Creamy, golden Smoked Queso Dip in a wooden bowl, surrounded by tortilla chips, breadsticks, and vegetable crudités.

Smoked Queso: The Ultimate Party Dip for Cheese Lovers

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Why This Smoky Cheese Dip Will Be Your New Favorite Party Snack

Experience the Rich, Smoky Flavors of Homemade Queso Dip

Have you ever tasted a dip so irresistible that it became the star of the party? Our Smoked Queso recipe is about to take that crown. This isn’t your ordinary cheese dip – it’s a smoky, creamy masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe.

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Master the Art of Smoking with This Easy Queso Recipe

If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at smoking foods, this smoked queso dip is the perfect place to start. It’s a forgiving recipe that allows you to experiment with flavors while learning the basics of smoking. For more smoking techniques, check out our master guide to smoker recipes.

Versatile Dip for Any Occasion: From Tailgates to Fancy Soirées

Whether you’re hosting a casual game day gathering or an upscale cocktail party, this smoked queso fits the bill. Its rich flavors pair well with everything from tortilla chips to gourmet crackers, making it a versatile addition to any menu.

Creamy, golden Smoked Queso Dip in a wooden bowl, surrounded by tortilla chips, breadsticks, and vegetable crudités.

Essential Info for Your Smoked Queso Adventure

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Servings: 12
  • Calories per serving: 320

Gathering Your Smoked Queso Ingredients

The Cheesy Base

  • 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Flavorful Add-ins

  • 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 lb ground beef or homemade smoked sausage, cooked and drained
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

Smoky Seasoning Blend

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  • Tortilla chips
  • Sliced baguette
  • Vegetable sticks
Ingredients for Smoked Queso including various cheeses, meat, vegetables, and spices on a wooden cutting board.

Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking the Perfect Queso Dip

Preparing Your Smoker for Queso Success

  1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a grill with a smoke box or even your oven (though you’ll miss out on the smoky flavor).
  2. Choose your wood chips – hickory or mesquite work well for a bold flavor, while apple or cherry wood provide a milder smoke.
Gather all ingredients. Ensure cheeses are at room temperature for easier mixing.

Assembling Your Smoky Cheese Masterpiece

  1. In a large, disposable aluminum pan, combine all the cheeses, Ro-Tel tomatoes, cooked meat, onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using).
  2. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the mixture and gently stir to combine.
  3. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent ash from getting into your dip.

Smoking Your Queso to Perfection

  1. Place the covered pan in your preheated smoker.
  2. Smoke for 1 hour, then remove the foil and stir the mixture thoroughly.
  3. Continue smoking for another 30 minutes, or until all the cheese is melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
  4. Stir once more before serving to ensure all flavors are well combined.
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent ash from getting into your dip.

Serving Your Irresistible Smoked Queso Dip

  1. Carefully remove the pan from the smoker – it will be hot!
  2. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or keep it in the pan for a rustic presentation.
  3. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks.
moker with pan of melting queso visible, smoke curling around it.

Pro Tips for Smoked Queso Perfection

  • For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the mixture before smoking.
  • Keep your queso warm by serving it in a small crockpot or fondue pot.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations – try adding smoked Gouda for an extra layer of smokiness.
  • If the dip is too thick, stir in a little milk or beer to reach your desired consistency.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with black beans or your favorite meat substitute.
  • Pair this dip with our sweet potato cornbread recipe for a delightful flavor combination.

Nutritional Breakdown of Your Smoked Queso (per serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g

Exciting Variations on Classic Smoked Queso

Spicy Smoked Queso Inferno

Amp up the heat by adding extra jalapeños, a diced habanero pepper, or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce.

Tex-Mex Smoked Queso Fiesta

Add a can of black beans, corn, and some chopped cilantro for a Tex-Mex twist. Serve with our zesty chicken rotel recipe for a complete meal.

Smoky BBQ Queso Delight

Stir in 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and some chopped smoked brisket for a barbecue-inspired dip.

Mediterranean Smoked Queso Fusion

Replace the Ro-Tel with sun-dried tomatoes and add chopped spinach and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean flair.

