Queso Fundido

Ingredients

1/2 lb. Hot Breakfast Sausage (such As Jimmy Dean Or J.C. Potter) Or Chorizo

1 whole Medium Onion, Finely Diced

2 whole SMALL Bell Peppers (any Color Combination), Seeded And Finely Diced

1 lb. Monterey Jack, Grated (OR Mozzarella, Or Other Stringy Melting Cheese), Grated

Sprinkle Of Chili Powder

3 whole Roma Tomatoes, Diced

1/4 c. Cilantro, Chopped

Tortilla Chips For Serving

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large skillet, cook and crumble the sausage until brown.

Remove from skillet and drain on a paper towel. Pour off any excess fat.

Add onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until the veggies are soft and golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.

Remove from heat and set aside.

To build the skillet, place 1/3 of the cheese in a medium-sized ovenproof skillet.

Add half the sausage.

Add another third of the cheese, then as much of the veggie mixture as you’d like (you may have a little left over.)

Add almost all of the remaining cheese, the rest of the sausage, then whatever cheese you have left.

Sprinkle the top very lightly with chili powder.

Notes:

Depending on the size of your skillet or baking dish, you may have some ingredients left over. Just build so that the ingredients roughly reach the top of the skillet; they’ll shrink quite a bit once the cheese melts!

Place into the oven and start watching it about 4 to 5 minutes in. You want to bake it until the cheese is totally melted, hot, and slightly bubbling…but before the cheese starts to firm up/harden. (In other words, you still want the cheese to be extra gooey.)

Remove from the oven, top with the diced tomatoes, sprinkle on the tomatoes, and serve immediately with tortilla chips!

Be sure to have everything ready so you can serve the queso fundido pretty much right out of the oven. It’s best when piping hot!

IMPORTANT: Wrap a cloth around the skillet handle so guests won’t burn themselves.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 300 | Protein: 15 grams | Fat: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 10 grams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of hot breakfast sausage or chorizo?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by using other types of meat. You can try using ground beef, ground turkey, or even diced chicken as alternatives to sausage or chorizo. Adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the sausage or chorizo with vegetarian or vegan alternatives, such as plant-based sausage crumbles or tempeh.

For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese options like vegan mozzarella or a blend of vegan cheeses.

Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to the Queso Fundido. Consider incorporating ingredients like diced mushrooms, corn kernels, or even chopped jalapeños for added flavor and texture. Customize the recipe to your liking and experiment with different combinations.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! While the recipe suggests using Monterey Jack, you can use other stringy and melting cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of different cheeses.

This allows you to adjust the flavor profile and experiment with different cheese combinations.

What are some alternative serving suggestions besides tortilla chips?

While tortilla chips are a classic choice, you can also serve Queso Fundido with other accompaniments.

Consider offering warm flour tortillas or corn tortillas for guests to make their own quesadillas.

You can also serve it with sliced baguette, vegetable crudités, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or grilled meats.

Can I use a combination of different cheeses?

Yes, you can use a combination of different cheeses to add variety to your Queso Fundido.

Experiment with blends of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, or even a touch of pepper jack for some spice.

Are there any other garnishes I can use besides cilantro and diced tomatoes?

Certainly! Queso Fundido is versatile, and you can customize the garnishes to your liking. Consider toppings like sliced jalapeños, chopped scallions, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Feel free to get creative with your choice of garnishes.

Can I make Queso Fundido ahead of time?

While Queso Fundido is best enjoyed immediately after baking, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the skillet just before baking.

Keep the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables refrigerated separately until you’re ready to assemble and bake the dish.