If you are craving a creamy, spicy, and smoky crowd-pleaser, this TikTok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe will be your new obsession. Combining rich cheeses, smoky chipotle peppers, tender ground beef, and a zesty kick from jalapeños and banana peppers, this dip is packed with layers of flavor that will have everyone reaching for more. The magic happens inside the smoker, where everything melds together with a hint of wood-fired goodness, making it the perfect appetizer for parties or cozy nights in. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure cheesy happiness that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this TikTok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe is in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a complex flavor profile. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creaminess of Velveeta and cream cheese to the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and the fresh brightness of cilantro.
- 1½ lbs ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory base that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (divided): Infuses the beef with classic Mexican-inspired spice and depth.
- 16 oz block Velveeta cheese (cubed): Melts smoothly for that signature creamy queso texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese (cubed): Brings richness and silkiness to the dip.
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese: A blend that adds sharp, tangy flavor and meltability.
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo + 2 tbsp adobo sauce: Delivers smoky heat and complexity.
- 3 jalapeños (sliced): Adds fresh spice; seeds can be removed to tame the heat.
- 2 banana peppers (sliced): Offers a mild tangy crunch that complements the other peppers.
- ½ red onion (diced): Provides a sweet sharpness and texture contrast.
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained): Brings moisture and subtle, savory flavor.
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the dip extra creamy and smooth.
- ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro + extra for garnish: Brightens the dip with a fresh herbal note.
How to Make TikTok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Smoker and Brown the Beef
Start by placing a cast iron skillet inside your smoker and preheating it to 400°F for 15 minutes. This creates the perfect environment for cooking your ground beef with a smoky flavor. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then the ground beef to the hot skillet. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning over the meat. Let it cook, breaking it apart and turning it halfway through until it’s beautifully browned, which takes about 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain excess grease to keep the dip rich but not oily, then set the beef aside.
Step 2: Lower Smoker Temperature and Prepare Ingredients
Reduce the smoker’s heat to 375°F. While it’s cooling, you can prep the rest of the ingredients. Cube your Velveeta and cream cheese so they melt evenly. Mince the chipotle peppers and slice the jalapeños and banana peppers; removing jalapeño seeds is an easy way to tame the heat if you prefer milder bites. Dice the red onion and make sure to drain that can of diced tomatoes and green chilies well to avoid excess liquid in the dip.
Step 3: Combine and Smoke the Dip
In a large disposable aluminum pan, combine all ingredients except for the heavy cream and cilantro. This layering ensures the flavors meld perfectly during the initial smoking phase. Place the pan into your smoker and close the lid, allowing it to cook for 20 minutes. This step is where the smoky flavor really starts to infuse every cheesy bite.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cilantro, Finish Cooking
After the first 20 minutes, take the dip out and give everything a good stir to blend the ingredients smoothly. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the fresh cilantro; these finishers add creaminess and brightness that balance out the smoky and spicy flavors. Close the lid and smoke for an additional 25 minutes to let everything come together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the hot dip from the smoker and garnish with extra cilantro and pico de gallo if you like. Serve immediately with plenty of tortilla chips for scooping. The warm, smoky, spicy, and cheesy dip will quickly become everyone’s favorite appetizer at the table!
How to Serve TikTok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make all the difference when serving this dip. Bright chopped cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness, while pico de gallo brings in a cool, zesty contrast. You can also sprinkle additional diced jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra kick and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
TikTok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips, but don’t stop there! Try serving it alongside crispy vegetable sticks like bell peppers, carrots, or cucumber slices for a lighter option. For heartier fare, it also complements grilled meats or can be spooned over baked potatoes for a decadent snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your party up a notch by serving the dip in a rustic cast iron skillet to keep it warm longer. Or try hollowing out a round bread bowl to make an edible container—your guests will love the novelty. You can also portion it into small ramekins for individual servings if you want to make a more elegant appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This smoky queso dip keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it carefully to maintain its creamy texture and reheat it gently to avoid separation or toughness.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftover dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the cream cheese and Velveeta might change slightly after thawing, but the dip will still taste delicious once reheated.
