Smoky Grilled Queso Fundido with Chorizo

There is nothing quite like the communal experience of gathering around a bubbling skillet of melted cheese, especially when it is infused with the smoky essence of an outdoor fire. Mexican Queso Fundido with Chorizo is the ultimate party starter, combining the rich, savory heat of fresh Mexican sausage with the creamy, stringy indulgence of melted cheese. Unlike a standard queso dip which often relies on processed cheese or béchamel bases, Queso Fundido is essentially a dish of pure, broiled cheese, often compared to a fondue but with a distinct rustic flair.

Preparing this dish on an Arteflame grill transforms it from a kitchen staple to a culinary event. The high-heat sear of the flat cooktop renders the chorizo fat perfectly, crisping the edges of the meat and caramelizing the onions and peppers before they join the cheese. The result is a complex, smoky flavor profile that you simply cannot replicate on a stove. Whether you are hosting a game day gathering or an elegant backyard dinner, this authentic recipe promises to be the centerpiece of your table, offering a mouth-watering contrast of textures and robust flavors.

Ingredients

The Base

• 1 lb Fresh Mexican Chorizo (casing removed)
• 1 large White Onion, finely diced
• 2 Poblano Peppers, seeds removed and diced (can substitute with Jalapeños for more heat)
• 1 lb Oaxaca Cheese, shredded (substitute with Mozzarella or Monterey Jack if unavailable)
• 1/2 lb Chihuahua or Muenster Cheese, shredded

For Serving and Garnish

• 12-16 Corn or Flour Tortillas
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 1 medium Tomato, diced (optional)
• Tortilla chips (for dipping)
• Salsa verde or pico de gallo (on the side)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Ingredients

1. Start by building a medium fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want the flat cooktop to reach a medium-high searing temperature.
2. While the grill heats up, shred your block cheese by hand. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt.
3. Place a cast-iron skillet on the flat cooktop surface to preheat gradually. Do not place it directly over the center fire grate yet, as you want to avoid burning the cheese later.

Step 2: Sear the Aromatics and Meat

1. Drizzle a small amount of oil on the flat cooktop surface. Toss the diced onions and poblano peppers directly onto the steel griddle.
2. Grill the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, moving them around with a spatula until they are softened and slightly charred.
3. Add the fresh chorizo to the cooktop near the vegetables. Break it apart with your spatula and cook until it is fully browned and crispy, allowing the spicy red oil to render out.
4. Mix the grilled vegetables into the cooked chorizo right on the cooktop to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

1. Transfer the chorizo and vegetable mixture into your preheated cast-iron skillet, spreading it into an even layer. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the mixture for a garnish topping.
2. Pile the shredded Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses generously over the meat mixture in the skillet.
3. Slide the skillet closer to the center fire grate, or if you have a grill grate riser, place it there. The goal is to melt the cheese until it is bubbling and gooey.
4. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, rotating the skillet occasionally to ensure even melting. If you have a dome or lid, covering it briefly will speed up the process.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Top with the reserved chorizo mixture, diced fresh tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of cilantro.
3. Briefly warm your tortillas on the outer edge of the Arteflame cooktop for 30 seconds per side.
4. Serve the skillet immediately while bubbling hot, accompanied by the warm tortillas and chips.

Tips

The secret to the perfect Queso Fundido lies in temperature management and ingredient quality. When using an Arteflame, leverage the different heat zones. Sear your chorizo on the hotter inner ring to get those delicious crispy bits, but melt your cheese on the cooler outer zones or in a cast iron pan to prevent the bottom from scorching before the top is gooey. If the cheese gets too hot too fast, the oil can separate, leaving you with a greasy texture; low and slow is the way to go once the cheese hits the pan.

Always grate your own cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese is coated in potato starch or cellulose to keep it from clumping in the bag, but this prevents it from melting into that luxurious, cohesive stretch that defines a great queso fundido. Finally, if you cannot find authentic Oaxaca cheese, a mix of whole-milk Mozzarella and Monterey Jack is a fantastic alternative that mimics the mild flavor and superior melting qualities.

Variations

While the classic chorizo version is a crowd favorite, Queso Fundido is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences or explore new flavor profiles. Here are a few ways to switch it up while still utilizing the searing power of your grill:

• Vegetarian Mushroom Fundido: Swap the chorizo for thickly sliced portobello or cremini mushrooms. Sauté them on the grill with garlic and soy sauce until browned before adding them to the cheese.
• Rajas con Crema Style: Focus heavily on roasted poblano strips and onions, omitting the meat entirely, and stir in a spoonful of heavy cream or crème fraîche into the cheese for a richer dip.
• Spicy Habanero Kick: For heat seekers, add finely minced fresh habanero peppers to the onion sauté, or drizzle the final dish with a spicy mango-habanero salsa.
• Gringo Style: Substitute the chorizo with seasoned ground beef and use a sharp cheddar blend for a Tex-Mex twist that resembles a chili cheese dip.
• Surf and Turf: Add grilled shrimp chopped into bite-sized pieces along with the chorizo for a luxurious coastal Mexican version.

Best pairings

This rich, savory appetizer demands beverages and sides that can cut through the heaviness of the cheese and the spice of the chorizo. Acidic and refreshing drinks are your best friends here. A classic lime Margarita on the rocks or a cold, crisp Mexican lager (like Modelo Especial or Pacifico) with a lime wedge provides the perfect palate cleanser between cheesy bites. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling Agua Fresca de Jamaica (hibiscus tea) offers a tart contrast that balances the richness perfectly.

In terms of food, Queso Fundido serves as an excellent starter for a larger taco night. It pairs beautifully with grilled Carne Asada or Pollo Asado. The smokiness of the steak complements the cheese, while the lighter chicken dishes benefit from the decadent side. Serve alongside a fresh, acidic salad like a cactus salad (Nopales) or a simple jicama slaw with lime and chili powder to add crunch and freshness to the meal.

Conclusion

Mastering Mexican Queso Fundido on the Arteflame grill is about more than just a recipe; it is about embracing the authentic, rustic style of cooking that makes outdoor dining so special. The combination of smoky, charred chorizo and rich, molten cheese creates a flavor profile that is bold, comforting, and undeniably addictive. It is a dish that invites people to gather close, tear off a piece of warm tortilla, and share in the joy of good food.

Next time you fire up the grill, skip the store-bought dips and commit to this simple yet impressive appetizer. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your own variations, the result is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your cast iron skillet, fresh ingredients, and get ready to serve the best melted cheese dish your guests have ever tasted.