Queso Fundido Recipe
A blend of melted Monterrey Jack cheese and green chile strips. Served with tortillas.
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Ingredients
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Queso Fundido
To Serve
Method
Queso Fundido
- 1
Prepare cheeses and chiles
Shred the Monterey Jack and Oaxaca (or mozzarella) cheeses and place them in a bowl so they're ready to melt. If using canned green chile strips, drain and roughly chop into 1/2-inch pieces. If using fresh roasted poblano, remove skin and seeds and slice into thin strips.
- 2
Make a quick roux
In a small ovenproof skillet or cast-iron pan (8–10 inches) melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic and whisk constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
- 3
Add milk and seasonings
Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the ground cumin, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until the mixture is slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low.
- 4
Melt the cheese
Add about two-thirds of the shredded cheeses to the pan in small handfuls, stirring or folding gently after each addition so the cheese melts evenly into a smooth, glossy mixture. Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or oily.
- 5
Incorporate chiles and finish
Stir in the green chile strips and the remaining cheese, reserving a small handful of cheese for topping if you plan to broil. Taste and adjust salt. If mixture is too thick, add another teaspoon of milk and stir in. Remove from stovetop.
- 6
Broil for a bubbly top (optional)
If you used an ovenproof skillet and want a browned, bubbly top, preheat the broiler. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the surface and place the skillet under the broiler 3–4 inches from heat for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- 7
To Serve
- 8
Warm the tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or warm individually on a dry skillet for about 20–30 seconds per side, or microwave covered for 20–30 seconds.
- 9
Spoon the hot queso fundido onto tortillas or let diners scoop with tortillas and add optional pickled jalapeños or extra roasted chiles as desired.
- 10
Enjoy immediately while the cheese is molten and stretchy.
