Smoked Queso Dip Recipes: Three Easy Variations To Make

If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy dips with a smoky twist, you’ll love these smoked queso dip recipes.

Queso is a famous Mexican cheese dip, that gets an upgrade when cooked on a smoker or grill, that adds a delicious wood-fired flavor.

This dip is easy to make and serve alongside tortilla chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables for dipping, or drizzle it over nachos, tacos, or baked potatoes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, game day gathering, or simply craving a delicious snack, these smoked queso dip variations are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Offering easy-to-make variations of a dish like smoked queso dip is important for several reasons:

Caters to Different Dietary Preferences and Restrictions: By providing variations, you can satisfy different dietary needs and preferences, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-fat options. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the dish, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
Adds Variety and Prevents Boredom: Having multiple variations of the same dish prevents boredom and keeps things interesting. It allows people to explore different flavor profiles and ingredient combinations, satisfying their cravings for something new and exciting.
Encourages Creativity and Experimentation: Easy-to-make variations inspire creativity and experimentation in the kitchen. They encourage people to try new ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques, creating a sense of cooking adventure and personal expression.
Provides Different Spice Levels: Some people prefer milder flavors, while others enjoy a kick of heat. Offering variations with different spice levels ensures that everyone can find a version that suits their taste preferences.
Increases Versatility and Adaptability: With easy-to-make variations, the same dish can be adapted to different occasions, seasons, or dietary needs. For example, a heartier variation might be suitable for cooler months, while a lighter version could be perfect for summer gatherings.

Smoked Queso Dip Recipes: Three Easy Variations to Make

These smoked queso dip recipes are easy to make and offer three delicious variations to suit any taste preference.

Variation 1: Smoked Queso Blanco & Chorizo

This creamy white queso dip is smoky, and spicy with the addition of crumbled chorizo sausage. Cubed white American cheese melts into a velvety base with diced green chilies, lime juice, cumin, and garlic. Smoked until hot and creamy, the dip is finished with fresh cilantro for a fresh flavor.

The chorizo adds a savory, meaty element that perfectly complements the tangy queso blanco.

Ingredients:

1 lb white American cheese, cubed
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 lb chorizo sausage, cooked and crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect cooking at 225°F, using your preferred wood chips or chunks for smoking.
In a disposable aluminum pan or cast-iron skillet, combine the cubed white American cheese, diced green chilies, half-and-half, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, and cooked chorizo.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the pan or skillet on the smoker or grill grates, away from direct heat.
Smoke the queso blanco dip for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is hot and creamy.
Remove from the smoker or grill and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Variation 2: Loaded Lockett Dip

This loaded cheese dip is very delicious. Cheese Velveeta is melted with diced tomatoes, green chilies, and a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and cayenne.

But the star is the addition of cooked ground beef or chorizo, adding a rich, meaty texture. Smoked until bubbling and infused with wood-fired flavor, this dip is perfect for generous dipping with tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 lb ground beef or chorizo, cooked and drained
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect cooking at 225°F, using your preferred wood chips or chunks for smoking.
In a disposable aluminum pan or cast-iron skillet, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese, cooked ground beef or chorizo, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the pan or skillet on the smoker or grill grates, away from direct heat.
Smoke the loaded queso dip for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
Remove from the smoker or grill and serve with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers.

Variation 3: Smoked Three Cheese Spicy Queso

For those who love a kick, this three-cheese spicy queso dip delivers. A blend of Velveeta, pepper jack, and cheddar cheeses melt together with diced tomatoes, green chilies, jalapeño, and a smoky spice mix of chili powder, paprika, and garlic. Smoked until gloriously gooey and infused with wood-fired flavor, this dip packs a punch of heat and cheesy pleasure in every bite.

Ingredients:

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
8 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect cooking at 225°F, using your preferred wood chips or chunks for smoking.
In a disposable aluminum pan or cast-iron skillet, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced jalapeño, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the pan or skillet on the smoker or grill grates, away from direct heat.
Smoke the three-cheese spicy queso dip for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses are fully melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
Remove from the smoker or grill and serve with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers.

No matter which variation you choose, these smoked queso dips are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

The combination of melty cheese, smoky flavors, and delicious add-ins like chorizo, ground beef, and spicy jalapeños create a truly irresistible snack. Serve them up with plenty of tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or even crusty bread for dipping, and get ready to watch them disappear in no time.

Addition And Variations

Experiment with different combinations of these ingredients to create a customized queso dip that suits your taste preferences. Adjust the quantities according to your desired flavor intensity, and don’t be afraid to get creative!

Seasonings: Add a variety of seasonings to elevate the taste profile. Options include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate fresh ingredients like chopped jalapeños, diced onions, minced garlic, or cilantro for a burst of freshness and texture.
Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or poblano peppers before adding them to the dip for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Smoked Ingredients: Use smoked cheese, such as smoked cheddar or smoked Gouda, to infuse the dip with an additional layer of smokiness.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions can add brightness and depth to the flavor profile.
Hot Sauce: For extra spice, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or salsa.

Tips To Make Perfect Smoked Queso Dip

Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture. Velveeta and white American cheese are popular choices for queso dips, but you can also experiment with other melting cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or other spicy ingredients.
For a thinner consistency, add more cream, milk, or half-and-half to the dip.
Stir the queso dip occasionally during smoking to prevent scorching and ensure even melting.
Serve the smoked queso dip hot and fresh, with a variety of dippers like tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, bread, or pretzels.
Experiment with different wood chips or chunks, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, to impart unique smoky flavors to your queso dip.

Making smoked queso dip is a fun and delicious way to elevate your dip game and impress your guests. With these three easy variations, you can cater to different taste preferences and create a smoky, cheesy dish that will have everyone coming back for more.