This easy, one pan Smoked Queso Dip is the ultimate appetizer for tailgating, holidays, and parties. It has two types of cheese, sausage, Rotel with chilies, onion, garlic, and does not lack in smokey flavor. So do yourself a favor and fire up the pellet smoker this weekend. Your taste buds and family will thank you!

Don’t have a smoker? No worries, you can make it in the oven or slow cooker.

For more smoked cheese recipes check out these popular ones: Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip and Smoked Cream Cheese.

Let me tell you, my family LOVES cheese dip and queso even more! The first time my dad and I made this in his pellet smoker, it was a complete game-changer for us. We have always loved classic queso, but once the hint of smoke was added… we were hooked!

Just imagine it- bubbly, melty cheese, a slight kiss of smoke, and tons of tortilla chips for dipping! Don’t try and deny it, I know I piqued your interest. And it’s not even hard to make!

Why This Smoked Queso Dip Recipe is the BEST!

• Quick to assemble- Literally throw everything together and pop it in the smoker.
• Versatile recipe- The ingredients are pretty straight forward which makes it even easier to add, substitute, or take away anything. I give some fun suggestions down further in the post. You can also make this in the oven or slow cooker if for some reason you cannot smoke the dip.
• Easy clean up- If you use a disposable aluminum pan there is literally no clean up, just throw it in the trash.

Here’s A Quick Video Tutorial:

Ingredients for Smoked Queso

• Velveeta Cheese: This is essential for a perfectly melty and delicious queso.
• Ground Breakfast Sausage: Be sure to strain off any grease (you don’t want that in the dip).
• Diced Tomatoes with Chilies: Feel free to use mild or spicy, you can also use diced tomatoes if you do not want any spice. I used Rotel brand.
• Mexican Cheese: You can never have enough cheese in queso, am I right?
• White Onion: Peel and finely dice the onion.
• Evaporated Milk: Feel free to use regular milk in it’s place.
• Garlic Powder: You can also use fresh minced garlic for stronger garlic flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Add these to suit your taste preferences.

PRO TIP: Easily double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd. Or if you want a smaller amount, cut the recipe in half.

Equipment Needed:

• Pellet Smoker: You can use a pellet smoker grill or a vertical smoker for this recipe (I have tested this recipe with both). My favorite smokers are from Pit Boss but any will work great!
• Wood Pellets or wood chips (suggestions for flavors further down)
• Aluminum Foil Pan or a cast iron skillet
• Heat Resistant BBQ Gloves

How To Make Smoked Queso Dip

This is a short summary of the steps, the recipe card below will have more details.

1. Preheat smoker with the pellets of your choosing.
2. Prepare the ingredients (brown your sausage, dice the onion, cut up the Velveeta, etc.).
3. Combine everything together.
4. Smoke your dip.
5. Serve with the dippers of your choice and eat immediately.

PRO TIP: If you are serving it at a party or want it to stay melty longer, place the queso in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” or low setting. As this dip comes to room temperature it thickens and will become solidified.

Other Cooking Methods:

MAKE IT IN THE OVEN: Follow the same directions as if you were smoking it (same temperature and same cook times). Feel free to add a 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor.

MAKE IT IN THE SLOW COOKER: Add the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low, stirring every 20 minutes, until it is melty and delicious.

Dippers to Serve With Smoked Queso Dip

The obvious option is tortilla chips because “duh,” chips and queso. But here are some more ideas for you to try out:

• fresh vegetables
• Doritos and other chips
• pretzels (soft pretzel bites would be so good)
• pita chips
• crackers
• toasted bread slices
• pork rinds

Smoked Queso Variations

This dip is very versatile and you can do pretty much anything with it. Try some of these fun suggestions:

• add jalapenos (fresh or my Quick Pickled Jalapenos)
• a can of black beans (drained)
• different meats: chorizo, ground beef, pulled pork, chicken strips, etc.
• other cheese: pepper jack cheese, mozzarella, etc.
• 1 ounce packet of taco or chili seasoning
• diced multi colored bell peppers
• black olives

What Kind of Pellets Should I Use For Smoking Queso Dip?

For this recipe I used a mixture of Apple and Competition Blend pellets by Pit Boss. I think mild wood pellets work best because you do not want it to be overwhelmed with smoke.

Great mild wood pellets include apple, cherry, maple, oak, or a combination. Flavors like mesquite and hickory are stronger but can still work. Just keep in mind, every pellet has a different flavor and smoke strength.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Looking For More Delicious Dips?

• Jalapeno Artichoke Dip
• Butter Bean Hummus
• Fried Dill Pickle Dip
• Ricotta Dip with Roasted Grapes
• Buffalo Crab Dip
• Feta and Onion Hot Dip

More Smoker Recipes To Try:

• Smoked Baked Beans
• Smoked Hot Dogs
• Smoked Cheez Its
• Smoked Pork Butt
• Smoked Peach Cobbler
• Smoked Whiskey Sour Mocktail

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