Queso Fundido Al Tequila Recipe
Hey foodies, are you ready for a fiesta in your mouth? Let me introduce you to a drool-worthy queso fundido that’s about to become your go-to party pleaser. Filled with spicy chorizo, melty cheese, and a tequila kick, this dish is perfect for when you want to impress your friends with minimal effort. So grab your tortilla chips and get ready to dive into this cheesy masterpiece!
I adore the bold tastes and sumptuous textures of Queso Fundido Al Tequila. This dish perfectly combines two elements you’ll rarely find together: spice and smoothness.
No, really. It contains three spicy components—fresh chorizo, minced jalapeño, and a kick from the tequila—and two velvety melted cheeses: Oaxaca and Monterey Jack.
(If you can’t find those, go ahead and use other melting cheeses Find more performative, sexy ingredients.) Chopped tomatoes and cilantro add a fresh element you need to cut through all that indulgence. And, since this is definitely a dip, you’ll want to serve it with something.
You could use veggies, but sturdy tortilla chips seem way more fun.
Queso Fundido Al Tequila Recipe Ingredients
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat that enhances flavors.
- Chorizo: Packed with protein and spices, adds richness.
- Tequila: Adds a smoky depth, enhancing overall taste.
- Oaxaca Cheese: Melty and creamy, perfect for a smooth texture.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild and buttery, complements spicy elements.
- Jalapeño Pepper: Adds heat and a crisp, spicy flavor.
- Cilantro: Fresh herb notes, providing a bright, citrus-like flavor.
Queso Fundido Al Tequila Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 12 ounces fresh chorizo, casings removed
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella as a substitute)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tomatoes
- Tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for serving
- Lime wedges (optional)
How to Make this Queso Fundido Al Tequila Recipe
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, which should be finely chopped, and cook it until it’s softened; this should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. In a skillet, add the minced jalapeño pepper and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the smell permeates the air.
3. Place the fresh chorizo in the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and allowing it to brown and cook through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Take care to pour the tequila into the skillet with the chorizo. After that, you’re gonna want to continue cooking.
Let it cook for no more than 2-3 minutes. This is an important step for a few reasons.
The first is obvious: We do not want to fire up the cocktail! The second is that the tequila imparts a depth of flavor to the chorizo that’s really hard to beat.
5. Lower the heat to a low setting and very slowly mix in the shredded Oaxaca cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, blending them into the sauce until they have completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. As soon as the cheese is fully melted and blended, add the chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl.
7. Chop fresh tomatoes and add them on top; then, gently stir them into the queso fundido.
8. If you wish, you can transfer the queso fundido to a serving dish that has been warmed beforehand. Or you can simply serve it directly from the skillet you used to make it.
9. Serve right away with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas at the side for dipping or scooping.
10. Lime wedges may be offered on the side for a fresh squeeze over the queso fundido before savoring.
Queso Fundido Al Tequila Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Mixing bowl (for serving, if desired)
FAQ
- Can I use another type of cheese instead of Oaxaca?Certainly, Oaxaca cheese is a great substitute for mozzarella in terms of texture and meltability. But if you can’t find it, mozzarella works just fine. Here’s how the two compare.
- Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for tequila in this recipe?A non-alcoholic version of this drink can be achieved by using a splash of lime juice or stock instead of tequila.
- How spicy is this dish?Moderate is how spicy it is from the jalapeño. If you want to up the spice, either adjust the quantity of jalapeño or switch it for a more potent variety. Conversely, if you want to bring the heat down, either remove the jalapeño or switch it for a less potent pepper.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?Serve it right away for maximum taste, but don’t let that stop you from prepping components in advance. Just remember—to keep the cheese from going all clumpy on you, warm the mixture gently and stop when the cheesy sauce is basically no thicker than the pasta.
- What can I serve with Queso Fundido al Tequila?Accompany it with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas and add lime wedges on the side for a fresh touch.
- Can I use pre-cooked chorizo?It is recommended to use fresh chorizo, as it releases flavorful oils when cooked. However, if you have pre-cooked chorizo, that can work too.
Queso Fundido Al Tequila Recipe Substitutions and Variations
1 tablespoon olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or canola oil.
One can use 2-3 shallots, for a not-so-tobacco-like flavor, in place of the 1/2 small onion that the original dish calls for. The result is a lovely cream sauce with a balanced flavor.
A serrano pepper can be used instead of the seeded and minced jalapeño for more heat, while a poblano pepper would give milder heat.
You can substitute 12 ounces fresh chorizo with spicy Italian sausage for a different, yet spicy, flavor.
Two cups of shredded Oaxaca cheese can be replaced with Queso Asadero or Queso Quesadilla for a similar melting quality.
Pro Tips
1. Preheat Your Serving Dish To keep the queso fundido warm and melty for longer, preheat your serving dish before transferring the mixture. You can warm it in the oven at a low temperature while you cook.
2. Avoid Separation To prevent the cheese from separating or becoming greasy, add a splash of milk or cream when melting the cheese. Stir continuously over low heat until smooth and creamy.
3. Balancing Heat If you want to balance the spice level, consider adding a small amount of cream cheese when melting the Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheeses. This will add creaminess and mellow out the heat from the jalapeño and chorizo.
4. Alternative Flavor Enhancers Experiment with adding finely chopped roasted garlic or a dash of smoked paprika during the cheese melting step for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Garnish Creatively Enhance presentation and flavor by garnishing the finished queso fundido with additional toppings like sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or pickled jalapeños before serving.
Queso Fundido Al Tequila Recipe
My favorite Queso Fundido Al Tequila Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Mixing bowl (for serving, if desired)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 12 ounces fresh chorizo, casings removed
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella as a substitute)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tomatoes
- Tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for serving
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, which should be finely chopped, and cook it until it’s softened; this should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. In a skillet, add the minced jalapeño pepper and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the smell permeates the air.
3. Place the fresh chorizo in the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and allowing it to brown and cook through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Take care to pour the tequila into the skillet with the chorizo. After that, you’re gonna want to continue cooking.
Let it cook for no more than 2-3 minutes. This is an important step for a few reasons.
The first is obvious: We do not want to fire up the cocktail! The second is that the tequila imparts a depth of flavor to the chorizo that’s really hard to beat.
5. Lower the heat to a low setting and very slowly mix in the shredded Oaxaca cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, blending them into the sauce until they have completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. As soon as the cheese is fully melted and blended, add the chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl.
7. Chop fresh tomatoes and add them on top; then, gently stir them into the queso fundido.
8. If you wish, you can transfer the queso fundido to a serving dish that has been warmed beforehand. Or you can simply serve it directly from the skillet you used to make it.
9. Serve right away with tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas at the side for dipping or scooping.
10. Lime wedges may be offered on the side for a fresh squeeze over the queso fundido before savoring.