This Smoked Queso Dip is the ultimate smoky cheese dip! It is made with ground beef and is so easy to make on the pellet grill. Plus, it tastes so delicious! The smoke flavor is infused in each bite of this creamy dip. This queso dip has tons of flavor and an unforgettable taste that's sure to satisfy any cravings you have for Mexican food. It makes a great dip or appetizer; serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or as a saucy topping on tacos. This is the perfect appetizer for game day, date night, or every day! Make this low prep and easy appetizer tonight for your family, or serve it at your next party!
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No matter what time of the year it is, this smoked queso recipe is perfect. It's an excellent appetizer for friends and family at home, at parties, or at gatherings.
Smoked queso is perfect for making on game day; quick, easy, and perfect with all your favorite snacks. It takes only a few minutes to prepare, arrives hot on the table, and has a kick that everyone will love.
This is the best smoked queso dip, and it goes great with other Mexican appetizers such as Authentic Pico de Gallo, Peach Pico de Gallo, and Homemade Salsa!
This cheesy queso also makes an amazing sauce in my Crunchwrap Supreme recipe!
This grilling season, you have to try this version of your favorite cheese dip. The smoker will bring up your queso game to the next level. You will love the extra layer of flavor!
For another crowd-pleasing dip that is ready in less than 45 minutes, make my Buffalo Chicken Dip Without Cream Cheese!
More electric smoker recipes
Jump to:
- More electric smoker recipes
- What is Smoked Queso?
- Why You Should Be Making Your Own Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
- What are the best wood pellets for smoked queso?
- What Kind of Cheese is Best for Smoked Queso Dip recipe on the pellet grill?
- Smoked Queso Ingredients
- Ingredient notes and substitutions
- How to make smoked queso dip recipe
- How to make smoked queso dip in the oven
- Variations on pit boss smoked queso
- Equipment for smoked queso dip pellet grill
- Storage
- Top tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
- More Easy Recipes
- 📋 Recipe
- Food safety
- 💬 Comments
What is Smoked Queso?
Smoked queso is a Mexican-inspired smoky cheese dip made with a variety of melted cheese, ground beef, jalapenos, and salsa. It has a sweet, spicy, and smoky flavor that will have you coming back for more. Smoked queso is a classic party dip that is so easy to make!
This is the best dip, and it goes well with tortilla chips. You can also use it as a topping for burritos or nachos! Yum!
I've upped the flavor factor by cooking this queso dip on the pellet grill to infuse the delicious smoke flavor in every bite of melty cheesy goodness.
Why You Should Be Making Your Own Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
EASY: This smoked queso recipe is easy to make and doesn't take much time at all! It only requires about 10-15 minutes of prep time, and the smoker does the rest of the work!
EVERYDAY INGREDIENTS: This queso cheese dip uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store, including the quick melting cheeses.
CUSTOMIZE: By making this smoked cheese dip yourself, you can customize the taste and spice level to suit your preferences.
ULTIMATE PARTY DIP: Smoked queso is a party favorite. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, tailgate party, or holiday gathering, this is one appetizer that will have your friends and family begging for more. This cheesy dip is perfect for game days, and it is a real crowd pleaser!
SUPER FLAVORFUL: The flavor of this queso dip on the grill is so good! The delicious smoky flavor is infused in each bite. Plus, if you have any leftovers (which I doubt), it tastes even better warmed up the next day! Your whole family will love it!
BIG BATCH: This queso recipe makes a BIG batch, perfect for large gatherings. If you want a smaller batch, cut all the ingredients in half!
VERSATILE: Smoked queso is not just an appetizer; it also is an excellent topping for tacos, nachos, taco pizza, chicken wraps, baked potatoes, and pasta! The possibilities are endless!
What are the best wood pellets for smoked queso?
Smoking your cheese dip with wood pellets is a great way to create smoke flavor.
There are many types of wood pellets that can be used for making smoked queso on the pellet grill. The type of wood pellet you choose will depend on what kinds of flavor you want to achieve and what suits your taste best.
Hickory wood, applewood, and mesquite are all excellent choices for wood pellets. Applewood has a sweet flavor, while hickory has a strong smoky flavor, while mesquite is milder.
Experiment using your favorite Pit Boss or Traeger pellets, and let me know which ones were your favorites!
What Kind of Cheese is Best for Smoked Queso Dip recipe on the pellet grill?
Smoked queso is a popular dip that is perfect for any occasion. It has a great, smokey taste with just the right amount of heat.
Cheese is the key ingredient in smoked queso, which separates it from other dips. The cheesiness of smoked queso depends mainly on what kind of cheese you use.
The best cheese for smoked queso is a cheese that melts very quickly. I chose Velveeta cheese to make this queso dip, along with pepper jack cheese.
