Pan-Fried Queso Fundido with Chorizo and Oaxacan Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Melty Oaxacan cheese combined with spicy chorizo, pan-fried to golden bubbling perfection, perfect for dipping with warm tortillas. This mexican-inspired snacks ready in about 25 minutes turns shredded Oaxacan cheese, casing removed Mexican chorizo, small, finely diced white onion into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 5 oz Mexican chorizo and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 small finely diced white onion and 1 minced jalapeño pepper to the skillet with the chorizo. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and sprinkle 10 oz shredded Oaxacan cheese evenly over the chorizo mixture. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring gently occasionally, until cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden on the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve immediately with 8 warmed corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the queso fundido.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Queso Fundido with Chorizo and Oaxacan Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Queso Fundido with Chorizo and Oaxacan Cheese?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Queso Fundido with Chorizo and Oaxacan Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Queso Fundido with Chorizo and Oaxacan Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Queso Fundido with Chorizo and Oaxacan Cheese?

Mexican snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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