The Best Smoked Queso Recipe

I recently whipped up a delightful take on a Smoker Queso Recipe combining 8 oz of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and pepper jack cheese along with savory smoked sausage and Rotel tomatoes. The addition of garlic, diced onions, and jalapeño delivers a pleasant kick that makes this dip a standout.

I’ve always loved experimenting with new flavors and textures in my kitchen and this smoked queso dip is no exception. There’s something special about combining the rich creaminess of 8 oz softened cream cheese with the bold flavors of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, creating a base that’s both creamy and packed with character.

When I slice up some smoked sausage and toss in a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, I’m reminded of those quick and easy smoker recipes I used to enjoy on lazy weekend evenings. Throw in finely diced onion, minced garlic and, if you’re up for a little heat, a seedless jalapeño, then season it all with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Pouring in milk to tie it all together is the final hint of magic. It really brings out a smokey depth that makes this dip perfect for any party or casual get together.

Enjoy, and let your taste buds celebrate!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because:

1. I love how the smokey sausage and jalapeño give it a real bold kick that wakes up my taste buds.
2. I enjoy the mix of cheeses – the cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and pepper jack blend perfectly together and make it super creamy.
3. I appreciate how all the spices and fresh veggies mix in to create a hearty, flavor-packed dip that’s perfect for any party.
4. I like that it’s easy to make, but still feels gourmet enough to impress my friends at get together.

This Easy Smoked Queso Dip is like the ultimate party dip because its bursting with flavors that are cooked just right for a serious smokey taste. Its really super tasty and makes any snack time or party way more fun. I cant get enough of it when im hanging out with my friends.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese gives a smooth, rich base with protein but its high in fat.
• Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and protein while boosting calcium levels.
• Pepper jack cheese brings a mild spice and extra kick with satisfying melt.
• Smoked sausage offers hearty protein and a savory, smoky taste.
• Diced tomatoes and green chilies add tang, fibre and a bit of zest.
• Onion and garlic pack robust flavor and antioxidants in a low calorie punch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an ovenproof dish.

2. In a medium skillet over a medium heat, cook the smoked sausage slices until they start to turn a bit crispy. Then take them out and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic and if you want some extra kick the minced jalapeño, cook these until the onion gets soft and translucent.

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with the milk, making sure it’s pretty smooth.

5. Stir in the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses along with the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.

6. Add the cooked sausage and sautéed onion mixture into the bowl, then sprinkle in the smoked paprika along with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Mix everything together well but gently so you dont break up the sausage too much.

8. Transfer the queso mixture into your prepared dish and smooth the top out.

9. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through so all the flavors combine nicely.

10. Once it’s bubbly and a little golden around the edges, take it out, let it cool slightly, and serve warm with your favorite chips or veggies.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – Needed to preheat and bake your queso at 350°F to help develop the flavors and achieve the perfect melty consistency.
2. Ovenproof dish – Use one large enough to hold the queso mixture and let it bake evenly.
3. Medium skillet – Essential for crisping the smoked sausage and sautéing the onions, garlic, and jalapeño properly.
4. Large mixing bowl – For beating the cream cheese and milk together and then mixing in the cheeses, tomatoes, and spices without breaking up the sausage too much.
5. Measuring cups and spoons – To measure out the milk, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper accurately.
6. Knife – For slicing the sausage and finely dicing the onion, garlic, and jalapeño.
7. Cutting board – Provides a safe surface for all the chopping tasks.
8. Spatula or wooden spoon – Handy for stirring the ingredients and ensuring an even mix throughout the recipe.

FAQ

The Best Smoked Queso Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have cream cheese, you can swap it out with mascarpone cheese or Neufchatel cheese for a similar creamy texture.
• If smoked sausage isn’t available, try using kielbasa or even chorizo. They bring a nice smokey flavor too.
• If you run out of milk, you can use half and half or heavy cream to keep it rich and smooth.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your cream cheese and milk are really smooth before adding the shredded cheeses. It helps everything melt together way better and stops any weird clumps from forming when you bake it.

2. When you cook the sausage, don’t overdo it; you want it a bit crispy for that extra texture but if it burns it can ruin the flavor, so keep an eye on it.

3. Stir in the ingredients gently. Overmixing can break the sausage chunks into tiny bits which might mess with the texture, and it’s way better to have some big, tasty pieces in every bite.

4. Try tasting the mix before baking. Since every ingredient can vary in saltiness and spice, you might want to add a little extra salt or even another pinch of smoked paprika if you like it super flavorful.