Savory Chihuahua Cheese Fondue
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Chihuahua Cheese Fondue, a delightful melted cheese appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. The foundation of this dish is a colorful layer of fresh pico de gallo made with juicy tomatoes, diced onions, and fragrant cilantro, balanced with the option of a mild green chili for a hint of spice. For added richness and a burst of flavor, crumbled chorizo sausage can be included, enhancing the dish's savory profile. Traditional tortilla chips or warm tortillas serve as the ideal accompaniments, making it easy to dive in and enjoy the gooey, melted cheese. Best served immediately from the oven, this dish is sure to please as an appetizer or light meal. Get ready to share this oh-so-delicious experience with friends and family!
4
Servings
450
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh tomatoes
2-3 (diced)
Small onion
1 (diced)
Fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (diced)
Green chili
to taste (diced small (optional))
Salt
to taste (sprinkle lightly)
Shredded Chihuahua cheese
1-1.5 lb (can add queso quesadilla cheese as well)
Chorizo sausage
1 lb (cooked and crumbled (optional))
Warmed tortillas
as needed (for serving)
Tortilla chips
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Lightly spray a pie plate with cooking spray and drizzle a little olive oil across the bottom.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, green chili, and a sprinkle of salt to make your pico de gallo.
4
Spread the freshly made pico de gallo evenly in the prepared pie plate. If using, sprinkle the cooked and crumbled chorizo over the top.
5
Generously layer the shredded Chihuahua cheese (and optional queso quesadilla cheese) on top of the pico de gallo and chorizo.
6
Place the pie plate in the oven and bake until the cheese is thoroughly melted, about 10-15 minutes. For an extra crispy top, place it under the broiler for a few minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7
Serve immediately with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chihuahua Cheese Fondue?
It is a delightful melted cheese appetizer layered with fresh pico de gallo and optional chorizo, served warm with chips or tortillas.
What are the main ingredients for the pico de gallo layer?
The pico de gallo consists of diced fresh tomatoes, a small onion, fresh cilantro, and optional green chili.
Is Chihuahua cheese the only cheese I can use?
While Chihuahua cheese is the primary ingredient, you can also add queso quesadilla cheese for extra flavor and texture.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly spray a pie plate with cooking spray and drizzle a small amount of olive oil across the bottom before adding ingredients.
At what temperature should I bake the fondue?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
How long does the cheese take to melt in the oven?
It typically takes about 10-15 minutes for the cheese to become thoroughly melted.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add diced green chili to the pico de gallo to reach your desired level of spice.
Is the chorizo mandatory for this recipe?
No, the chorizo is optional, but adding one pound of cooked and crumbled chorizo adds a savory richness.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the best items to dip into the cheese?
Warmed tortillas or crispy tortilla chips are the ideal accompaniments for this fondue.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this cheese fondue?
Each serving provides 22.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I get a crispy top on the cheese?
Place the pie plate under the broiler for a few minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Do I need to cook the chorizo before adding it to the dish?
Yes, the chorizo should be cooked and crumbled before layering it over the pico de gallo.
What kind of onion works best?
The recipe calls for one small diced onion.
How much cheese is required?
You will need 1 to 1.5 pounds of shredded Chihuahua cheese.
Can I use store-bought pico de gallo?
Yes, although the recipe provides instructions for fresh pico de gallo, a store-bought version can be used to save time.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
It must be served immediately from the oven while the cheese is gooey and melted.
What type of cuisine is this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Mexican cuisine, specifically traditional queso fundido.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced fresh cilantro.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It is savory and rich, balanced by the freshness of tomatoes and the slight zest of onion and cilantro.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free; ensure your tortilla chips and chorizo are certified gluten-free if needed.
Can this be a light meal?
Yes, while often served as an appetizer, the high protein and fat content make it suitable for a light meal.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Watch the oven carefully during the last few minutes of baking and especially when using the broiler.
Can I use dried cilantro?
Fresh cilantro is recommended for the best flavor in the pico de gallo, but dried can be used in a pinch.
What if I can't find Chihuahua cheese?
You can substitute with Queso Quesadilla or Monterey Jack, which have similar melting properties.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, a sprinkle of salt is added to the pico de gallo mixture to taste.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 3 diced fresh tomatoes.