If you’re looking for something that’ll turn any game night or dinner party into a complete fiesta, this recipe for smoked queso dip is perfect. It includes an unbeatable trifecta of cheeses for a ridiculously smooth and velvety texture that’ll keep you dunking tortilla chips all night long.

The mellow creaminess from the American and cream cheeses is glorious, but don’t even get me started on the sharp bite from the pepper jack!

It’s no secret that cheesy dips are always amazing. But what sets this smoked queso dip apart is the addition of bacon, ground chorizo, and a generous helping of garlic and spices.

These ingredients give the dip a seriously aromatic base with a super-savory, irresistible flavor. Throw in the heavy hit of spice from the jalapeño peppers, and it’s easy to see why this dip is unbeatable!

Requiring just a bit of prep work and ideal for feeding large groups, you’ll be pulling out this smoked queso dip recipe time and again. What can I say? It’s a crowd-pleaser!

Drizzle the queso over these Blackstone smash burger sliders, or get crazy and dip your tri-tip sandwich in a bowl of this cheesy sauce.

💪 Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It contains a glorious mix of cheeses for a slightly sharp and creamy flavor.
  
• The addition of chorizo and bacon offers a meaty bite that instantly lifts the dip.
  
• It’s incredibly simple to make and prepared in one pan for easy clean-up!
  
• The Traeger infuses the dip with a next-level smoky flavor that perfectly complements the cheese.
  
• You can easily customize the meats or veggies for a unique take on the classic recipe.

🍽 Here Are The Ingredients

This recipe for smoked queso dip is very easy to make. Simply dice and chop up these ingredients and throw them into a baking pan or casserole dish. Scroll down to the recipe card for a printout of the ingredients.

• Ground chorizo. Chorizo is best for spiciness and richness, but you can use mild breakfast sausage or ground beef if you don’t like fiery flavors.
  
• Red bell pepper. Lends the dish crunch, sweetness, and brightness.
  
• Yellow onion. Offers a slightly sweet flavor that forms the base.
  
• Jalapeño peppers. It’s best to deseed your jalapeño peppers, but leave them in if you’re not afraid of serious spice!
  
• Garlic cloves. For a delicate and aromatic flavor.
  
• Spiceology’s El Mariachi Mexican seasoning. To create a base of smoky flavors and lend the dip an authentic spice. You can use any Mexican seasoning mix.
  
• Deli-style white American cheese. Gives the dish a classic cheese flavor that’s incredibly creamy. You can use Velveeta cheese if you prefer, but I like American cheese’s flavor, texture, and color more. Also, you can use any cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, but they are not as smooth when melted.
  
• Cream cheese. For a smooth and melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  
• Pepper jack cheese. Gives the dip a hit of spice and sharpness. Switch it out for Monterey Jack if you don’t like pepper jack!
  
• Bacon. For additional crunch and pleasant saltiness.
  
• Additional toppings (optional). I love adding guacamole, a bit of sour cream, and cilantro, but the sky’s the limit.

👨‍🍳 How To Make It

This recipe is super easy, and you will be dipping into the smoked queso before you know it. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full instructions.

1. Preheat the Traeger.
   
2. Cook the ground chorizo until it’s browned and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
   
3. Add the bell pepper, yellow onion, and jalapeño and cook until the onions have started to soften.
   
4. Add the garlic and a small amount of Mexican seasoning and continue cooking.
   
5. Transfer the cooked veggies to a baking pan and add the cooked chorizo.
   
6. Add all three kinds of cheese and the rest of the Mexican seasoning to the pan.
   
7. Place the baking pan into the Traeger and smoke until the cheese has melted completely (don’t forget to stir regularly!).
   
8. While the queso is smoking, cook the bacon in the oven.
   
9. Drain any extra oil from the bacon and crumble it into pieces before adding it to the queso.
   
10. Add additional toppings, serve, and enjoy!

😉 Tips For Success

• I always recommend using deli-style American cheese as it melts well and doesn’t have the strange flavor or additives that Velveeta has.
  
• Speaking of cheese, it’s a good idea to ask the deli for the cheese in blocks instead of slices at any deli counter. Also, don’t purchase the Kraft Singles slices of American cheese because this will take ages to unwrap each slice.
  
• For the pepper jack cheese, purchase it in a block and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains added cellulose that affects how it melts!
  
• It’s important to regularly stir your queso to stop it from sticking to the bottom of your pan.
  
• If you want more spice, feel free to add crushed pepper flakes or Serrano peppers which are significantly spicier than jalapeños.
  
• I usually make this with a regular 8-inch round pan or 9-inch square pan, but feel free to use a disposable dish of the same dimensions for fuss-free clean-up after a party.
  
• If you want to reheat the queso dip to enjoy it the next day, I recommend transferring it to a Crockpot and warming it slowly. Be careful how many times you reheat the queso. Eventually, the queso dip will break, and it will become oily. Reheating once or twice should be OK.

❓ FAQ

 🛠 Tools and Equipment

If you click on some of the following affiliate links and buy something, we might get a small commission. You don’t pay any extra, but it will help us keep the lights on and our bellies full!

• This Traeger Timberline 1300 and these signature blend pellets to go along with it.
  
• A beautiful John Boos maple butcher block for chopping and prepping.
  
• Every chef needs a great knife, and this Shun chef’s knife is my go-to.
  
• This Lodge 3-quart cast iron casserole dish.

🤤 Try Out These Other Recipes

• Smoked shotgun shells are manicotti shells packed full of cheese and sausage, wrapped in bacon, and smothered in BBQ sauce. You have to try them!
  
• Need a dessert perfect for the outdoors? Try out this Traeger s’mores dip, fit for any outdoor gathering.
  
• Speaking of a cheesy time, this smoked jalapeño popper mac and cheese is to die for!
  
• Do you have a Blackstone griddle? If not, you need to get one so you can make these Blackstone Philly cheesesteak sandwiches!

🎁 Wrap Up

Whether you’re looking to spice up chili night or simply need to pull out the stops for dinner party guests, this recipe never disappoints. So, grab the chips and prepare to have this dip hoovered up in minutes!

💬 Tell Me What You Think!

Did you try out this recipe? Please leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it. Also, snap a picture and post it to your favorite social platform. Be sure to tag me at @alicensetogrill and let me know how you liked it!

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