In honor of Cinco de Mayo this week, I'm sharing my new favorite and super simple dip: QUESO FLAMEADO! We made several batches this weekend in honor of our inaugural #CincoDeMays blow-out, but I think it's wonderful/appropriate/delicious for any occasion. In fact, I may have an addiction. Like, seriously. I've now purchased my own cast iron pan just so I can make it again this weekend.
Like I said, the miracle here is that it's SUPER SIMPLE! A little chopping, cooking some sausage and then throwing it in the pan and then into your face. Here's the step by step:
This recipe makes two batches - we opted to cook half at a time so it stays hot/you can hide some for later.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spicy breakfast sausage
- 2 jalapeno peppers
- 1 poblano pepper
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound Monterrey jack cheese
- sprinkle of chili powder
- tomatoes and cilantro for garnish (if desired)
- chips/tortillas (for dipping)
Steps:
- Brown the spicy breakfast sausage. When it's cooked through, drain the grease and set aside. Wipe out the pan to remove any excess grease.
- Dice the onion, poblano, and jalapenos. We opted to de-seed them, but if you like it really spicy - leave them in! (Hold a few pieces of the peppers back from the next step to use as a garnish later).
- Back in the pan, saute the diced onion, poblano, and jalapenos. Cook until they soften and start to turn a nice golden-brown.
- Grate your cheese. The mozzarella is important for texture and maximum stretchy gooey-ness.
- Mix the sausage, onion, poblano, jalapenos, and both cheeses together in a bowl.
- Place half the mixture into your cast iron skillet/baking dish. Spread it out evenly, so it's melts consistently.
- Sprinkle the top with a light layer of chili powder.
- Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until suitably melty (do not question my descriptors.)
- Garnish with a mixture of your leftover peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro... if you're feeling fancy.
- Serve with a big pile of chips and tortillas
Have your own favorite easy party recipe? Share it in the comments!
