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Smoked queso dip served in a skillet with melted cheese, sausage, and jalapeños, perfect for a party appetizer.

smoked queso recipe

This Smoked Queso recipe combines creamy Velveeta and cheddar cheeses with smoky sausage and fresh jalapeños for an irresistible dip. Perfect for game day, BBQs, or any casual gathering, this rich and flavorful queso is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Velveeta Cheese – cubed
  • 8 oz Cheddar Cheese – shredded
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese – cubed
  • 1/2 lb Smoked Sausage – sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can 10 oz Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • 2 Jalapeño Peppers – diced adjust to your heat preference
  • 1 small Onion – diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic – minced
  • 1/2 cup Milk or Cream

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:Begin by chopping all your ingredients. Dice the onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Grate the cheddar cheese, and cube the Velveeta and cream cheese for easy melting.
  2. Preheat the Smoker:Set your smoker to 225°F. This temperature is ideal for infusing the queso with a subtle smoky flavor without overcooking the cheese.
  3. Combine the Ingredients:In a smoker-safe cast-iron skillet or baking dish, combine the Velveeta, cheddar, cream cheese, sausage, tomatoes with green chilies, jalapeños, onions, garlic, and milk. Stir everything until the mixture is evenly combined.
  4. Smoke the Queso:Place the skillet in the smoker, away from direct flames. Let it smoke for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all the cheese melts evenly. You'll know it's ready when the queso is creamy and smooth.
  5.  
  6. Serve:Once melted and smooth, remove the skillet from the smoker. Stir the queso one last time to ensure a consistent texture. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or as a topping for nachos or tacos.

Notes

  • Cheese Substitutes: If you prefer a different cheese, Monterey Jack or a mix of smoked Gouda with cheddar can provide a unique twist.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your spice tolerance. You can also remove the seeds for a milder version.
 
  • Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian smoked queso, simply skip the sausage and increase the vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.