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Looking for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dip for your next gathering? Look no further than this scrumptious Queso Fundido recipe! Packed with bold and zesty flavors, this appetizer is the perfect addition to any party spread or cozy night in with loved ones.
Best of all, it’s made without any meat, so it’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. With gooey melted cheese, green chiles, and caramelized onions, this vegetarian queso fundido will have your taste buds dancing with joy. So grab your tortilla chips and get ready to dive in!
And, this is a super easy to make recipe. It cooks on the stove, with mostly hands-off time. No need to turn on the oven for this easy queso fundido recipe.
I first shared this recipe in 2011. I made it to go along with homemade corn tortillas and seasoned black beans. But it was in desperate need of an update. So, I’ve updated it here with new photos, information, updates to the recipe itself, as well as a blog space of its own. Please enjoy this delicious and easy to make queso!
We appreciate you
Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.
What is Queso Fundido?
First of all, you may be wondering what queso fundido is.
It translates to “melted cheese”. Think of it like Mexican fondue, and you’ll have a good idea! Isn’t that perfect comfort food and the perfect party food!
Queso Fundido is melted white cheese that’s often over chorizo or vegetables like peppers and onions. Since my version is vegetarian, we’ve skipped the chorizo. You could add in soyrizo if you’d like.
It’s closely related to Queso Flambé or Queso Flambeado.
You’ll often find this on many Mexican restaurants’ appetizer menus. It’s becoming more popular these days.
Pro tips for the best appetizer
- Use a good cheese: Since cheese is the star of this recipe, it’s important to use a great cheese that melts well and has a rich, delicious flavor. Pepper jack, Monterrey Jack, Queso Oaxaca, Asadero, Panera, and Chihuahua cheese are all great options to consider.
- Customize the spice level: If you prefer a milder dip, use a can of mild green chiles. On the other hand, if you love things spicy, feel free to use hot green chiles, or even add some chopped jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Serve with a variety of dippers: While tortilla chips are a classic choice for queso fundido, you can also serve this dip with sliced veggies, pita chips, or even toasted baguette slices. This can be a great way to add some variety and texture to your party spread.
- Keep the dip warm: Queso fundido is best when served warm and gooey, so it’s important to keep it heated throughout your event. You can do this by using a small crockpot or fondue pot, or by reheating the dip in the microwave or oven as needed.
- Make it ahead of time: Though it’s best when freshly made, if you’re hosting a party, you can prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving to ensure that it’s heated all the way through.
How to make
This ooey-gooey, melty, cheesy party dip is easy to make at home on the stove!
If you are looking for great classic Mexican recipes to serve at your next fiesta, dinner party or game night check our favorite tortilla chips, guacamole, and traditional salsa.
The full printable recipe ingredients and instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips and tricks in the post.
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add the onion and the salt. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onion begins to caramelize about 20 minutes. If the onion begins to burn, add a little water to slow the cooking process.
Add the green chiles, green onions, and broth (or other liquid); stir until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is once again dry looking.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the vegetables and stir slowly and constantly until just melted. Don’t cook too long, because the cheese will become tough, oily and stringy.
Immediately scoop into a warm serving dish and enjoy the cheesy gooey warmth.
Serving suggestions
It’s great simply served as a dip with tortilla chips. But don’t stop there!
Stuff tacos and burritos with it.
Dip veggies and pita into it.
Pour it over French Fries and top it with carne asada for delicious carne asada fries!
Add some fun toppings on it for a great presentation. Chop up some tomatoes, pico de gallo, or cilantro.
Storage and reheating
This dip is best when freshly made. But it can be made ahead or if you have leftovers, it can be reheated.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat it in the microwave in small intervals until heated through.
This is a dairy based queso. I don’t recommend substituting vegan cheese in this recipe. But I do have a fantastic Vegan Nacho Cheese Dip that’s you’re sure to love!
Oh, and this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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Recipe
Queso Fundido
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the onion and the salt, and cook, stirring regularly, until the onion begins to caramelize about 20 minutes. If the onion begins to burn, add a little water to slow the cooking process. Add the green chiles, the green onions, and the broth or other liquid; stir until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is once again dry looking.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the vegetables and stir slowly and constantly until just melted—too long over the heat and the cheese will become tough, oily and stringy.
- Immediately scoop into a warm serving dish and enjoy the cheesy gooey warmth.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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