Description

Smoky, gooey, and packed with bold flavors, this smoked queso is the ultimate appetizer or party dip. Made with a blend of cheeses, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables, it’s infused with the rich, smoky flavor of the grill or smoker. Perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or fresh veggies, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses:

1 lb (16 oz) Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Proteins:

1 lb ground beef or turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Vegetables & Flavorings:

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned, with green chilies preferred)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
2–3 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids:

1 cup milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Spices:

1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Smoker or Grill:
Preheat your smoker or grill to 250°F (120°C). Use wood chips (hickory, mesquite, or oak) for a robust smoky flavor.
Cook the Sausage or Ground Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage or ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
Assemble the Ingredients:
In a large, disposable aluminum pan or cast-iron skillet, combine the Velveeta, shredded cheeses, cooked meat, diced tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, jalapeños, garlic, milk, and broth. Stir well.
Season the Queso:
Add the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to ensure even distribution.
Smoke the Queso:
Place the pan on the smoker or grill. Close the lid and let the queso cook for 1–1.5 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Adjust the Consistency:
If the queso is too thick, stir in a bit more milk or broth until you achieve your desired consistency.
Serve:
Remove the pan from the smoker. Serve the queso hot with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

For added smokiness, you can grill the vegetables before adding them to the queso.
This recipe can be customized with additional mix-ins like black beans, corn, or cooked chorizo.
If you don’t have a smoker, you can replicate the flavor using a gas or charcoal grill with wood chips or liquid smoke.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Dip
Method: Smoked
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: smoked queso, party dip, cheesy dip, smoker recipe