Smoked Queso Dip – The Ultimate Cheesy, Smoky Goodness That Will Steal the Show at Every Gathering!

When it comes to dips, this Smoked Queso Dip is in a league of its own! It's packed with layers of smoky, cheesy flavor and a bit of heat that will have everyone gathering around the snack table. With a blend of ground beef, Velveeta, cream cheese, chipotle peppers, and fresh jalapeños, this dip is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, game night, or simply craving something indulgent, this Smoked Queso Dip will leave your guests raving.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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Why Smoked Queso Dip Will Become Your Go-To Party RecipeThis dip is not just a regular queso—it’s loaded with smoky flavors from the chipotle peppers, the richness of three different cheeses, and a satisfying bite from the jalapeños and banana peppers. Cooking it on a smoker adds an irresistible smoky depth that you can’t get from an oven or stovetop. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own and perfect for serving with tortilla chips, veggies, or even as a topping for grilled meats. Every bite delivers a perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors, making this the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

The Inspiration Behind Smoked Queso DipQueso dip is already a favorite at parties, but this version takes it up a notch with smoky flavors that add a new twist to a beloved dish. Inspired by the bold, spicy flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine, this dip is loaded with layers of ingredients that come together beautifully when cooked low and slow on a smoker. From the chipotle peppers to the mix of cheeses, this dish is full of rich flavors that are complemented by the tang of fresh cilantro and tomatoes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings):

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Fat: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 2g

This dip is indulgent and rich, perfect for those special gatherings where comfort food is the star of the show. Pair it with fresh veggies for a slightly lighter option, or dive right in with tortilla chips!

Serving Suggestions and PairingsSmoked Queso Dip is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dippers. Tortilla chips are a must, but you can also serve it with sliced veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers for a crunchy contrast. For an even more indulgent spread, offer crispy breadsticks or pretzels alongside the dip.

Want to take it to the next level? Serve the queso as a topping for grilled burgers, tacos, or nachos. You can also spoon it over grilled chicken or steak for a cheesy, smoky twist.

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Storage and Reheating TipsIf you have leftovers (although it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dip in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. If the dip thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Fun Fact: Why Smoking Food Adds So Much FlavorThe magic behind smoking food lies in the slow cooking process. When food is smoked, the low, indirect heat allows the wood to release flavorful compounds that are absorbed into the food, adding complexity and depth to every bite. In the case of this Smoked Queso Dip, the combination of the smoky chipotle peppers and the time spent in the smoker transforms an ordinary queso into something truly extraordinary.

Cooking Tips

• Control the Heat: For those who like their dip less spicy, make sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeños before slicing. You can also use milder peppers like poblano or Anaheim for a smoky flavor without as much heat.
• Perfect Cheese Melt: Velveeta melts beautifully, but for an extra smooth texture, make sure to stir the dip halfway through cooking. This will help incorporate the cream cheese and shredded cheese evenly throughout.
• Smokier Flavor: For an even smokier flavor, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or use smoked cheddar instead of Mexican cheese.
• Make it Meatless: If you want to go vegetarian, skip the ground beef and add some black beans or grilled vegetables for a hearty, meat-free version of this dip.

Optional Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or more chipotle peppers if you like your queso with extra heat.
• Bacon Lovers: Crumble some cooked bacon into the dip for an added layer of smokiness and a bit of crunch.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty, veggie-packed dip.

Smoked Queso Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
• 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
• 3 jalapeños, sliced
• 2 banana peppers, sliced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the smoker: Place a cast-iron skillet inside the smoker and preheat to 400°F for 15 minutes.
2. Cook the beef: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning over the meat. Close the smoker lid and cook for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to break up the meat. Once browned, drain the beef and set aside.
3. Lower the smoker temperature: Reduce the heat on your smoker to 375°F while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
4. Prepare the ingredients: Cut the Velveeta and cream cheese into 1-inch cubes. Mince the chipotle peppers and slice the jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat). Slice the banana peppers and dice the red onion. Drain the canned tomatoes and chilies.
5. Assemble the dip: In a large disposable tin foil dish, add the browned beef, Velveeta, cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese, chipotle peppers, jalapeños, banana peppers, red onion, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine.
6. Smoke the dip: Place the dish in the smoker and cook for 20 minutes with the lid closed. Stir the ingredients together to ensure everything is melting evenly.
7. Add the cream and cilantro: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the fresh cilantro. Close the lid and cook for another 25 minutes.
8. Serve: Remove the dip from the smoker carefully. Garnish with fresh pico de gallo and more chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips and enjoy!

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This Smoked Queso Dip is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party or barbecue, with its perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and spicy flavors that everyone will love!