Description

A smoky, spicy, and creamy queso dip made with chorizo and jalapenos, cooked slowly on a grill or smoker for a stress-free game day snack.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 pound Mexican-style chorizo sausage
2–3 medium jalapenos, diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Tortilla chips, for serving
Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, sliced jalapenos

Instructions

Set up your grill for indirect heat at 225-250°F (107-121°C). Add soaked wood chips (hickory or mesquite) to the coals or smoker box for steady smoke.
Cook the chorizo in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up, until browned and fat renders (5-7 minutes).
Add diced onions and jalapenos to the chorizo in the last 2 minutes. Add minced garlic in the final 30 seconds. Drain excess liquid if necessary, keeping the flavorful fat.
Transfer the chorizo and vegetable mixture into a cast iron skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Do not stir yet.
Drizzle heavy cream over the cheese.
Place the cast iron skillet on the indirect heat side of the grill (away from direct coals). Close the lid and smoke for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove skillet from grill. Stir gently until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of cream if too thick, or let sit to thicken if too thin. Taste and add salt if needed.
Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Notes

Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that cause graininess. Keep heat low and slow to prevent the cheese from separating. Chorizo varies in spice level, so adjust jalapenos accordingly. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl with tortilla
Calories: 380
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 650
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 1
Protein: 18

Keywords: smoked queso, game day snack, chorizo dip, jalapeno queso, smoker recipes, easy appetizer, party food