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Craving a quick, comforting appetizer that screams flavor? Our Green Chile Queso Fundido (Skillet) delivers!
This incredibly easy, melted cheese dip comes together in minutes with pantry staples, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Get ready for a spicy Mexican appetizer that’s pure savory bliss, bubbling hot right from the oven. Find more queso fundido recipes for inspiration.
Green Chile Queso Fundido (Skillet) Is Savory Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Green Chile Queso Fundido is a rich, gooey, and spicy cheese dip made with roasted green chiles and served bubbling hot in a cast-iron skillet. It’s the perfect appetizer for sharing!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Oaxaca cheese, shredded
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a small oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the drained diced green chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to combine.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the shredded Monterey Jack and Oaxaca cheeses, and the cubed cream cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until the cheeses begin to melt.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- For a smoother queso, you can use all Monterey Jack cheese.
- If you don’t have Oaxaca cheese, substitute with more Monterey Jack or a mild white cheddar.
- Roast your own green chiles for an even deeper flavor. Anaheim or Poblano peppers work well.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients for Your Green Chile Queso Fundido (Skillet)
Cheesy Base: You’ll need a blend of Monterey Jack and Oaxaca cheeses for that perfect melt, plus cream cheese for extra richness. If Oaxaca isn’t available, more Monterey Jack or a mild white cheddar works too!
Flavor Boosters: Aromatic onion and garlic, along with diced green chiles (consider roasting your own for deeper flavor!), cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Finishing Touches: Fresh cilantro adds brightness. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with plenty of tortilla chips!
How to Make Green Chile Queso Fundido (Skillet)
Whip up this delicious skillet queso by sautéing aromatics, melting cheeses, baking until bubbly, and garnishing. It’s a quick and easy way to create a crowd-pleasing spicy Mexican appetizer.
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Chiles
Heat oil in your skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft (5-7 mins), then add garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in green chiles, cumin, paprika, and cayenne.
Step 2: Add Your Cheeses and Creaminess
Remove skillet from heat. Add Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, and cream cheeses. Gently stir until cheeses begin to melt. Stir in fresh cilantro and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Watch it closely!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Your Queso Fundido
Once bubbly and hot, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with warm tortilla chips for dipping.
Final Thoughts on Green Chile Queso Fundido (Skillet)
There you have it – a wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying Green Chile Queso Fundido (Skillet) that’s sure to be a hit. This melted cheese dip is pure comfort in a skillet, perfect for game days, holidays, or just a Tuesday night.
A super creamy option that stays warm and crowd-pleasing from the first scoop to the last. You want more! Not a dip, but has that same cozy, cheesy personality everyone loves.
FAQs About Green Chile Queso Fundido (Skillet)
How do I know when my queso fundido is done?
Your queso fundido is ready when it’s completely melted, hot, and bubbly around the edges, typically after 8-10 minutes in the oven. It should have a smooth, dippable consistency.
Can I substitute the cheeses in this Green Chile Queso Fundido?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack and Oaxaca are ideal for meltiness, you can use a blend of white cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for extra spice.
Can I make this queso dip ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh. While you can assemble the ingredients (except cilantro) and refrigerate, it’s recommended to bake it just before serving for the optimal gooey texture.
How should I serve this spicy Mexican appetizer?
Serve your Green Chile Queso Fundido immediately in the hot skillet with plenty of warm tortilla chips, vegetable crudités, or even toasted baguette slices for dipping.
