Queso Fundido Dip

The beauty of this Queso Fundido Dip lies in its simplicity and bold flavor. With only a handful of ingredients and just 15 minutes, you can create a rich, melty cheese dip that feels like a special occasion every time. The creamy base of Monterey Jack is enhanced by the tangy bite of goat cheese and a subtle heat from roasted jalapeños. Whether you’re throwing a fiesta, hosting game night, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe is the crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for another chip. The broiled golden top and gooey center make it irresistible and absolutely unforgettable. Add your own twist with chorizo or keep it vegetarian—either way, it’s queso bliss.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole milk

• 12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

• 1–2 tablespoons chopped roasted jalapeños or canned chiles (mild or spicy)

• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• Chopped cilantro for garnish

• Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F or set your broiler on high.

2. In a 9- or 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook for about 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

5. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

6. Mix in the chopped roasted jalapeños or canned chiles, salt, and pepper.

7. Gently fold in the crumbled goat cheese, taking care not to overmix.

8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or broil just until the top becomes golden brown.

9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 462 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

What Is Queso Fundido?

Queso Fundido is a traditional Mexican dish that translates to “melted cheese.” Unlike the smoother, liquid-style queso dips many people are familiar with from Tex-Mex restaurants, Queso Fundido is all about the thick, gooey cheese pull. It’s made with real melting cheeses, baked or broiled until bubbly and golden, and is meant to be scooped up with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips.

While some versions stick strictly to Mexican cheeses like Queso Oaxaca or Asadero, this recipe combines Monterey Jack and goat cheese to create a rich, creamy, slightly tangy dip that stands out from the rest. The dish has deep roots in Northern Mexican cuisine and has been embraced by modern foodies and chefs for its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

The Inspiration Behind This Version

This particular recipe was inspired by a popular version once served at Chef Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill. The twist that sets this dip apart is the addition of crumbled goat cheese. While goat cheese might seem like an unexpected addition to a Mexican dip, it adds a luxurious tang and creaminess that elevates the dish and gives it a gourmet edge.

Instead of simply relying on one kind of cheese, this recipe layers Monterey Jack’s stretch and melt with goat cheese’s unique flavor profile, creating a multi-dimensional experience in every bite. It’s a nod to both tradition and innovation.

Why This Queso Fundido Dip Is the Best

There are countless cheese dips out there—but this one hits every mark:

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for spontaneous parties or last-minute snacks.
• Melty and indulgent: Using two types of cheese gives this dip a rich, satisfying texture.
• Perfect balance of flavors: The roasted jalapeños offer a mild kick, balanced by the creamy cheeses.
• Visually stunning: The bubbly, golden top and gooey center make it just as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a vegetarian option or top it with chorizo for extra flavor.

It’s no wonder this dip disappears within minutes at parties. It delivers both flavor and experience—a must-have for any gathering.

Healthier Than You Think

While cheese dips tend to have a reputation for being heavy, this version actually provides a decent nutritional profile when consumed in moderation. Thanks to the use of whole milk and real cheeses, it’s packed with protein and calcium. Goat cheese, in particular, contains less lactose and is often easier to digest for people with dairy sensitivities.

Also, by skipping processed cheese or artificial thickeners, this recipe keeps it real and uses simple, wholesome ingredients like milk, flour, and fresh jalapeños. You can also adjust the fat content by using lower-fat milk or reducing the goat cheese amount if desired.

Tips for Choosing the Right Ingredients

One of the key reasons this recipe works so well is the careful selection of high-quality ingredients. Here’s how to get the best results:

• Monterey Jack cheese: Choose a block and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
• Goat cheese: Use fresh goat cheese and crumble it by hand. This gives you better texture and pockets of flavor.
• Jalapeños: You can roast fresh jalapeños over an open flame or use canned mild or hot green chiles depending on your heat preference.
• Milk: Whole milk gives you the creamiest texture. However, if needed, you can substitute with 2% or even lactose-free milk.

How to Make Queso Fundido Even More Amazing

The base recipe is fantastic on its own, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try these enhancements:

• Add chorizo: Cook crumbled Mexican chorizo and sprinkle it on top before baking for a spicy, meaty touch.
• Caramelized onions: Sauté thinly sliced onions until golden and sweet, and mix them into the cheese for added depth.
• Poblano peppers: Swap or combine with jalapeños for a smoky twist.
• Toppings: Garnish with fresh diced tomatoes, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of crema Mexicana.

You can also serve it inside mini bread bowls, as a filling for tacos, or even pour it over nachos to turn it into a centerpiece dish.

Serving Suggestions

This queso dip is best served hot and fresh straight out of the oven. It’s ideal for:

• Game day snacks
• Holiday parties
• Taco Tuesday
• BBQs and potlucks
• Family movie nights

Pair it with crunchy tortilla chips, soft flour tortillas, or even fresh veggies like bell pepper strips and carrot sticks for dipping. It also goes well with Mexican beers, sparkling lemonade, or spicy margaritas.

Pro tip: Keep it warm in a mini slow cooker or fondue pot if you’re serving it over a longer period.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? This dip stores beautifully.

• Storage: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or reheat in a 325ºF oven until hot and bubbly.

Avoid freezing the dip, as it may cause separation due to the cheese and milk content.

Customizations for Dietary Preferences

This dip is naturally gluten-free-friendly if you substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also make it:

• Vegetarian: Stick to the base recipe and skip the chorizo or any meat toppings.
• Low-carb: Serve with keto chips or raw veggies instead of tortilla chips.
• Lactose-sensitive friendly: Use goat milk or lactose-free milk and cheeses.

The flexibility of this recipe makes it a go-to favorite for many different dietary lifestyles.

The History and Culture Behind Queso Fundido

Queso Fundido has long been a staple in Northern Mexican cuisine, often served as an appetizer at social gatherings. Traditionally, it includes Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca or Asadero and is cooked in a clay or cast iron dish.

The dish became popular in Tex-Mex cuisine, especially in the American Southwest, where ingredients were adapted based on availability. Today, you’ll find countless variations of Queso Fundido in restaurants and food trucks across the U.S., often customized with local cheeses, meats, and toppings.

Its name—“Fundido” meaning “molten” or “melted”—perfectly describes the experience of scooping into a hot, stretchy, cheesy bite of heaven.

Conclusion 

Cheese dips are a universal favorite, but Queso Fundido offers something extra. It’s both rustic and refined, adaptable and authentic. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a simple snack for yourself, it’s a guaranteed win.

It’s also an opportunity to explore new flavors. Many people discover goat cheese through dishes like this, and the combination with roasted chiles is unforgettable.

Plus, you’ll impress guests by making something that looks restaurant-level but only takes a few pantry staples and under 20 minutes to prepare. It’s comfort food at its finest—and with just the right touch of sophistication.