Mexico | Appetizers | Cheese

Queso Fundido

(Mexican melted cheese appetizer)

Yield: 4-6 servings


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Cheese, Monterey jack shredded 2 cups
Pepper, red bell roasted, peeled, julienne 1 each
Mushrooms sliced thin 1 cup
Butter 2 Tbsp
Salt & pepper to taste
 
Tortilla chips

METHOD

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Place the grated cheese in the bottom of a ceramic oven-proof dish or casserole dish. Spread roasted pepper evenly over the top of the cheese.
  2. Heat the butter in a skillet. Add the mushrooms and sauté till cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Spread evenly over the top of the cheese.
  3. Place the dish in the oven and bake until the cheese is fully melted.
  4. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

VARIATIONS

  • Any Mexican melting cheese, such as asadero or Chihuahua, can be used instead of Monterey jack.
  • The garnishes listed above are optional. Experiment with different toppings: chopped scallions, crumbled queso fresco, cooked chorizo, chopped serrano chilies.
  • Try fresh corn tortillas instead of tortilla chips. Steam the tortillas in a steamer basket or heat in the microwave first to soften them up.

NOTES

  • Serve this south-of-the-border version of cheese fondue as a starter to any Mexican meal, and your guests will be singing your praises.