges. Encourage diners to scoop the warm chorizo queso fundido with chips, topping each bite with pico de gallo as desired.