Ingredients:

  • 5 oz Cured Chorizo Sausage, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil, Extra Virgin
  • 1/2 medium Yellow Onion, finely minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 4 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened, cubed
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, grated (about 120 g)
  • 1 cup Low-Moisture Mozzarella, grated (about 120 g)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (Sweet)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • Pinch Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 Red Chilli or Jalapeño, sliced (optional garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof skillet or baking dish over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced chorizo to the hot pan and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the chorizo bits are crisp. Remove the chorizo from the pan with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat behind. Set the crisp chorizo aside.
  3. Add the minced onion to the rendered chorizo fat in the pan. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat.
  4. Add the softened cream cheese cubes, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the onion/garlic mixture in the pan. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy, seasoned base.
  5. Stir in half of the reserved crisp chorizo bits and half of the grated Monterey Jack and Mozzarella. Mix briefly, then top the mixture with the remaining grated cheeses, spreading them evenly.
  6. Scatter the remaining crisp chorizo bits over the top layer of cheese.
  7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling vigorously and the edges are starting to turn golden brown. Broil for the last minute if necessary for a scorched crust (watch carefully!).
  8. Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Garnish immediately with the chopped fresh coriander and sliced chilli (if using). Serve immediately while the cheese is molten with tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices.