Grilled Queso Fundido with Tortillas | Arteflame Recipe
Queso Fundido is a rich and cheesy Mexican dish that's traditionally served as a hot appetizer. Made with melted cheese, spicy chorizo, and served with fresh tortillas, this dish is perfect for any gathering. When cooked on the Arteflame grill, the even heat ensures that the cheese melts perfectly, while the chorizo gets a delicious sear. Serve this crowd-pleaser with freshly grilled tortillas for a memorable meal. Let's dive into how to make this indulgent queso fundido on the Arteflame grill!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Queso Chihuahua or mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 lb Mexican chorizo, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small poblano pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Start by lighting the Arteflame grill. Place three vegetable-oil-soaked paper napkins under the firewood and light them. In about 20 minutes, your grill will be ready to cook.
2. Grill the Chorizo
Once the grill is hot, place the chorizo on the center grate of the Arteflame, where the heat is at its highest. Sear the chorizo, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Move it to the cooler outer edge of the flat cooktop to keep warm.
3. Sauté the Peppers and Onion
Melt the butter on the flat cooktop. Add the diced poblano, jalapeño (if using), and onion to the griddle, sautéing until soft and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Once done, mix them with the cooked chorizo.
4. Melt the Cheese
In the center of the flat cooktop, place the shredded Oaxaca and Queso Chihuahua cheeses. Stir them occasionally as they melt into a gooey, bubbly mixture. Be sure to keep the cheese within the cooler outer zones of the cooktop so it melts evenly without burning. When the cheese is fully melted, stir in the chorizo, onion, and pepper mixture.
5. Grill the Tortillas
While the cheese is melting, place the tortillas around the outer edge of the Arteflame flat top. Toast them for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they're warmed and have a slight char. Remove them once they're ready.
6. Serve
Transfer the queso fundido into a heat-safe dish and top with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with the warm tortillas on the side. Squeeze fresh lime over the queso fundido for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips
- Cheese Choices: Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully but if you can’t find it, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great substitutes.
- Chorizo Alternatives: You can also use crumbled sausage or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Add-Ons: For extra flavor, add roasted tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the queso fundido.
Conclusion
This grilled queso fundido made on the Arteflame is the ultimate cheesy indulgence, packed with rich flavors from the chorizo, peppers, and melted cheese. Paired with freshly grilled tortillas, it’s the perfect appetizer for any BBQ or gathering. Plus, using the Arteflame flat top ensures that your cheese melts perfectly while the toppings stay crispy and flavorful.
5 Variations
- Vegetarian Queso Fundido: Omit the chorizo and add grilled mushrooms or sautéed spinach instead.
- Queso Fundido with Shrimp: Grill seasoned shrimp on the flat top and add them to the melted cheese for a seafood twist.
- Queso Fundido with Roasted Poblano: Use roasted poblano peppers instead of fresh for a smokier flavor.
- Spicy Queso Fundido: Add roasted serrano peppers or use spicy chorizo for extra heat.
- Queso Fundido with Beer: Mix a splash of light Mexican beer into the melted cheese for a deeper flavor.
Best Pairings
- Grilled chicken or beef fajitas
- Mexican rice and beans
- A side of guacamole and salsa
- Margaritas or ice-cold Mexican beer like Dos Equis or Corona