This Smoked Queso Dip is not your typical cheese dip! Loaded with a deep smoky flavor featuring browned Italian sausage, 3 different cheeses, chili tomatoes, and a variety of spices it makes for the perfect summer appetizer.
Savory Italian sausage browned to perfection and chili-infused Rotel tomatoes are smoked with creamy Velveeta, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses for a deeply savory dip you're going to want to make again and again.
Nothing's more satisfying than dipping your favorite cracker, taco chip, or crusty bread into a rich, super creamy and cheesy dip. This smoked queso dip is perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or pre-dinner munchie.
If you love this smoked queso, you'll love this Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip. Crock Pot Rotel Dip, or this Pizza Dip.
Why You'll Love Smoked Queso Dip
- Cheesy: Using a combination of 3 different cheeses gives this smoked queso the ultimate cheese flavor. Yum!
- Versatile: This smoked queso dip recipe is easily modified; add more spice, use a different cheese, or add more herbs and change to your liking.
- Crowd pleaser: Everyone loves rich and creamy dips and this smoked cheese dip is guaranteed to go fast.
- Change of pace: Using a smoker to prepare smoked dips is a tasty change of pace from the traditional cold dips.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: Mild Italian sausage adds a salty, savory flavor. If you prefer a spicier queso dip with meat, choose a spicy sausage.
- Green onion: Green onions impart a mild onion flavor to the dip and add a pop of color.
- Cheese: We used a combination of Velveeta, mild cheddar, and Monterey Jack but you can switch these up based on what you've got on hand.
- Rotel tomatoes: Rotel tomatoes, undrained, are a great option as they come with green chilies. If you can't find these tomatoes, use regular canned tomatoes and add green chilies separately.
- Cilantro: Chopped, fresh cilantro, adds a fresh, peppery flavor to this smoked dip. If you don't like cilantro you can substitute it with parsley.
- Garlic: Minced, fresh garlic packs a powerful flavor punch. Jarred minced garlic is a good substitute.
- Spices: Paprika, black pepper, and cumin add more depth and complex flavors to the queso dip.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Use a different sausage: Any type of sausage will work in this recipe; chorizo, kielbasa, Andouille, or whatever you have on hand.
- Ground beef. Swap the sausage for ground beef instead.
- Change the cheese: Nothing is carved in stone with the cheese, so play around with different kinds.
- Add more spice: Stir in some chipotle in adobo sauce, or diced jalapenos, or mix in a touch of sriracha for a spicy, smoked queso dip.
How to Make Smoked Queso Dip
Preheat your smoker and get your chips ready for some delicious dipping with this smoked cheese dip recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until it is no longer pink, drain the excess grease, and transfer to an aluminum pan.
Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients. Mix the remaining dip ingredients into the aluminum pan.
Step 3: Smoke the dip. Place the pan in the smoker, close the lid, and smoke until the cheese melts, stirring a few times to incorporate all the ingredients.
Step 4: Serve. Remove the pan from the smoker and serve with your favorite chips or crackers and enjoy.
Hint
Don't forget to stir the dip while it smokes. This will ensure even distribution of the flavors so you get a mouthful of this smoker queso in each bite.
Serving Suggestions
This smoked queso dip tastes fantastic with crackers or taco chips but here are a few other things you may like serving it with.
- Pair this smoky summer appetizer with this No Knead Dutch Oven Bread or these Sheet Pan Breadsticks.
- Prepare for your next game day watch party along with this Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread, Creamy Corn Dip, and this Best French Bread Pizza.
- Dip carrots, cucumbers, celery sticks, or your favorite veggies into this savory dip.
Expert Tips
- Watch the dip closely: Check on the dip a few minutes before the recommended cook time so it doesn't overcook.
- Store leftovers: Cover the aluminum pan with tin foil or plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place in the oven to reheat.
- Use block cheese: Skip the shreds! I know they save time but if you want a creamier and smoother texture block cheese is the way to go.
- Small cubed cheese: Cut the cheese into small cubes so they melt easily.
Recipe FAQs
If you don't have a smoker, you can prepare the dip in the oven. Stir in some liquid smoke to add the smokey flavor.
If you want to get this off your to-do list, you can get all the ingredients ready in the aluminum pan but cook it just before serving it.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
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Smoked Queso Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 bunch green onion diced
- 16 ounces velveeta cheese cubed
- 16 ounces mild cheddar cheese cubed
- 16 ounces Monterey Jack cheese cubed
- 2 (10 ounce) cans Rotel tomatoes with green chilies do not drain
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 3 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 275℉.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and transfer to an aluminum pan.
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the aluminum pan.
- Place the pan in the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 45-60 minutes until the cheese melts. Stir 2-3 times during smoking.
- Serve with your favorite chips or crackers and enjoy!
Notes
- Watch the dip closely: Check on the dip a few minutes before the recommended cook time so it doesn't overcook.
- Store leftovers: Cover the aluminum pan with tin foil or plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place in the oven to reheat.
- Use block cheese: Skip the shreds! I know they save time but if you want a creamier and smoother texture block cheese is the way to go.
- Small cubed cheese: Cut the cheese into small cubes so they melt easily.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
If you love cheesy and hearty dips this one is for you.