Smoked queso is a flavorful and creamy cheese dip with a smoky twist, perfect for gatherings and game days. The combination of melted cheeses, savory sausage, and a hint of spice creates a rich and irresistible appetizer. The smoky aroma adds an extra layer of depth, making it a standout dish. Serve it with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping, and watch it disappear quickly!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage
- 1 can (10 ounces) of diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Smoker:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C) using wood chips of your choice (hickory, mesquite, or applewood work well).
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Queso Mixture:
- In a large cast-iron skillet or an aluminum pan, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked sausage, diced tomatoes and green chilies (including the liquid), diced onion, jalapeño, milk, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Smoke the Queso:
- Place the skillet or pan in the preheated smoker. Close the lid and smoke for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the flavors are well combined.
- Serve:
- Once the queso is smooth and creamy, remove it from the smoker. Serve it immediately with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Enjoy this delicious smoked queso dip, and don’t be surprised if it’s the star of your next party!
