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Flavorful Smoked Queso Dip with Chorizo and Rotel

smoked queso dip with chorizo and rotel - featured image

A smoky, spicy, and creamy queso dip featuring chorizo and Rotel tomatoes, perfect for game days and parties. This dip combines bold flavors with a smooth texture and a unique smoky twist from the grill or smoker.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces Mexican chorizo sausage, casing removed
  • 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies
  • 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your smoker or grill for indirect heat at about 225°F. Add soaked wood chips (hickory or mesquite) for smoky aroma. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Cook the chorizo in a cast iron skillet over medium heat on the stove, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Stir in the entire can of Rotel (including juices) to the chorizo and warm through for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Lower heat to low. Gradually add cubed Velveeta and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring frequently. Slowly pour in milk, stirring to combine into a smooth, creamy mixture. This takes about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin evenly. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the smoker or grill’s indirect heat zone. Close the lid and smoke the dip for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened with a delicate smoky aroma.
  7. After smoking, stir in fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve warm.

Notes

If the dip thickens too much while smoking, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it. Keep smoker temperature around 225°F to avoid cheese separation or burning. Use fresh wood chips soaked for 30 minutes for best smoke flavor. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives. For vegetarian, omit chorizo and add smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked queso dip, chorizo dip, Rotel queso, smoky cheese dip, game day dip, party appetizer, creamy queso, spicy dip