Skip to main content

Queso Fundido

4.1

(12)

Image may contain Food Pizza Bread and Plant
Queso FundidoChris Gentile

No offense to salsa, but come on, who doesn't love a gooey, cheesy bean dip, bubbling hot like lava from the broiler? If you're a chile head, you'll probably want to up the number of chiles and leave the seeds in. If your friends are more, ahem, delicate, then stick with one chile and remove the seeds and ribs.

Cooks' Note:

•The bean mixture, before the cheese is added, can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Reheat it on top of the stove over medium-low heat, adding additional water if necessary, then stir in half the cheese and continue with the recipe.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 12 servings (appetizer)

Ingredients

2 links dried Spanish chorizo, (3 1/2 ounces) skin removed and finely chopped (3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 fresh jalapeño or Serrano chile, seeded, if desired, and finely chopped
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 (14- to 15-ounce) can refried pinto beans
3/4 cup water
8 ounces Manchego or Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated (2 1/4 cups)

Accompaniment:

Corn tortilla chips

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook chorizo in 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden and pieces start to crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.

    Step 2

    Cook onion, garlic, peppers, and paprika in fat remaining in skillet, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to soften and turn golden, about 8 minutes.

    Step 3

    Stir in 1/4 cup water and simmer, uncovered, until vegetables are tender and almost all liquid is evaporated, about 3 minutes.

    Step 4

    Stir in refried beans and remaining 1/2 cup water and simmer until slightly thickened and mixture is bubbling, 3 to 5 minutes.

    Step 5

    Remove from heat and stir in reserved chorizo and half the cheese until melted.

    Step 6

    Preheat broiler with rack about 6 inches from heat.

    Step 7

    Pour bean mixture into a shallow (2-quart) flameproof crock or baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

    Step 8

    Broil 5 to 7 inches from heat until golden and bubbling, about 3 minutes.

    Step 9

    Serve with tortilla chips.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Juicy steak, crisp lettuce, and a blender dressing come together for a breezy summer dinner.
This frozen cocktail uses instant espresso for a strong flavor and unbeatable convenience.