Cheesy Hatch Green Chile Queso Fundido Recipe
This Queso Fundido recipe is a rich and flavorful dish that combines melted Monterey Jack and Oaxaca cheese with spicy Hatch green chiles. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for dipping with soft tortillas or chips. Garnish it with tomatoes, cilantro, or even bacon or sausage for an extra indulgent touch!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 5 ounces Oaxaca cheese (or use more Monterey Jack if you can’t find Oaxaca)
- 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
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the dish.
- Prepare the Dish:
- Spread the diced Hatch green chiles evenly across the bottom of a small baking dish.
- Mix the Cheeses:
- Combine the Monterey Jack and Oaxaca cheeses in a bowl, mixing well. Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the green chiles in the baking dish.
- Bake the Queso Fundido:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is completely melted and just starting to bubble, about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let the cheese brown.
- Add Flavor:
- Once the queso fundido is melted and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Squeeze 1/4 of a lime over the cheese and sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or cooked bacon/sausage if you like. Serve the queso fundido immediately with soft tortillas or chips for dipping.
Notes:
- Oaxaca cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese with a mild, buttery flavor and is perfect for melting. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with more Monterey Jack cheese.
- You can find Hatch green chiles canned, or you can roast and dice fresh peppers for a more authentic touch.
- Optional garnishes like tomatoes, cilantro, or even crispy bacon or sausage add great texture and flavor to the dish, but it’s delicious even without extras!
This Cheesy Hatch Green Chile Queso Fundido is perfect for a party or a cozy night in. Its gooey, melted goodness combined with the smoky heat from Hatch green chiles makes it a hit with any crowd. Enjoy!