Four bowls showcasing different Smoked Queso variations: original, spicy, Tex-Mex, and BBQ-inspired.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Smoked Queso

  • Crispy tortilla chips or pita chips for dipping
  • Warm, soft pretzels for a German-inspired twist
  • Homemade bubble waffles cut into strips for a unique dipper
  • Sliced baguette or crusty bread
  • Bell pepper slices and carrot sticks for a healthier option
  • Pair with our classic rotel dip recipe for a dip duo
  • Serve alongside sizzling tenderloin tips for a hearty appetizer spread

Why Smoked Queso Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Party Dip

Irresistible Smoky Flavor That Keeps Them Coming Back for More

The unique combination of creamy cheese and smoky undertones creates a flavor profile that’s simply addictive.

Crowd-Pleasing Dip for Any Gathering

From casual get-togethers to fancy parties, this smoked queso is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Easy to Make, Hard to Resist

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can create this gourmet-tasting dip.

In conclusion, this Smoked Queso recipe is more than just a dip – it’s a flavor experience that will elevate any gathering. The combination of creamy cheeses, bold spices, and smoky essence creates a dip that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or new to smoking foods, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.

For more party-perfect recipes, check out our delicious cottage cheese recipes for healthier options, or try our creamy smoked sausage pasta recipe for another crowd-pleasing dish. And if you’re looking to expand your smoking skills, explore this comprehensive guide to smoking techniques and tips from Smoking Meat Forums to take your outdoor cooking to the next level.

Creamy, golden Smoked Queso Dip in a wooden bowl, surrounded by tortilla chips, breadsticks, and vegetable crudités.

Smoked Queso

Georgina Smith
This Smoked Queso is a rich, smoky, and creamy dip made with various cheeses, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and your choice of meat. Perfect for any gathering, it will quickly become your go-to party snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 12 people
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Smoker or grill with a smoke box
  • Disposable aluminum pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Large mixing spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

Cheesy Base:

  • 1 lb Velveeta cheese cubed
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Flavorful Add-ins:

  • 1 can 10 oz Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 lb ground beef or smoked sausage cooked and drained
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped (optional)

Smoky Seasoning Blend:

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Tortilla chips
  • Sliced baguette
  • Vegetable sticks

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a grill with a smoke box or your oven (though you will miss out on the smoky flavor).
  • Assemble the dip: In a large, disposable aluminum pan, combine the Velveeta, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, Ro-Tel tomatoes, cooked meat, diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using).
  • Season the queso: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir everything together gently.
    Gather all ingredients. Ensure cheeses are at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Cover and smoke: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent ash from getting into the dip. Place the pan in the smoker and let it smoke for 1 hour.
    Smoker being preheated to 225°F with wood chips being added.
  • Stir the queso: After 1 hour, remove the foil, stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the melted ingredients, and let it smoke uncovered for another 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
    The uncovered pan of queso back in the smoker, now bubbling gently. Show the mixture more uniformly melted, with swirls of different cheeses visible.
  • Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the pan from the smoker and transfer the queso to a serving bowl (or serve directly from the pan for a rustic presentation). Serve hot with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
    Creamy, golden Smoked Queso Dip in a wooden bowl, surrounded by tortilla chips, breadsticks, and vegetable crudités.

Notes

  • Experiment with wood chips: Hickory or mesquite wood gives bold flavors, while fruit woods like apple or cherry add milder smoke.
  • Liquid smoke: For even more smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the mixture before placing it in the smoker.
  • Keeping it warm: Serve your queso in a small crockpot or fondue pot to keep it warm throughout the party.
  • Cheese variations: Feel free to mix up the cheese options! Smoked Gouda or Pepper Jack can add different flavor notes.
  • Adjusting the texture: If your queso is too thick, stir in a little milk or beer to adjust the consistency.
  • Vegetarian version: Swap out the meat for black beans or a meat substitute to create a vegetarian-friendly dip.
  • Storage: Leftover queso can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a little milk to loosen it up.
  • Spice it up: For more heat, add extra jalapeños, a diced habanero, or a dash of hot sauce to the dip.
  • Pairings: This dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, and vegetable sticks, or as a topping for nachos or tacos.
Keyword cheese dip, game day snack, party dip, smoked queso, smoky cheese dip, tailgate food

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