Smoked Chili Cheese Dip
on Oct 23, 2025
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If you’re looking for your new go-to game day snack, this Smoked Chili Cheese Dip is it! It’s smoky, beefy, cheesy, and loaded with all the good stuff that keeps everyone huddled around the snack table. Every scoop hits with bold chili flavor, a little heat, and that creamy, saucy cheese pull that disappears fast once kickoff starts.
What really makes this dip shine is the depth of flavor. Seasoned beef, hearty beans, and my not-so-secret ingredient, instant coffee, which adds that rich, award-winning edge. Slow-smoked on the Traeger, it builds a deep, savory flavor that’ll have everyone pausing mid-play to ask, “What’s in this?” It’s hearty enough to pass as dinner, but don’t count on leftovers.
🌶️ Why This Smoked Chili Cheese Dip Is Amazing!
There are a ton of queso recipes out there, but this one hits different. Here’s why this Smoked Chili Queso Dip stands out.
- Smoky, meaty goodness: Using smoked brisket or ground beef turns an ordinary dip into a full-blown meal.
- Flavor depth unlocked: The addition of instant coffee adds a subtle, rich undertone that amplifies the chili spices. This secret ingredient has helped me to win chili competitions!
- Perfect texture: Deli-style yellow American cheese gives you that classic, smooth, dippable consistency every queso lover craves!
- Crowd pleaser: It’s the ultimate appetizer for tailgates, BBQs, or when you want to bring a standout appetizer to your next party!
🧀 Ingredients Shot Smoked Chili Queso Dip
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Dip
Before you grab your chips and start dunking, a few pro moves can take this dip from great to legendary!
- Use the instant coffee! I know, it seems weird. But I always add it to my chili, and this smoked brisket chili has won competitions!
- Keep it smooth: Deli-style American cheese melts like a dream. Don’t skip it, and don’t use the packaged American cheese slices; it has additives that will keep things from melting into a smooth and creamy dip.
- Make ahead: Prep the dip ahead of time and throw it on the smoker 2 hours before you want to serve it. Serve the dip in a slow cooker so that it stays melty and gooey.
- Get extra meaty: Toss in some diced chunks of brisket or pulled pork for bonus flavor.
- Add crunch: Top with Fritos or crushed tortilla chips just before serving for that irresistible salty crunch.
🧀 Try This Other Smoked Queso Dip!
Appetizers
Smoked Queso Dip
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🔁 Substitutions and Variations
You can tweak this queso dip to match your vibe! Get creative, go crazy, make it fun! You can modify all sorts of things to make this dip shine, but below are some suggestions.
- Meat swap: Use chorizo, pulled pork, brisket, or leftover taco meat instead of beef.
- Spice level: Keep it mild with green bell peppers only or crank up the heat with extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Cheese options: Try pepper jack for a little kick or Colby Jack for a creamier melt. Be sure to use American cheese still, though, because this helps to emulsify the dip and keep it creamy and smooth.
- Veggie version: Skip the meat and double up on beans and peppers.
🧊 Storing and Reheating
This dip reheats beautifully, making leftovers (if you have any) a blessing. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring back that creamy texture. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.
❓ FAQ
Absolutely! Bake it in the oven at 225°F for the same amount of time. You’ll lose the smoke, but not the flavor.
A small slow cooker or crockpot set to “warm” is your best friend. Just stir every now and then to keep things gooey and mixed together.
Not recommended. The texture of melted cheese doesn’t hold up well after freezing and thawing.
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Smoked Chili Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (optional for heat)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or kidney beans)
- 1 can black beans , drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoon ancho chili powder, or regular chili powder
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 packet of Starbucks Via instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 32 ounces deli-style yellow American cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the Traeger to 225°F.
- In a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat on the stove, sauté the onion, jalapeño, and bell pepper for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for a quick minute.
- Add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat using a baster and tilting the skillet.
- Add the beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the seasonings and instant coffee, cooking for another 2–3 minutes, mixing well to combine everything.
- Add the American cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Place the skillet in the smoker and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes until everything has melted and combined into a smooth and creamy dip.
- Remove from the smoker, garnish with your choice of toppings (see notes), and serve warm with tortilla chips.
Video
Notes
- Deli-style American cheese gives you that ultra-smooth texture.
- Keep it warm in a crockpot if serving over several hours. Stir occasionally to keep it creamy.
- For extra punch, top with Fritos or crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
