Description
This Smoked Queso Dip recipe combines creamy Velveeta, spicy pepper jack, and smoky cooked sausage with diced tomatoes and green chilies, all slow-cooked in a smoker for a deeply flavorful, melty cheese dip perfect for parties or game days.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
Meat
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage or chorizo, cooked and crumbled
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
Liquids & Spices
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
For Serving
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker: Heat your smoker to a temperature between 250–275°F to ensure a slow and even cooking process that infuses the queso with smoky flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In a large cast iron skillet or disposable aluminum pan, add the cubed Velveeta, shredded pepper jack, cooked and crumbled sausage, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced onion, chopped jalapeño, milk (or cream), smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Smoke the dip: Place the pan uncovered directly inside the preheated smoker. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, making sure to stir the dip every 30 minutes. This helps the cheeses melt smoothly and allows the smoky flavor to permeate the dip evenly.
- Adjust consistency: If the queso thickens too much during smoking, add a splash more milk and stir to reach your desired creamy texture.
- Serve hot: Once the cheese is fully melted and the dip is smooth and infused with smoke, remove from the smoker and serve immediately alongside tortilla chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetable dippers.
Notes
- For a stronger smoky flavor, use wood chips such as hickory or mesquite in your smoker.
- Feel free to add cooked ground beef, brisket, or black beans to make the dip heartier.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creamy consistency.
