Hey y’all! If you love gooey cheese, savory chorizo, and flaky pastry, this recipe for Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas will quickly become your new favorite. Each bite is filled with melty cheese and spicy chorizo, wrapped in a golden, crispy shell—absolutely perfect for parties, gameday snacks, or a fun family dinner. Ready to wow your friends and family? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas Recipe
- Bold, authentic Mexican flavors with a satisfyingly cheesy center.
- Perfect for appetizers, lunch boxes, or main course meals.
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheese and protein options.
- Fun and interactive to make with family or friends—get everyone involved!
- They freeze and reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep.
Ingredients for Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas
- 1 lb Mexican chorizo (casings removed)
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs (about 12 discs, thawed if frozen) (homemade recipe)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions: How to Make Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo Filling
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chorizo, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess fat if necessary. Set the filling aside to cool slightly, then stir in fresh cilantro (if using).
Step 2: Assemble the Empanadas
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place a dough disc on a clean surface. Add 2 tablespoons cheese mixture and 1-2 tablespoons chorizo filling in the center.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
- Repeat with all dough discs.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust.
Step 3: Bake Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas
- Arrange empanadas on the baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until deep golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving—they’ll be steamy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yields: 12 empanadas
Notes for Making the Perfect Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas
- For a homemade dough option, check out this empanada dough guide.
- If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for easier handling.
- Try swapping chorizo for plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas Variations
- Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms and peppers instead of chorizo.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese filling.
- Mini Empanadas: Make bite-sized versions for party platters—just adjust baking time to 12-14 minutes.
Equipment Needed for Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas
- Large skillet
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Fork (for crimping edges)
- Pastry brush
Storage Instructions
- Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
- Freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to cook time.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or a side of sour cream.
- Pair with a crisp Mexican lager or a refreshing classic margarita for the ultimate fiesta.
- Add a fresh salad or elote (Mexican street corn) for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas
- Don’t overfill the empanadas—too much filling can cause them to burst during baking.
- Seal edges tightly; brush a little water on the dough’s edge if needed to help them stick.
- For an extra crispy crust, sprinkle a bit of coarse salt or sesame seeds on top after the egg wash (learn more here).
Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas FAQ
- Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the empanadas a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- What’s the best cheese for Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Empanadas?
- Oaxaca cheese is traditional, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even cheddar work beautifully.
- Can I fry these instead of baking?
- Yes! Deep-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy—just be careful with the hot oil.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb fresh Mexican chorizo, casing removed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 (14 oz) package refrigerated empanada dough discs (or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Stir in chopped onion and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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3In a medium bowl, combine cooked chorizo mixture, Oaxaca cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cilantro. Mix until evenly combined.
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4Place empanada dough discs on a clean surface. Add about 2 tablespoons of the filling to the center of each disc. Fold dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press edges to seal and crimp with a fork.
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5Transfer empanadas to the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.
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6Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
245 caloriescal
Protein:
10gg
Fat:
13gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
21gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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