Smoked Queso Recipe

Smoked Queso: A Flavorful Adventure in Every Bite

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with our Smoked Queso recipe—a sensational twist on the classic queso dip that takes the smokiness of grilling to a whole new level. This crowd-pleasing dish combines the creamy richness of cheese with the bold flavors of smoked ingredients, creating a dip that’s as addictive as it is delicious. Join us as we embark on a journey through the art of crafting Smoked Queso, where every chip is a ticket to flavor town and every scoop is a taste sensation worth savoring.

Ingredients:

Gather around the grill as we assemble the components for Smoked Queso:

For the Queso:

  • 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Smoked Goodness:

  • 1 cup hickory or mesquite wood chips, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
  • 1 cup diced cooked brisket or pulled pork

For Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced tomatoes

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Grill:
    • Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 300°F/150°C).
    • If using a smoker box, add the soaked wood chips for that authentic smoky flavor.
  2. Combine Queso Ingredients:
    • In a heatproof pan or aluminum foil tray, combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
    • Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, red onion, cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    • Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
  3. Smoke the Queso:
    • Place the pan or tray on the preheated grill or smoker.
    • Add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box or directly to the coals.
    • Close the grill lid and let the queso smoke for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until it’s infused with a rich smoky flavor.
    • Stir the queso occasionally to promote even smoking.
  4. Add Smoked Meat:
    • Once the queso has absorbed the desired smokiness, add the diced cooked brisket or pulled pork.
    • Mix it into the queso, allowing the smoky meat flavors to meld with the cheesy goodness.
  5. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish the smoked queso with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and diced tomatoes.
    • Serve the queso hot with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

Cook Notes:

  • Cheese Melting Tip: Shred the cheese yourself for better melting properties compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Smoked Meat Options: Experiment with different smoked meats like sausage or smoked turkey for unique flavor profiles.
  • Control the Heat: Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies and adjusting the amount of jalapeños.

Variations:

Queso Blanco Twist: Replace the cheddar and Monterey Jack with white cheeses like pepper jack and queso fresco for a Queso Blanco version.

Vegetarian Delight: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Spicy Habanero Kick: Incorporate diced habanero peppers or a splash of habanero hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.

Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly adaptation, replace the diced tomatoes with green chilies with fresh diced tomatoes and adjust the ratio of mayo and sour cream to fit your keto macros. Serve with low-carb dipping options.

Low-Carb Version:

Craft a low-carb alternative by using low-carb cheese options, reducing or omitting the tomatoes, and choosing low-carb veggies for dipping.

Smoked Queso isn’t just a dip; it’s a journey into the realm of bold flavors, where the smokiness of the grill intertwines with the creamy richness of cheese to create a taste sensation that’s truly unforgettable. From the first scoop to the last lingering smoky note, each bite is a testament to the artistry of combining simple ingredients into a symphony of flavor. So, fire up that grill, let the smoke dance with the cheese, and treat your taste buds to the magic of Smoked Queso—a dish that proves that sometimes, the most delightful moments come in the form of a perfectly smoked chip dipped in a bowl of cheesy perfection.