Smoked Queso Ingredients
To make a homemade smoked queso recipe, there are a few ingredients that you will need.
- Ground beef.
- Onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic cloves, finely chopped.
- Jalapeno peppers, finely chopped.
- Salsa.
- Velveeta cheese, cubed.
- Pepper jack cheese, cubed or shredded.
- Taco seasoning.
- Cilantro, optional.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Ground beef. Smoked queso is traditionally made with chorizo sausage (ground pork sausage), but it can also be made with other types of meat such as bacon, ground sausage, or ground beef. I have also used ground venison before (because I have a freezer full of it), and it was delicious! Breakfast sausage is also a great substitution!
- Onion, peeled and chopped. The onion complements the flavor of the meat, giving it almost a sweetness. I used a yellow onion, but any onion would work in this recipe.
- Garlic cloves, peeled and chopped. Garlic adds fantastic flavor to this queso recipe. I used whole garlic cloves, but you could also substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Jalapeño peppers. Jalapeño peppers add fantastic flavor to the smoked queso dip and give it a little heat. You could also use green chiles.
- Salsa. I used my Homemade Salsa recipe, which includes vine-ripened tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and jalapeño peppers. You could substitute your favorite salsa, or add in canned diced tomatoes and chopped green chilis (Rotel is a popular substitution).
- Velveeta cheese. I used Velveeta cheese as it melts really well, and gives this dip fantastic flavor. You could substitute sharp cheddar cheese, but it might not melt as well, and you may need to add milk or sour cream to help thin the dip out.
- Pepper jack cheese. I used a jalapeño pepper jack cheese for a bit of an extra kick, but you could also substitute real cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Gouda cheese. I cubed it, but you could also use shredded cheese or pre shredded cheese. If you want to use shredded cheese, I recommend buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself, it is so much cheaper.
- Taco seasoning. I used my favorite taco seasoning. Feel free to use your favorite taco seasoning, or make your own taco seasoning.
- Cilantro, optional.
How to make smoked queso dip recipe
Smoked queso is a perfect topping for nachos, pizza, pasta, as well as a dip for tortilla chips and crackers. It's also really easy to make.
First, start to brown ground beef in a frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Next, chop up the onion, garlic, and jalapeño pepper.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the meat in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions get soft and translucent looking, frequently stirring to prevent burning. Drain any fat and discard.
While the meat is cooking, chop up the blocks of cheese. Cut the Velveeta cheese into 1-inch cubes. Next, chop the pepper jack cheese into similar size cubes—place cheese cubes into a large disposable aluminum pan, roaster, or large cast iron skillet.
Next, add taco seasoning to the meat mixture in the skillet. Do NOT add any additional water. Stir all ingredients to combine. Add jalapeño pepper to the skillet and mix again. Remove pan from heat.
Add taco meat mixture to the aluminum pan. Pour in the salsa and give it a good stir to combine.
Preheat the electric smoker to 225 degrees F.
Place the aluminum pan filled with the meat mixture onto the preheated grill.
Close the lid on the grill and let the smoker do its magic. Stir the queso dip every 30 minutes. You may want to set a timer to remind yourself.
Smoke queso dip on the pellet grill for at least 90 minutes and up to a couple hours. Serve hot and enjoy!
As the hot cheese dip cools, the cheese starts to solidify, so to keep the queso dip smooth and creamy, pour the queso from the smoked dip pan into a slow cooker and keep it warm on the lowest setting.
Top with chopped cilantro if you like, and serve with your favorite tortilla chips. Enjoy!
How to make smoked queso dip in the oven
If you do not have a smoker, you can easily make this queso in the oven. Follow all of the ingredients the same as above, except add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the ingredients for smoke flavor. Of course, you could also leave out the liquid smoke and enjoy delicious queso. Bake it in the oven at 325 degrees F, until melted.
Variations on pit boss smoked queso
You can add whatever ingredients you want for a new flavor profile by making your own smoked queso recipe. There are many variations of how you can make smoked queso:
- Spicy - add more jalapeño peppers to imbue more heat into the dish. You could also add cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Less spicy - leave out the jalapeño peppers altogether, and use mild salsa or a chopped bell pepper.
- Deluxe - serve with sour cream on top of the queso for an even creamier dip
Equipment for smoked queso dip pellet grill
Smoker: Our pellet smoker is the Pit Boss 8-1. It uses 100% wood pellets as fuel instead of gas and propane like on a regular grill.
There is nothing better than food cooked on the smoker; the added flavor is incredible! Any grill will work to make this delicious dip, whether it's a charcoal grill, gas grill, Big Green Egg, or Traeger grill.
