Melted Queso Fundido Con Chorizo: 1 Amazing Appetizer

Name: Melted Queso Fundido Con Chorizo: 1 Amazing Appetizer
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground chorizo; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (14 ounce) package empanada discs; 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

by Manar Jota

September 26, 2025

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Queso Fundido Con Chorizo empanadas are my absolute go-to for any party or even just a fun weeknight appetizer. I first fell in love with this dish at a small cantina in Mexico City. The aroma of the spicy chorizo mingling with the melty cheese, all wrapped in a perfectly crisp pastry, was intoxicating! Now, I’ve perfected my own homemade chorizo queso fundido recipe, and let me tell you, these empanadas are a game-changer. They deliver that irresistible chorizo and cheese appetizer experience in an easy-to-eat package that’s always a huge hit. Get ready to impress your friends and family – let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas

Get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer! These Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The spicy kick of chorizo perfectly balances the rich, gooey melted cheese.
Perfectly Portable: Each empanada is a self-contained chorizo and cheese appetizer, making them ideal for parties.
Crispy, Golden Perfection: Baked to a beautiful golden brown, the flaky pastry shell offers a delightful crunch.
Quick to Make: With pre-made empanada discs, you can whip up this delicious chorizo queso fundido dip in no time.
Versatile Appetizer: They’re fantastic on their own or served with a side of salsa or sour cream.
Impress Your Guests: This homemade chorizo queso fundido recipe looks and tastes incredibly gourmet, but it’s surprisingly easy.
Savory & Satisfying: You’ll love the savory chorizo cheese dip filling that oozes out with every bite.

Ingredients for Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these amazing chorizo queso fundido bites. Using good quality ingredients makes all the difference for this chorizo and cheese appetizer.

1 tablespoon olive oil – just enough to help the chorizo brown
1 pound ground chorizo – choose your favorite kind for this spicy chorizo cheese dip
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – for that classic melty stretch
1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese – it’s the secret to authentic, gooey melted cheese with chorizo
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – adds a bright, fresh counterpoint
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – to enhance the flavors
1 (14 ounce) package empanada discs – these make assembling your queso fundido chorizo so easy
1 large egg, beaten – for an irresistible golden egg wash

How to Make Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas

Putting together these delicious chorizo queso fundido empanadas is straightforward and rewarding. The process transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping chorizo and cheese appetizer. Follow these steps to create a batch of perfectly baked, gooey delights!

Step 1: Cook the Chorizo

Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound ground chorizo and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. This crucial step ensures the chorizo is safe to eat and ready for mixing into your spicy chorizo cheese dip.

Step 2: Prepare the Queso Fundido Chorizo Filling

Once the chorizo is cooked and drained of excess grease, transfer it to a medium bowl. Add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture is your incredible chorizo queso fundido filling.

Melted Queso Fundido Con Chorizo: 1 Amazing Appetizer - Queso Fundido Con Chorizo - additional detail

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out your 1 (14 ounce) package empanada discs. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chorizo and cheese mixture onto one half of each disc. Moisten the edges of the discs with a little water, then fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to get that classic look for your melted cheese with chorizo bites.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the 1 large egg, beaten, for a beautiful golden-brown finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden. The aroma of baking chorizo and cheese will fill your kitchen, signaling your delicious Mexican chorizo cheese dip is ready! For more delicious recipes, check out our full recipe collection.

Pro Tips for the Best Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas

Want to make your chorizo queso fundido empanadas truly unforgettable? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that elevate this dish from good to absolutely amazing. These tips will help you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures for your chorizo and cheese appetizer.

For the best texture in your authentic chorizo queso fundido, make sure to drain the excess grease from the chorizo thoroughly. Soggy chorizo won’t crisp up nicely in the empanada.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cheese! While Monterey Jack and Oaxaca are classic for that gooey melted cheese with chorizo, a little bit of sharp cheddar or pepper jack can add a nice depth of flavor.
Using room temperature empanada discs makes them more pliable and less likely to crack when you’re folding and sealing them.
For an extra savory chorizo cheese dip experience, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the chorizo mixture.

