Hatch Green Chile Queso Fundido
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
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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
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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
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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
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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:
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Use Freshly Roasted Hatch Chiles
For the most authentic flavor, use freshly roasted Hatch chiles. You can roast them yourself by placing them over an open flame, on a grill, or in your oven. Alternatively, pre-roasted peppers, either fresh or canned, are a convenient option. -
Adjust the Heat Level
Hatch chiles vary in heat, so you can control the spiciness of your queso fundido by selecting mild, medium, or hot peppers, depending on your personal taste preference. If you prefer a milder dish, you can use Anaheim peppers as a substitute. -
Choose the Right Cheese
Oaxaca cheese is the traditional choice for this dish because it melts well and has a mild flavor. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for added spiciness or mozzarella for a smoother melt. -
Make it a Complete Meal
For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage to the queso fundido. Crumbled bacon gives a delicious smoky flavor, while sausage adds richness and a savory element to the dish. -
Serve with Crispy Tortillas
Warm tortillas are perfect for scooping up the gooey cheese, but tortilla chips or even crispy tostadas work just as well. The key is to have a crunchy element that complements the creamy dip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of peppers instead of Hatch chiles?
Yes! While Hatch chiles are ideal for this dish, you can substitute them with other mild-to-medium peppers like Anaheim peppers, poblano peppers, or even jalapeños. Adjust the number of peppers based on your heat tolerance.
What if I can’t find Oaxaca cheese?
Oaxaca cheese is the best option for this dish because of its melting quality, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with more Monterey Jack cheese or mozzarella. For a spicy twist, you can also try using pepper jack cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components of the queso fundido ahead of time. Simply roast and dice the peppers, shred the cheese, and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the dish, bake, and serve hot.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like more heat, you can add extra hot peppers, such as jalapeños or even chipotle peppers, into the cheese mixture before baking. You can also increase the amount of hot sauce you use as a topping before serving.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack and Oaxaca are the traditional cheeses used in queso fundido, you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack. Just make sure the cheese melts well for that creamy texture.
Can I add protein to the queso fundido?
Yes! Adding crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, or even shredded chicken can elevate your queso fundido into a heartier dish. Simply mix the protein into the cheese before baking for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Hatch Green Chile Queso Fundido is an easy and indulgent dish that will become a crowd favorite in no time. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer for a party or enjoying it as a cozy snack, the combination of melted cheese, smoky Hatch chiles, and fresh garnishes is simply irresistible. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this flavorful Mexican classic at home. Pair it with tortillas, chips, or your favorite sides, and you’ll have a dish that is both comforting and packed with flavor!