Aluminum pan: I used a 9 x 13-inch disposable foil pan for easier cleanup. Surprisingly though, it cleaned up well, and I can even use it again! You can also use a cast iron pot or dutch oven as well if you don't mind cleaning it afterward. 🙂
Storage
FRIDGE: Leftover smoked queso can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
When reheating, you can add a little bit of evaporated milk to make the homemade queso really creamy.
FREEZER: Leftover smoked queso can be kept in the freezer in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to two months.
Top tips
Here are some of my best tips for making the best smoked queso:
- Make sure the pellet grill is topped up with wood pellets so you don't run out during cooking time.
- Make sure your pellet grill is clean and free of any debris in the fire pot.
- The key to making a really tasty smoked queso recipe on smoker is to use the best ingredients possible. This means using quality salsa, fresh onion, garlic, and jalapeno peppers.
- My pro tip is not to skimp on time. Allow at least 90 minutes for the cooking process on the pellet grill so that the queso dip has a smoky flavor.
- Stir queso dip at least every 30 minutes so that all ingredients get mixed thoroughly.
- Serve hot for best results. Transfer smoked queso dip to a slow cooker on the warm setting to keep the queso dip hot and creamy.
- Leftover queso is even better the next day when warmed up because the delicious flavors have had time to meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day! To reheat on the stove, add the smoked queso to a saucepan and reheat on low heat, stirring frequently. You could also reheat it in the microwave or air fryer, stirring every 30 seconds until heated.
To thin out smoked queso dip, add a small amount of milk (a tablespoon at a time ) to thin it out.
Transfer the smoked queso to a slow cooker on the warm setting, and serve it out of there to keep the cheese dip creamy and soft.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
Smoked queso dip is a delicious and easy Tex-Mex dish. It has a fantastic flavor and is perfect for making on a smoker or pellet grill. You can use this recipe for queso dip as-is or add anything you want to give it your unique flair!
If you've tried this Smoked Queso Dip Recipe or any other recipe, please take a moment to leave a star rating or recipe rating and/or comment on the recipe card below.
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More Easy Recipes
📋 Recipe
The Best Smoked Queso Recipe (Pellet Grill)
Equipment
- Electric Pellet Grill
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves diced
- 2 jalapeno peppers seeded, diced, and chopped fine
- 4 cups salsa 32 oz total
- 2 blocks Velveeta cheese cubed, 32 oz total
- 8 ounces Pepper jack cheese cubed
- 4 tablespoon taco seasoning
- cilantro optional
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat.
- After the meat is nearly cooked, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions get soft and translucent looking. Drain any fat and discard.
- While the meat is cooking, chop up the Velveeta cheese and pepper jack cheese into 1-inch cubes. Place cheese cubes into a large aluminum pan, roaster, or large cast-iron skillet.
- Add taco seasoning to the meat mixture in the skillet. Do NOT add any additional water. Stir all ingredients to combine. Add jalapeño pepper to the skillet and mix again. Remove pan from heat.
- Add taco meat mixture to the aluminum pan. Pour in the salsa and give it a good stir to combine.
- Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F. Place the aluminum pan filled with the meat mixture onto the preheated grill.
- Close the lid on the grill and let the smoker do its magic. Stir the queso dip every 30 minutes. Cook the queso dip on the pellet grill for at least 90 minutes and up to 2 hours.
- Top with chopped cilantro if you like, and serve with your favorite tortilla chips. Enjoy!
- HINT: As the dip cools, the cheese starts to solidify, so to keep the queso dip smooth and creamy, pour the queso from the smoked dip pan into a slow cooker and keep it warm on the lowest setting.
Video
Notes
- Make sure the pellet grill is topped up with wood pellets so you don't run out during the cooking time.
- Make sure your pellet grill is clean and free of any debris in the firepot.
- The key to making a really tasty smoked queso recipe for smokers is to use the best ingredients possible. This means using quality salsa, fresh onion, garlic, and jalapeno peppers.
- Do not skimp on time. Allow at least 90 minutes on the pellet grill so that the queso dip has a smoky flavor.
- Stir queso dip at least every 30 minutes so that all ingredients get mixed thoroughly.
- Serve hot for best results. Transfer smoked queso dip to a slow cooker on the warm setting to keep the queso dip hot and creamy.
- Leftovers are even better the next day when warmed up because the flavors have had time to meld together.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
Elsie S. Stewart
I tried this recipe and it's really good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the recipe.
Jeri Walker
Thanks for trying this smoked queso recipe, Elsie! I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to come back to comment and rate the recipe! 🙂
Jeannie
a very nice dip especially with our movie nights! need to cook more and stock
Jeri
Yes! It is so good, and never lasts long!