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Queso Fundido with Fresh Tortillas inspired by Jimmy's Harborside
Inspired by Jimmy's Harborside

Queso Fundido with Fresh Tortillas

Appetizer
This Mexican appetizer features a skillet of bubbling melted cheese with savory pan-seared chorizo. The blend of Oaxaca, Asadero, and Chihuahua cheeses creates a stretchy, flavorful dip that's best enjoyed by scooping with warm tortillas. The combination of cheeses delivers authentic flavor and the perfect consistency for dipping.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Mexican chorizo (Casings removed)
  • 8 oz Oaxaca cheese (Shredded)
  • 4 oz Asadero cheese (Shredded (or substitute with Monterey Jack))
  • 4 oz Chihuahua cheese (Shredded (or substitute with mild cheddar))
  • 1/2 medium White onion (Finely diced)
  • 1 medium Jalapeño (Seeded and finely diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 12 small Corn or flour tortillas (Warmed)
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (Chopped)
  • 1 whole Lime wedges (Cut into wedges)
  • 1/2 tsp Mexican oregano (Dried)

Tools You'll Need

  • 10-inch cast iron skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cheese grater
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Chef's Tip

For the best queso fundido texture, shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents. This ensures a smooth, evenly melted dip without graininess or separation.

Instructions

  1. Cook chorizo: Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add aromatics: Add diced onion and jalapeño to the skillet with the chorizo. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  3. Prepare for cheese: If there's excess grease from the chorizo, drain off all but about 1 tablespoon. Spread the chorizo mixture evenly across the bottom of the skillet.
  4. Add cheese: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheeses evenly over the chorizo mixture. Sprinkle with Mexican oregano.
  5. Melt cheese: Cover the skillet and cook until cheese is completely melted and bubbly around the edges, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until melted and slightly browned on top.
  6. Warm tortillas: While cheese melts, warm tortillas according to package directions or over an open flame until lightly charred.
  7. Serve: Sprinkle the queso fundido with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately in the skillet with warm tortillas and lime wedges on the side.

Plating

Serve the queso fundido directly in the hot cast iron skillet, placed on a heatproof trivet. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and arrange warm tortillas in a cloth-lined basket alongside. Add small bowls of lime wedges and any additional garnishes nearby for easy access.

Storage & Reheating

Queso fundido is best enjoyed immediately after preparation while hot and stretchy. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, though the texture will change significantly. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.

About This Recipe

Jimmy's Harborside's queso fundido offered a delicious nod to authentic Mexican cuisine, adapting the traditional cheese and chorizo dish for their New England clientele. The restaurant's version showcased the perfect balance of rich, stretchy cheese and spiced chorizo. This adaptation brings that crowd-pleasing appetizer to home kitchens while staying true to its essence.

How did it turn out?

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