Jalapeño Queso Fundido Recipe (2024)

5 from 2 votes

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July 28, 2020

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This Jalapeño Queso Fundido recipe is seriously the best plus it’s ready to eat in a snap. It’s the easiest and yes, the cheesiest thing you will ever enjoy!

I’ve been having melty cheese daydreams and I finally did something about it and made this Jalapeño Queso Fundido. Did you know Queso Fundido is just melted cheese? Like, literally. Melt some cheese in a pan and that’s Queso Fundido. It’s seriously the best thing ever…plus ready to eat in a snap. And if you accidentally get the edges a little brown, you get crispy cheese! My favorite guilty pleasure in all the world.

But First, What is Queso Fundido?

Queso Fundido is an appetizer made up of hot melted cheese! Dip bread, tortilla chips, or pretzels into it. How could you not love it? (Sorry lactose intolerant people 🙁 )

Queso Fundido Recipe

You are only going to need 7 ingredients to make this cheesy dip! Queso fundido here we come!

  • Olive Oil –this is used to saute the onions and jalapeno which helps remove some of their potency.
  • Salt and Pepper –always remember to salt and pepper while cooking and to taste.
  • Jalapeño –if you don’t like as much spice, make sure to remove the seeds and chop very small. Or leave it out altogether.
  • Onion –I used a yellow onion but a red or white onion would work just as well.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese –use freshly grated cheese for best melty results.
  • Jack Cheese –you could also use freshly grated mozzarella as well.
  • Cilantro –this is used as a garnish and can be left out if you hate the taste of cilantro.

Jalapeño Queso Fundido Recipe (2)

Variations

One of the best things about this queso fundido recipe is how adaptable it can be with these simple variations!

  • Want it spicier?Consider adding red pepper flakes or sub out the jalapeño for a spicier pepper.
  • Want to add protein?Chorizo is a super great option to add to this recipe. Simply cook with the jalapeno and onion. Or for a simpler protein, add in some cooked shredded chicken.

Jalapeño Queso Fundido Recipe (3)

How to Make Queso Fundido

My husband pretty much licked this pan clean. {Sorry honey, but it’s true.} So that means there’s a high probability that you will also lick this pan clean. Are you salivating yet? Ok ok, FINE. I’ll tell you how to make Queso Fundido:

  1. Chop up some jalapeños. That should sort of be a given. If you want a spicier dip, chop them not too small. I don’t like a whole lotta spice so I cut them super thin. I’m such a baby.
  2. Also cut up a little onion, grate some sharp cheddar cheese and jack cheese.
  3. So, here’s the deal: sauté the onions and jalapeños until soft and tender. Add in salt and pepper too. Then take the pan off the heat and melt in your cheeses gently. And just like that, your queso fundido is done.

You’re gonna want to serve it asap because the stringy cheesy hot goodness lasts only about 10 minutes. Then you’ll have to reheat it again to get the magic back. But I highly doubt you’ll need to reheat it because odds are, it’ll be gone in no time!Jalapeño Queso Fundido Recipe (4)

More Mexican Dips to Try!

  • 7 Layer Dip
  • Roasted Jalapeño Queso
  • Cowboy Caviar
  • Black Bean Dip
  • Beef Enchilada Dip

If you loved this Jalapeño Queso Fundido recipe, make sure to check out my other queso recipes!

The printable recipe card is below, make it this weekend and enjoy friends!

5 from 2 votes

Jalapeño Queso Fundido

Jalapeño Queso Fundido is seriously the best plus it's ready to eat in a snap. It's the easiest and yes, cheesiest thing you will ever enjoy!

servings 4 servings

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño finely diced or sliced plus more for garnish if desired
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup jack cheese grated, or mozzarella
  • cilantro for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In small cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute onions and jalapeños with salt and pepper until tender and brown.

  • Remove hot skillet from heat and stir in cheeses to melt.

  • Top with cilantro and more jalapeños is desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 477mg | Potassium: 83mg | Vitamin A: 800IU | Vitamin C: 4.9mg | Calcium: 562mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Queso Fundido

Jalapeño Queso Fundido Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is queso fundido made of? ›

Queso fundido typically consists of melted cheese and chorizo; a smoky, spicy, ground pork sausage. This queso fundido recipe has these traditional elements, plus a few extras to really kick up the flavor.

What's the difference between queso dip and queso fundido? ›

It's often seasoned with spices and sometimes diced tomatoes or green chilies for added flavor. Queso Fundido: A Mexican variation of queso dip that typically includes melted cheese mixed with cooked chorizo (spicy sausage), mushrooms, or other savory ingredients.

How to eat queso fundido with tortillas? ›

You can eat queso fundido by spooning it into a tortilla or using the tortilla as a dipper. Salsa gets spooned on top too. There's really no wrong way to consume it—queso fundido is perfect no matter what.

What is queso fundido in english? ›

Queso fundido is a delicious Mexican dish that translates to "melted cheese" in English. It's a very popular appetizer for any Mexican inspired meal or game day spread!

What is the best Mexican melting cheese? ›

Queso asadero is Mexican cheese that's great for melting. It is soft, white and creamy with a mild taste, and is often used to make pizzas, quesadillas and queso fundido. The last cheese on this list is actually a cream.

What do Mexicans call queso? ›

Literally Spanish for “cheese,” as in, a quesadilla—queso typically refers to a hot cheese dip that is frequently eaten with tortilla chips. Mexican and Tex Mex restaurants often feature it on their appetizer menu, having figured out that many people enjoy eating straight cheese before, during, and after a meal.

What does queso mean in Mexico? ›

Queso literally means “cheese” in Spanish, but that's not all you're getting when you order this creamy, gooey, sometimes spicy delight at a restaurant.

Is queso fundido traditional? ›

Queso Fundido, meaning "melted cheese" in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish enjoyed for centuries. It's perfect for sharing, spooning onto soft corn tortillas, and topped with Oaxaca cheese & honey, mushrooms, or chorizo, served with warm tortillas.

Why is it called queso fundido? ›

Queso Fundido literately translates to molten cheese, and is universally accepted as Mexican in origin. Not to be confused with the Tex-Mex Queso which is basically a bowl of runny, hot cheese (kind of like a spicy mornay sauce). Queso Fundido has the added additions of spicy pork chorizo and roasted peppers folded in.

How do you thin out queso fundido? ›

How do you thin out queso fundido? If you find your queso is too thick after cooking, you can add a few tablespoons of whole milk to thin it.

How long does queso fundido last in the fridge? ›

FAQ: Storing and Reheating Queso

If the queso has been in the fridge for longer than 5 days, it's best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it. Always inspect and smell the queso before reheating or consuming it to ensure it's still good.

What is queso usually made of? ›

If you're wondering what is queso made of, you needn't look much further than the name. It's mostly cheese. Beyond that, there is usually tomato, onion, and jalapeños or chiles for some added heat. Add in evaporated milk and cornstarch for thickening, and viola!

What kind of cheese is Mexican queso made from? ›

Queso blanco is usually made from asadero cheese (or white American cheese) shredded and melted in a pot with skim milk or half and half and pico de Gallo.

What cheese is authentic queso made of? ›

In order to make authentic queso, use Manchego cheese. Mexican Manchego Cheese is a golden-yellow, semi-firm cheese with a slightly nutty flavor.

Is queso cheese a real cheese? ›

Restaurant queso, however, is often still made from processed cheese. It may be a higher quality, restaurant-grade of processed cheese, but nonetheless it's still a rectangular brick of cheese food. Don't get me wrong, I love the stuff, and can eat buckets of it.

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