What’s the secret to perfect Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas?

The real secret to perfect Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Ensuring your chorizo is well-drained and using a good blend of melty cheeses are key. Plus, a perfectly sealed and golden-brown crust makes all the difference! If you’re looking for other appetizer ideas, consider our coconut chicken meatballs.

Can I make Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can prep these ahead! Assemble the empanadas completely, but don’t bake them. Place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas?

A couple of common pitfalls include overfilling the empanada discs, which can cause them to burst during baking. Also, ensure the chorizo is fully cooked and drained of grease before mixing with the cheese to prevent a greasy filling. Finally, make sure to crimp the edges well to keep all that delicious chorizo queso fundido inside! For more tips on cooking, you can refer to this guide on cooking chorizo.

Best Ways to Serve Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas

These amazing little pockets of flavor are incredibly versatile. For a truly authentic Mexican chorizo cheese dip experience, serve them warm right out of the oven. They’re fantastic on their own as a standalone chorizo and cheese appetizer, but they also pair beautifully with some simple sides. Try serving them with a dollop of cooling sour cream or a fresh, zesty salsa verde to cut through the richness. A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette is also a wonderful complement, making these flavorful empanadas perfect for any occasion. You might also enjoy our mediterranean chicken gyros.

Nutrition Facts for Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas

When enjoying these delightful pockets of melted cheese with chorizo, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving (this recipe makes about 12 empanadas):

Calories: 350
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade chorizo queso fundido.

Melted Queso Fundido Con Chorizo: 1 Amazing Appetizer - Queso Fundido Con Chorizo - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas

Don’t let any leftover chorizo queso fundido dip go to waste! Once your delicious queso fundido con chorizo empanadas have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, making them a convenient snack or appetizer to grab. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a fantastic option for this chorizo and cheese appetizer. Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is simple. For refrigerated empanadas, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Frozen empanadas can go straight into the oven at the same temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy once more, bringing back that wonderful melted cheese with chorizo goodness. For more baking inspiration, see our ground beef zucchini casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions About Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas

What is Queso Fundido Chorizo?

Queso Fundido Chorizo is a delicious Mexican appetizer that combines melted cheese with savory, often spicy, chorizo sausage. It’s typically served warm as a dip or filling, and in this case, it’s the star filling for our empanadas, creating an irresistible chorizo queso fundido dip.

Can I use a different type of chorizo for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Mexican chorizo is traditional for this authentic chorizo queso fundido, you can experiment. Spanish chorizo, which is cured rather than fresh, will offer a different texture and flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen chorizo.

How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking?

To avoid leaks with your queso fundido chorizo, ensure you don’t overfill the empanada discs – about 2 tablespoons of filling is usually perfect. Sealing the edges firmly with water and then crimping with a fork is essential. Also, make sure the chorizo is well-drained before mixing with the cheese for your chorizo and cheese appetizer.

What are good dipping sauces for Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas?

These empanadas are fantastic on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces! A cool sour cream or Mexican crema is a classic choice to balance the spice. For a brighter flavor, try a fresh salsa verde or a pico de gallo. A simple guacamole also complements the rich, savory chorizo cheese dip beautifully. You might also like our Indian butter chicken recipe.

Variations of Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas You Can Try

Looking to switch things up or cater to different dietary needs? These variations on the classic queso fundido con chorizo empanadas offer exciting new ways to enjoy this favorite chorizo and cheese appetizer!

Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free option, simply omit the chorizo. Sauté some mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers with your favorite taco seasoning to create a flavorful base for your melted cheese filling. You’ll still get that amazing chorizo queso fundido vibe with plenty of cheesy goodness.
Baked vs. Fried: While this recipe bakes them to golden perfection, you can also achieve an incredible chorizo queso fundido dip by frying these empanadas! Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C) and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Spicy Kick-Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) to the chorizo and cheese mixture. This will give your spicy chorizo cheese dip an extra punch!
Sweet & Savory Twist: For a surprising flavor profile, try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped dates or a drizzle of honey to the chorizo filling. This creates a delightful sweet and savory contrast that works wonderfully with the spicy chorizo and melty cheese.