Queso Fundido Dip

The ultimate cheese lover’s dream, this Queso Fundido Dip is a decadent blend of melty Monterey Jack and tangy goat cheese, brought to life with the warm kick of roasted jalapeños. Whether you’re hosting game night or just need a quick appetizer, this crowd-pleasing dip comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for dunking crispy tortilla chips or even crusty bread, it delivers a luxurious texture and bold, comforting flavor in every bite. If you’re looking to elevate your appetizer game with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this skillet queso is the one.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1–2 tablespoons chopped roasted jalapeños or canned mild chiles
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F or set broiler on high.
In a 9 or 10-inch oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly.
Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until smooth.
Add salt, pepper, and chopped roasted jalapeños or chiles.
Crumble goat cheese over the dip and gently stir. Do not over mix.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or broil just until the top is golden brown.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with tortilla chips.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 462 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Ultimate Queso Fundido Dip with Goat Cheese: A Melty, Flavor-Packed Classic with a Modern Twist

When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, few dishes can match the indulgent, comforting power of Queso Fundido. This beloved Mexican dip, whose name literally translates to “melted cheese,” is the kind of food that disappears in minutes at parties, game nights, and family gatherings. Served bubbling hot in a cast iron skillet, it’s a sensory experience of rich aroma, gooey texture, and bold flavor. Today, we’re exploring a modern take on this classic dish — a Queso Fundido Dip made with Monterey Jack cheese, creamy goat cheese, and the gentle heat of roasted jalapeños.

This version is not only incredibly easy to make but also adds a sophisticated, gourmet flair to a humble dish. Let’s dive into the background, the recipe’s unique features, why it works so well, and how you can make it your new go-to appetizer.

A Brief History of Queso Fundido

Queso Fundido has deep roots in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States, where cheese is a staple ingredient and communal dishes are at the heart of traditional gatherings. Originally made with regional cheeses like Queso Oaxaca, Asadero, or Chihuahua, the dish was designed to highlight the beauty of melted cheese, often cooked over fire or in heavy pans that retain heat.

It’s often confused with Tex-Mex style queso (which is typically a looser, Velveeta-style cheese dip), but Queso Fundido is different. It’s denser, stringier, and richer, often served with warm tortillas or thick tortilla chips to scoop up the cheese in thick, satisfying strands.

In Mexican cuisine, you’ll often find it served with chorizo, mushrooms, or roasted chiles, and it’s not unusual to flambé it table-side with tequila for dramatic flair. But the real magic is in the cheese blend — and that’s where this modern twist takes center stage.

What Makes This Version Special?

This particular recipe elevates the traditional Queso Fundido with the addition of goat cheese, adding a tangy, creamy counterpoint to the mild meltiness of Monterey Jack. Combined with roasted jalapeños for just the right level of spice, it’s a fusion of flavors that feels indulgent without being overpowering.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

1. Goat Cheese for Depth and Creaminess

The addition of goat cheese creates an unexpected complexity. Its slight tang cuts through the richness of the Jack cheese and balances out the fat content. Plus, when gently folded in and not overmixed, goat cheese forms little pockets of flavor throughout the dish that burst in your mouth.

2. Roasted Jalapeños for Controlled Heat

Rather than relying on raw or pickled chiles, this recipe uses roasted jalapeños, which provide a deeper, smokier flavor. You can control the heat level by choosing between mild or spicy chiles, depending on your taste or your guests’ preferences.

3. Quick and Easy

With just a few ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish, this queso is ideal for last-minute entertaining. And because it bakes or broils right in the skillet, there’s minimal cleanup involved.

Taste & Texture

Imagine a dip that’s:

Hot and bubbly on top
Gooey and stretchy in the middle
Creamy with just a hint of tang
Lightly spicy, but incredibly balanced
Satisfying with each chip-scoop

The Monterey Jack cheese offers mild creaminess and ideal melting quality. Meanwhile, goat cheese brings a more refined flavor profile — earthy, creamy, and just sharp enough to keep things interesting. The result? A queso that’s warm, decadent, and slightly unexpected.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavor bomb of a recipe:

Butter & Flour: A quick roux forms the base, thickening the dip and giving it a smooth texture.
Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create that luscious mouthfeel.
Monterey Jack Cheese: The star of the show for meltability. Freshly shredded is best.
Roasted Jalapeños or Mild Green Chiles: For spice, depth, and color.
Goat Cheese: The game-changer. Use fresh logs and crumble them yourself.
Salt & Pepper: A touch of seasoning to enhance the cheese’s natural flavors.
Cilantro & Tortilla Chips: For garnish and dipping.

Why Home Cooks Love This Recipe

Besides the obvious (cheese!), here are some big wins:

✅ Beginner-Friendly

Even if you’re new to cooking, this dip is foolproof. You’ll feel like a gourmet chef when you pull the bubbling skillet out of the oven.

✅ Customizable

Want more spice? Add hot jalapeños. Prefer smoky depth? Toss in some chipotle or poblano. Like meat? Mix in chorizo or ground beef.

✅ Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prep the roux and cheese mixture in advance, then bake it fresh when guests arrive. Or reheat it easily for leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!).

How to Serve It

Serve this queso hot and fresh out of the oven in a cast-iron skillet or small ceramic baking dish. Pair with:

Thick tortilla chips (preferably homemade or restaurant-style)
Warm flour or corn tortillas for scooping and wrapping
Toasted baguette slices
Fresh vegetables like celery or bell pepper strips for a low-carb option

It also pairs beautifully with drinks:

Classic margaritas
Hoppy IPAs or crisp lagers
Sparkling water with lime for a non-alcoholic pairing

Expert Tips for Queso Fundido Success

Don’t overmix the goat cheese. You want pops of flavor, not a fully blended sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese — it melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Watch the broiler carefully! It can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Always serve immediately — Queso Fundido is best hot and fresh.

Storage & Reheating

While it’s best enjoyed immediately, leftovers can be stored:

In an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
To reheat, place in a small oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F until bubbly, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk and stir gently to loosen it up.

Creative Variations

Here are a few ways to play with the recipe and make it your own:

➤ With Chorizo

Brown crumbled Mexican chorizo and stir it in before baking. Save a spoonful to sprinkle on top.

➤ Vegan Queso Fundido

Use plant-based butter, unsweetened non-dairy milk, vegan cheese, and a good-quality vegan goat cheese alternative.

➤ Queso Flameado-Style

Add a splash of tequila, flambé table-side (safely!), and serve with warm tortillas.

➤ Southwest-Style Queso

Add black beans, roasted corn, and a touch of smoked paprika for a Tex-Mex variation.

Conclusion

At its core, this recipe honors the rich tradition of Queso Fundido — a dish built on the joy of shared plates, melty cheese, and bold flavors. But with a few thoughtful upgrades — like tangy goat cheese and roasted jalapeños — it becomes something truly special.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight indulgence, yet impressive enough for a dinner party or holiday spread. With just the right balance of creaminess, heat, and richness, this is the queso dip you’ll want to make over and over again.

So the next time you’re looking for a starter that steals the show, skip the pre-made dips and go for something hot, homemade, and full of heart. Trust us — your skillet won’t come back from the table full.