Description
A creamy, smoky, and spicy queso dip made with cured Spanish chorizo and sharp cheddar cheese, smoked low and slow for deep flavor. Perfect for game day and kid-friendly.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) cured Spanish chorizo, sliced into thin coins
- 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 8 oz (225 g) full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 oz (115 g) diced green chiles, drained well
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- White corn tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Slice the cured Spanish chorizo into thin coins and set aside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chorizo and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it releases its oils and becomes slightly crispy.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, and drained green chiles to the skillet.
- Stir gently until the cream cheese begins to melt and the mixture is combined.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using applewood or hickory pellets.
- Transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) or pour the mixture into a heat-proof bowl suitable for smoking.
- Place the dip in the smoker and smoke for 45-60 minutes, stirring gently every 15 minutes to prevent a skin from forming.
- Once smooth and hot, remove from smoker. If too thick, stir in heavy cream one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional smoked paprika or garlic powder if desired.
- Serve immediately with white corn tortilla chips.
Notes
[‘Use cured Spanish chorizo, not fresh Mexican chorizo, for best texture and flavor.’, ‘Always grate your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.’, ‘Drain green chiles thoroughly to avoid a watery dip.’, “Keep the dip warm in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting during the game.”, ‘This dip does not freeze well; store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.’, ‘For a milder version, use mild chorizo and omit the green chiles.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup dip with 6 c
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: smoked queso, chorizo dip, game day snacks, kid-friendly recipes, smoker recipes, cheese dip, party food, easy appetizer