Roasted Green Chile Queso Fundido...

Roasted Green Chile Queso Fundido...You know, I am always up for a new and different appetizer. Every now and then, I enjoy eating an appetizer instead of a meal . Somehow, with an appetizer, I can enjoy what I am eating without worrying too much about calories. I am sure it is the portion size that limits the amount of calories:). I love cheese ...any kind will do. And, I especially like melted cheese. If it were up to me, I would have melted cheese on about everything I eat...seriously! Anyway, here is an appetizer that my husband and I really enjoyed...
This is my adaptation of Bobby Flay's appetizer from his Mesa Grill Restaurant(inspired by a recipe I saw while watching his video...Boy Meets Grill). You can see a similar recipe here. There's a recipe for a roasted poblano vinaigrette that comes with the dish. I didn't make it, bit it sounds delicious. Well, I decided to cut down on the amount of Monterey Jack cheese he used in his recipe....just to cut down on some calories:). I also chose to bring in some fire roasted green chiles. I mean, why not...it would definitely bring in extra flavor. By now, you know I like to make the recipe my own:). Do feel free to make the original recipe instead.

I think this little appetizer would be such a fun dish to bring to the table. It would definitely be something different. I like to make this dish in two steps. I make the cheese sauce ahead ... a few hours ahead. Right before serving it, I add the Mexican blend cheese, the chiles and goat cheese (if you don't like goat cheese, just substitute it with your favorite cheese). Bake/broil until bubbly. You can then bring it out when everyone is seated at the table...then you have this sizzling dish ready to be devoured! But you can do it all in one step as well, if you want. Just thought I would share the 2 step method for those of you who are interested. Of course, it would be ideal if you could serve the queso fundido in those small cast iron skillets. But if you are like me, and don't have one, just use a small gratin dish. It will work just fine. Not wanting to turn on the big oven for such a small dish, I chose to use my toaster oven instead. Hope you enjoy...

You will need:

1 TBS olive oil

1 TBS flour

1/4 cup milk

1 cup Monterey Jack, grated

1/4 cup Mexican Blend Cheese(or you can use other cheese of choice)

1 1/2 TBS fire roasted green chiles, diced

2-4 oz goat cheese, sliced or crumbled

Directions:

Heat a skillet/saucepan on medium heat. Add flour and oil.

Whisk to combine and cook for about a minute or so. Add milk and whisk to combine. Turn off heat and add grated cheese. Combine.

At this point you can let it cool and use it later or continue with the recipe.

Sprinkle Mexican Blend Cheese and diced chiles.

Top with crumbled/sliced goat cheese. Bake at 450 until nice and bubbly. I used my toaster oven for this. You can also broil it for a few minutes to get a golden crust , if you like.