Reheating
Reheat your stored TikTok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even warmth and to keep the cheese smooth and melty. Adding a splash of cream or milk while reheating can help restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make TikTok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe without a smoker?
Absolutely! While the smoker adds a wonderful smoky depth, you can use a regular grill with wood chips, your oven with a touch of liquid smoke, or even a slow cooker. The flavor will still be fantastic, just slightly different in smokiness.
What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If Velveeta isn’t available, you can use a combination of processed cheese and shredded cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamy texture, although the smoothness might vary a bit.
Is this dip very spicy?
It has a noticeable kick from chipotle peppers and jalapeños, but you can always adjust the heat by removing jalapeño seeds or swapping banana peppers for bell peppers. Adding cayenne pepper after cooking is a good way to customize the spice level too.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef or replace it with a plant-based meat alternative. This creates a delicious vegetarian version with less cooking time and all the great flavors intact.
How long does it take to cook this dip in total?
Including prep and cooking times, expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Most of that is hands-off smoking, so it’s perfect for entertaining where you want to spend more time with guests and less in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this unbelievably delicious TikTok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe that will steal the show at any gathering. It’s creamy, smoky, spicy, and bursting with flavor, making it a must-try for cheese lovers and fans of bold appetizers. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed queso any other way. Trust me, this dip is a total game changer!
Print
TikTok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American, Mexican Inspired
Description
This viral TikTok Smoked Queso Dip is a smoky, spicy appetizer made with ground beef, melty cheeses, chipotle peppers, jalapenos, and flavorful taco seasoning, all cooked low and slow in a smoker for perfect melded flavors. Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering, this creamy dip combines textures and heat for an irresistible starter served with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Meat & Seasoning
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheeses & Cream
- 16 oz block Velveeta cheese, cut into 1″ cubes
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into 1″ cubes
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Peppers & Vegetables
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- 3 jalapenos, sliced (seeds optional to reduce spice)
- 2 banana peppers, sliced
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
Herbs & Garnish
- ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro + more for garnish
- Pico de gallo for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Smoker: Place a cast iron skillet inside the smoker and preheat to 400°F for 15 minutes to get the cooking environment ready.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the ground beef to the skillet. Break apart the meat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning over it. Close the lid and cook the beef until browned, about 15 minutes, stirring and breaking apart halfway through. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Lower Smoker Temperature: Reduce the smoker temperature to 375°F to prepare for assembling the queso dip.
- Prepare Remaining Ingredients: Cube Velveeta and cream cheese, mince chipotle peppers, slice jalapenos (remove seeds if preferred), slice banana peppers, dice red onion, and drain diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Combine Ingredients in Foil Dish: In a large disposable tin foil dish, add all ingredients except the heavy cream and cilantro: cooked beef, Velveeta, cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, jalapenos, banana peppers, diced onion, and drained tomatoes and green chilies.
- Smoke Initial Cooking: Place the dish in the smoker and cook for 20 minutes to start melting and blending the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cilantro: Remove the dish briefly, stir the mixture thoroughly, then pour in the heavy whipping cream and the chopped cilantro. Stir again to combine well.
- Finish Cooking the Dip: Return the dish to the smoker and cook for an additional 25 minutes, allowing the dip to fully meld and become creamy.
- Serve: Carefully remove the dip from the smoker. Garnish with fresh pico de gallo and extra cilantro if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk or evaporated milk can be used as a substitute.
- Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of the Mexican cheese blend for a milder flavor.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to taste after cooking.
- You can make this dip without a smoker by using a regular grill, oven, or slow cooker. Add liquid smoke if not using a smoker for smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian variation: omit the ground beef or substitute with a plant-based alternative; cooking time reduces to about 45 minutes.
- Sausage variation: replace ground beef with ground sausage for a different flavor profile.
- To reduce heat, substitute banana or jalapeno peppers with diced bell peppers.