Queso fundido means melted (molten) cheese in Spanish. This appetizer dish has a couple of tasty surprises. Its presentation with dollops of homemade roasted poblano vinaigrette and beautiful multicolored tortilla chips makes it a festive crowd pleaser.
A couple of months ago, Hubbs and I dined at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill in Las Vegas. While the service was disappointing, the queso fundido was fantastic and every bite was thoroughly savored. Coincidentally, the next day I received a copy of the Food Network Magazine’s March 2013 issue which featured Bobby’s memorable queso fundido…the bonus with roasted poblano vinaigrette. This was “a sign” that the best of Bobby’s Mesa Grill was going to be made in my own kitchen!
One of the suprises of this appetizer is the roasted poblano vinaigrette. As mentioned in a previous post, this vinaigrette is marketable all its own. It’s quick to make so you can either make it a day ahead or at least an hour before.
The second surprise of this keeper-of-a-recipe are the two cheeses that make up the dip. You’re using broiled, melted, and tasty Monterey Jack cheese and tangy rounds of goat cheese goodness. It’s that tang from goat cheese that makes the dish irresistible and addicting.
Present and serve it up with some beautiful mutlicolored tortilla chips. You can’t go wrong with this appetizer. If those you share this dish with already enjoy the flavors of these ingredients, you’re in for a very tasty treat!
Ingredient Shopping
- Good pricing at Costco for the block of Jack cheese and a package of two for the goat cheese.
- Found the beautiful multicolored chips at Vons.
A special and loving thanks to my manly hand model in the first image!!
- Click here for the Roasted Poblano Vinaigrette post and recipe.
- Would like to try this recipe using Pepper Jack Cheese!
- Select a chip that has some strength to it so when you’re dipping and scooping, it doesn’t break as easily in the melted cheese.
- Used 2% milk instead of whole milk.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup 2% milk
12-14 ounces monterey jack cheese, grated (about 3 – 3 1/2 cups)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
8 ounces goat cheese, sliced evenly into 8 rounds
1-2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Multicolored tortilla chips for dipping!
Roasted Poblano Vinaigrette recipe
Melt the butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat; add the flour and cook while constantly whisking, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and gently whisk until slightly thickened, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Jack cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Turn on your oven’s broiler. Scrape the cheese mixture into an 8-inch cast-iron skillet. Evenly distribute the goat cheese rounds on top of the cheese mixture. Broil until golden brown in spots, rotating the pan as needed.
To serve
Drizzle with the Roasted Poblano Vinaigrette and sprinkle with the fresh cilantro.
Serve with a generous assortment of multicolored chips for a festive presentation!
Liren says
Oh my, you had me at queso, but then you sealed the deal with the roasted poblano vinaigrette. I just know my husband would go gaga over this one. Beautifully photographed, Cristina!
Cristina says
Ha…ha…had ya at “queso” 🙂 It’s good stuff, thanks Liren!
In Good Flavor says
Looks delicious and love the pictures!
Cristina says
Thank you!! xo 😉
Patty says
I mean appetizers!!!
Cristina says
:o)
Patty says
Beautiful! We’ve been to the Mesa Grill in Las Vegas, remember having drinks and apps at the bar before Bette Midler concert. Love the looks of your queso fundido with the roasted poblano vinaigrette (YUM!!), but can’t remember if we tried this one!? But, will have to give it a try now-pinned into appitizers 😉
Cristina says
Wanted to see Bette when she was in concert, but never did. How did you like Mesa Grill? I’d definitely go back for the appetizer and drinks to kill time…would like to try Gordon Ramsey’s pub that’s right next to Bobby’s. Thanks, Patty!
Diane {Created by Diane} says
Looks absolutly mouth watering. I think I could possibly live on chips and cheese, especially this!
Cristina says
Me too, Diane! Chips, cheese and a myriad of different salsas…good stuff. 😀
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
This looks fantastic! And those colourful chips are gorgeous too.
Cristina says
Thanks, Angie…yes, aren’t those chips a gorgeous array of color!
Liz says
Whoa, this looks amazing! A cheesy dip? From Bobby Flay???? Yup, just pass me a spoon!
Cristina says
Hi Liz: For sure…if it says Bobby Flay we expect deliciousness, right? It is! 🙂
Gourmet Getaways says
These pictures are so beautiful!! I LOVE cheese especially Mexican cheese.
…where do yu find a good hand model these days 😉
Cristina says
LOL!! Thanks GG….Yes, indeed – where to find a good hand model these days! 😀