Irresistible Smoked Queso Recipe

Why You Will Love This Irresistible Smoked Queso

Elevate Your Gatherings with Smoked Queso

Transform your gatherings with this irresistible smoked queso recipe that takes the classic Mexican cheese dip to new heights. This crowd-pleasing fusion combines creamy cheese with a perfect touch of smokiness, creating a rich, velvety dip that’s impossible to resist. Ideal for game days, holiday parties, or any festive occasion where you want to impress your guests with something extraordinary.

The Secret Behind the Perfect Smoked Queso

What sets this smoked queso recipe apart is the careful balance of three distinct cheeses, each bringing its own character to the mix. The Velveeta provides that classic smooth, melty foundation, while sharp cheddar adds a bold, tangy kick, and Monterey Jack contributes a buttery richness that ties everything together. The slow smoking process allows the cheese to absorb the aromatic wood flavors while the spices and peppers infuse gradually, creating layers of complexity that you simply can’t achieve with traditional stovetop methods.

A Dip That Will Have Your Guests Talking

This isn’t just another cheese dip, it’s a conversation starter that will have your guests begging for the recipe. The combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy elements creates an addictive flavor profile that pairs perfectly with everything from tortilla chips to crusty bread, and even fresh vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or new to smoking foods, this foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.

Smoking setup for smoked queso recipe dip showing equipment and process
Behind the scenes of perfect smoked queso

Equipment

  • Smoker or pellet grill
  • Large aluminum disposable pan
  • Heat-resistant spatula
  • Wood chips (hickory or mesquite)
  • Temperature probe

Ingredients

  • 32 oz (2 lbs) Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 16 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 cans (10 oz each) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 large white onion, finely diced
  • 4 jalapeños, seeded and diced
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Smoker

Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).

Step 2: Layer the Cheeses

In a large aluminum pan, layer the cubed Velveeta, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters

Add the Ro-Tel tomatoes (undrained), diced onion, jalapeños, and green chilies on top of the cheese.

Step 4: Pour and Season

Pour the heavy cream over the ingredients and sprinkle with smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and cumin.

Step 5: Smoke and Stir

Place the pan in the smoker and smoke for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even melting and smoking.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

The smoked queso recipe is ready when all cheese is completely melted and the mixture has a smooth, creamy consistency.

Tortilla chip dipping into stretchy melted queso cheese dip
The perfect cheese pull moment

Making Ahead & Storage

  • Make ahead: Prepare ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and store separately.
  • Storage: Keep leftover smoked queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, or reheat in a slow cooker on low.

Expert Tips

  • Use quality cheese blocks and shred them yourself for better melting.
  • Keep the smoker temperature consistent for even melting.
  • For extra depth, add chicken ham.
  • Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and chipotle powder.
  • The smoked queso will thicken as it cools, so serve hot for the best consistency.

Presentation Ideas

  • Serve in a preheated ceramic bowl garnished with fresh cilantro.
  • Create a DIY dip station with various chips and vegetables.
  • Use mini slow cookers for larger gatherings to keep the smoked queso warm.
  • Garnish with diced tomatoes, green onions, and extra jalapeños.

Nutritional Insights

This indulgent smoking cheese is a rich source of protein and calcium, making it a satisfying and nourishing treat when enjoyed in moderation. The combination of cheese and smoked flavor creates a creamy, savory base that delivers both flavor and essential nutrients. The addition of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and onions enhances the dish, providing essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that support overall health. While it’s a comforting food, this smoked queso offers more than just indulgence by delivering a blend of nutrients that contribute to strong bones, muscle health, and immune support. Perfect for dipping or as a topping, it’s a delightful way to enjoy comfort food with added nutritional benefits.

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FAQ Section

What kind of cheese can be smoked in a smoker?

Select hard or semi-hard cheeses, such as pepper jack, gouda, mozzarella, or cheddar. These cheeses absorb the taste well and withstand smoking well. People could try a nice selection from a sampler platter.

Should you flip cheese when smoking?

Halfway through the smoking process, turn the cheese blocks to provide even smoke taste.

What is the best wood for smoking queso?

Hickory or mesquite work best for this smoked queso recipe, providing a balanced smoke flavor.

Can you freeze smoked queso?

While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as it may affect the texture and consistency.

What to serve with smoked queso?

Serve smoked queso with bang bang salmon bites or honey sriracha air fryer chicken nuggets. Their spicy, crispy textures pair perfectly with the creamy dip.

Print
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Overhead view of smoky queso dip in cast iron skillet with garnishes

Irresistible Smoked Queso Recipe


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  • Author: Callie’s Recipes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Transform your gatherings with this Irresistible Smoked Queso recipe that takes the classic Mexican cheese dip to new heights!


Ingredients

Scale

32 oz (2 lbs) Velveeta cheese, cubed

16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

16 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

2 cans (10 oz each) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 large white onion, finely diced

4 jalapeños, seeded and diced

1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

1 tablespoon chipotle powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Fresh cilantro for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
  2. In a large aluminum pan, layer the cubed Velveeta, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese.
  3. Add the Ro-Tel tomatoes (undrained), diced onion, jalapeños, and green chilies on top of the cheese.
  4. Pour the heavy cream over the ingredients and sprinkle with smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and cumin.
  5. Place the pan in the smoker and smoke for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even melting and smoking.
  6. The smoked queso recipe is ready when all cheese is completely melted and the mixture has a smooth, creamy consistency.

Notes

Make ahead: Prepare ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and store separately.

Storage: Keep leftover smoked queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, or reheat in a slow cooker on low.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 28.5 mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 14.25 mg

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