If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, irresistibly creamy dip, this Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of melty Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese mingling with smoky chipotle heat and the bright zing of diced tomatoes with green chiles. It’s the ultimate warm, gooey dip that brings fiesta vibes to any occasion, whether you’re hosting game day, a casual party, or simply craving an indulgent snack. The dip’s smoky kick wakes up your taste buds while the cream cheese adds just enough richness to keep every bite perfectly smooth. Once you try it, you’ll want this recipe on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this dip is delightfully simple thanks to a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from creating the perfect gooey texture to infusing smoky and tangy notes that make this dish unforgettable.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild, buttery flavor that forms the base of the dip.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy punch, balancing the creaminess with a little extra zest.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles: Brings juiciness and subtle heat along with vibrant color.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, diced: Packs smoky, spicy depth that defines the unique flavor profile of this fundido.
- ¼ cup cream cheese: Gives luscious creaminess and helps combine all the flavors into one silky dip.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps everything melt smoothly together.
- Optional cilantro and sliced jalapeños: Fresh cilantro brightens, while extra jalapeños add a spicy fresh crunch for garnish.
How to Make Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature allows the cheese to melt perfectly without browning too quickly. Grab an oven-safe dish that’s just the right size so the dip layers evenly and cooks through without drying out.
Step 2: Mix All Ingredients
In your chosen dish, combine shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the liquid for extra flavor), diced chipotle pepper, cream cheese, and butter. This mixture is where magic begins as the smoky, tangy chips blend with creamy, melty cheeses for that signature fundido texture.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Pop your dish in the oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks bubbly and irresistibly melty. This warm melding is what makes the dip superbly inviting and perfect for scooping.
Step 4: Stir and Garnish
Once baked, give the dip a gentle stir to blend the meltings layers. Then top it off with any fresh garnishes like cilantro or sliced jalapeños. Serve immediately for the best warm, gooey experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dip over the top. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich dip, while sliced jalapeños offer a crisp, spicy contrast. If you love a little extra zing, don’t hesitate to double up on these toppings.
Side Dishes
This dip shines brightest alongside crunchy tortilla chips — the classic pairing for fundido. But don’t stop there! Crispy veggies like bell peppers, celery sticks, and carrot spears provide a fresh, healthy crunch that complements the dip’s creamy texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get fancy? Serve this dip in a rustic cast-iron skillet for charming presentation that also keeps it warm longer. Another fun option is offering it in individual ramekins for personal servings at a party. Either way, the bubbly, melted cheese will instantly draw everyone closer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dip will firm up once chilled, so you’ll want to reheat it properly before serving again.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip Recipe can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of melted cheese can change slightly. Freeze it in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in a microwave-safe dish and warm in short bursts, stirring between, or warm it in a low oven (about 325°F) until bubbly again. This step revives the melty, gooey goodness that makes fundido so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses besides Monterey Jack and cheddar?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for extra spice. Just keep in mind the melting qualities to ensure your dip stays gooey.
How spicy is this dip with one chipotle pepper?
One chipotle pepper adds a pleasant smoky heat without overwhelming the cheese. If you want it milder, use less or remove the seeds; for more heat, add an extra chipotle or some jalapeños.
Can I make this dip on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes! You can melt the ingredients in a skillet over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth and bubbly. It’s quicker but baking adds a lovely meld of flavors and texture.
Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! This dip contains no meat and uses vegetarian-friendly cheeses, making it a delicious option for veggie lovers looking for a hearty appetizer.
What’s the best way to serve this dip at a party?
Keep it warm in a small slow cooker or warming tray so guests can dip throughout the event. Pair it with plenty of chips, veggies, or even warm tortillas for a festive touch.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip Recipe, it’s bound to become your go-to for any gathering where everyone’s craving something comforting, flavorful, and a little bit spicy. The combination of smoky chipotle with creamy, melted cheese is downright addictive and sure to impress all your friends and family. So pull out your cheese grater, grab a chipotle pepper, and get ready to dive into one of the best dips you’ll ever make!
Print
Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and melty cheese dip with smoky chipotle heat — perfect for parties, game day, and dipping tortillas or veggies. This Cheesy Chipotle Fundido Dip combines Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses with diced tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo for a flavorful, spicy appetizer that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, diced
- 1 tbsp butter
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the fundido dip.
- Combine ingredients: In an oven-safe dish, mix together the shredded Monterey Jack, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, diced tomatoes with green chiles, diced chipotle pepper, and butter until evenly incorporated.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
- Stir and garnish: Carefully remove the dip from the oven, stir to blend the melted cheeses and flavors evenly, then garnish with optional fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Serve warm: Serve the cheesy chipotle fundido dip warm alongside tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or your favorite dippers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- The dip can alternatively be prepared using a skillet or slow cooker if an oven is not available.
- Adjust the spiciness by using more or fewer chipotle peppers in adobo according to your heat preference.
- For a smoother texture, cream cheese helps balance the meltiness and richness of the other cheeses.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
