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Pumpkin Chorizo Queso Fundido Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Wesley
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This Pumpkin Queso Fundido is a rich, creamy Mexican-inspired dip combining spicy chorizo, pumpkin puree, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for fall gatherings or game-day snacks, it’s topped with roasted pepitas, fresh cilantro, jalapenos, and crumbly cotija cheese for added texture and flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat

  • 1/2 pound chorizo sausage, removed from casing if needed

Dairy

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups half and half, divided
  • 16 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
  • Cotija cheese, for topping

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Pepitas (roasted, salted), 2 tablespoons for topping
  • Cilantro, for topping
  • Jalapeno pepper slices, for topping

Pantry & Spices

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

Instructions

  1. Cook the chorizo:

    Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add the chorizo. Using a wooden spoon, break it apart as it cooks until browned and crumbled, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the cooked chorizo to a paper-towel lined plate to drain excess grease.

  2. Sauté the vegetables:

    Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. Stir in the diced jalapenos, diced onion, and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the onions soften, about 5 to 6 minutes.

  3. Add half and half and thicken:

    Slowly stream in 1 cup of the half and half while whisking continuously. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ½ cup half and half with cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the saucepan and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low.

  4. Incorporate cheeses and pumpkin:

    Add grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in small handfuls, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely. Then stir in the pumpkin puree until fully combined, creating a creamy queso mixture.

  5. Assemble and serve:

    Transfer the queso mixture to a crockpot set on low, or a serving bowl if immediate consumption is intended. Spoon the cooked chorizo on top, then garnish with roasted pepitas, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeno peppers, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.


Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
  • Adjust jalapeno quantity to your spice preference.
  • To keep warm longer, keep the queso in a crockpot on low setting.
  • Pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness and smooth texture.
  • Serve with sturdy tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 1/2 cup)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg