The Best Smoked Queso Dip Recipe (Made in 20 minutes!)

Make the viral smoked queso dip in under 30 minutes! No charcoal grill or wood pellets necessary! It’s easy, delicious, and a total crowd pleaser!

This rich, creamy, and smoky appetizer is the perfect centerpiece for game days, backyard barbecues, or any gathering where bold flavors are a must. With the addition of savory meats, smoky spices, and melted cheese, this dip will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleaser that’s packed with flavor.

Pair it with your favorite tortilla chips for a delicious dip everyone will love! Check out my build your own burger bar, or other entertaining ideas here!

Why we love this smoked queso dip

It’s cheesy, creamy, and so easy to make! No grill is necessary, so you can make it year round, too! Simply throw all of your ingredients in an oven safe dish, and put it in the oven! Stir and dip!

What you need to make this smoked queso recipe

Beef Chorizo, ground sausage or ground beef

Depending on your preference, any of these could be used to add some protein to this cheesy goodness.

Green Chiles or jalapeños

The type of chiles you use in this smoked queso dip depends on the flavor and heat level you prefer. Here are some popular options:

Mild Options

1. Green Chiles (Hatch or Anaheim)
   • Mild and slightly sweet with a hint of smokiness.
   • Great for a classic, mild queso.
2. Poblano Peppers
   • Mild heat with a rich, earthy flavor.
   • Roast and dice them for added depth.

Medium Options

3. Jalapeños
   • A step up in heat with a fresh, slightly grassy flavor.
   • Use raw for crisp heat or roasted for a smoky touch.
4. Serrano Peppers
   • Similar to jalapeños but with a more pronounced heat and citrusy flavor.
   • Use sparingly if you’re cautious about spice.

Hot Options

5. Chipotle Peppers (in Adobo Sauce)
   • Smoked and dried jalapeños with a sweet, smoky heat.
   • Blend them into the queso for a bold flavor kick.
6. Habaneros
   • Very spicy with a fruity, tropical flavor.
   • Use very sparingly to avoid overwhelming heat.

Specialty Options

7. Hatch Chiles
   • Versatile and flavorful, ranging from mild to medium heat.
   • Perfect for southwestern-style queso.
9. Mix varieties: Combine mild and hot chiles for a balanced flavor.

Velveeta cheese

The key to this cheesy dip is velveeta cheese! This popular cheese is processed in a way that makes it super creamy when melted. Velveeta melts evenly without separating, making this dip creamy every time! Its neutral cheese flavor acts as a great base, allowing you to customize the dip with spices, chiles, or additional cheeses.

Cheddar Cheese

I chose an aged white cheddar cheese for this smoked queso dip recipe, but you can choose any cheddar you like.

Mexican cheese blend

Adding a seasoned Mexican cheese blend will add tons of flavor to this smoked queso dip

Liquid Smoke

A teaspoon of liquid smoke will give you that delicious smoky flavor you love without using a pellet grill or electric smoker! You can achieve it right in your oven and in a quarter of the time! It mimics the flavor of cheese or ingredients that have been smoked, like smoked gouda or chipotle peppers.This can give your queso a “barbecue” vibe or complement grilled dishes.

Rotel Tomatoes

Rotel Tomatoes gives great texture and an extra layer of flavor to this easy smoked queso dip.

Additional ingredients

Minced garlic

Onion 

Disposable aluminum pan (for easier cleanup), cast iron skillet or oven safe dish

How to make smoked queso dip

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo or sausage and cook until browned, about 5-8 minutes, crumbling the chorizo or sausage as it cooks. Drain the excess fat; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the cast-iron skillet. Place in pre-heated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and stir until combined. Spoon into a serving dish, or serve right from the cast iron skillet!

Additional Recipes To Try

Grilled Peach and Steak Salad – you’ll love this fresh and simple summer salad. Perfect for grilling season!

Easy Mexican Pasta Salad – Colorful bowtie pasta + juicy tomatoes + black beans pair with a creamy avocado vinaigrette for a salad everyone will love!

Caramelized Onion Dip – perfect for chips or veggies on game days, this creamy onion dip is the ultimate party dip!

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Thanks for reading! If you make this board, please come back and let me know how you like it by leaving a star rating and review.

FAQ and Expert Tips

Pop it under the broiler for a few minutes at the end if you like those crispy golden brown cheese bits.

Take out the jalapeno seeds if you’re not a fan of the extra heat

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