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Queso Fundido is a classic Mexican dish that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. This version, made with the spicy and smoky Hatch green chiles, brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish. The melty Monterey Jack cheese paired with Oaxaca cheese creates a deliciously stretchy, gooey cheese dip that’s perfect for serving with soft tortillas, chips, or your favorite proteins. Whether for a casual snack, appetizer, or main dish, this cheesy delight is sure to impress.
Ingredients
1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
5 ounces Oaxaca cheese (or more Monterey Jack)
8 ounces diced green chiles (2 cans or 4 large fresh peppers)
1 lime
Salt, to taste
Tomatoes, for garnish (optional)
Cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Bacon or sausage, optional (for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hatch Green Chile Queso Fundido
This queso fundido recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and can be ready in no time. Follow these steps to create the perfect cheese dip that will have everyone coming back for more.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and bubbles up nicely without overcooking.
Prepare the Hatch Chiles
Spread the diced Hatch green chiles across a small baking dish. These chiles give the fundido its signature smoky, slightly spicy flavor. You can use either fresh peppers (that have been roasted and peeled) or canned green chiles for convenience.
Add the Cheese
Mix the Cheeses
In a bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack cheese with the Oaxaca cheese. Oaxaca cheese, which is a semi-soft, stringy cheese, adds a unique texture and flavor that makes this fundido extra special. If you can’t find Oaxaca, you can substitute it with additional Monterey Jack cheese or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Top the Chiles with Cheese
Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the Hatch green chiles in your baking dish. Be sure to cover the chiles fully, creating a cheesy blanket over them.
Bake the Queso Fundido
Bake Until Melty
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the fundido for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and begins to bubble. Be careful not to let the cheese brown; you want it to melt evenly into a smooth, creamy dip.
Finish with Lime and Salt
Remove the dish from the oven and squeeze the juice of 1/4 lime over the melted cheese. Add a light sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavors. The lime adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the richness of the cheese and the heat of the chiles.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish the Queso Fundido
For extra color and flavor, garnish the fundido with optional toppings like diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro. These additions not only enhance the dish visually but also provide a refreshing contrast to the heat of the chiles and the creaminess of the cheese.
Serve Immediately
Serve the Hatch Green Chile Queso Fundido hot with soft tortillas, tortilla chips, or your favorite savory sides. For a heartier meal, you can serve it with bacon or sausage, which can be mixed into the cheese before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Queso Fundido
While this recipe is straightforward, here are some tips to make sure your Hatch Green Chile Queso Fundido is the best it can be:
Use Freshly Roasted Hatch Chiles
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