If you love bold, smoky flavors combined with creamy, cheesy goodness, you’re in for a real treat with this Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe. This dip has taken social media by storm for its irresistible blend of melted cheeses, smoky chipotle heat, and perfectly spiced ground beef. It’s that kind of recipe that instantly turns any casual gathering into a fiesta, inviting everyone to dig in and share the love over crunchy tortilla chips. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a rich snack, this dip delivers in every bite with its complex layers and velvety texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a distinct role—adding creaminess, smokiness, spice, or freshness—to build a dip that’s as dynamic as it is delicious. Get ready to gather some simple essentials that combine beautifully into this addictive dish.
- 1½ lbs ground beef: Provides a hearty base and savory richness that balances the cheeses perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (divided): Adds that classic Mexican-inspired spice to elevate the beef flavor.
- 16 oz block Velveeta cheese (cut into cubes): Melts smoothly for that quintessential creamy queso texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese (cut into cubes): Brings a tangy creaminess that keeps the dip luscious and silky.
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese: A blend that adds both sharpness and great meltiness.
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp adobo sauce: Infuse smoky heat and depth that make this dip unforgettable.
- 3 jalapenos (sliced): Fresh heat with a crisp bite—seeds optional for milder flavor.
- 2 banana peppers (sliced): Bring a mild tang and subtle crunch to brighten the dish.
- ½ red onion (diced): Adds touch of sharp sweetness and texture.
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained): For a vibrant, slightly spicy kick and juiciness.
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Smooths out the dip and makes it luxuriously creamy.
- ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro (+ more for garnish): Fresh herbaceous notes to cut through richness and add color.
How to Make Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker
Start by placing a cast iron skillet inside your smoker and preheat it to 400°F for about 15 minutes. This preheating is essential to get the perfect sear on the beef and infuse that smoky warmth from the very beginning.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break the beef into smaller pieces as you cook, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning over it. Close the smoker lid and let it brown for roughly 15 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat halfway through. Once cooked, drain excess fat and set the beef aside. This browned, seasoned beef adds a smoky, meaty backbone to the dip.
Step 3: Lower the Smoker Temperature
Reduce the smoker temperature to 375°F, the perfect heat to slowly melt the cheeses without burning while maintaining that gentle smoky flavor throughout cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Other Ingredients
While the smoker settles, get your cheeses cubed and veggies chopped. Cube the Velveeta and cream cheese for even melting. Mince the chipotle peppers along with their adobo sauce to disperse that spicy, smoky punch evenly. Slice the jalapenos and banana peppers, take seeds out if you prefer less heat, and dice the red onion. Lastly, drain the canned tomatoes and green chilies to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
Step 5: Combine and Smoke the Dip
In a large disposable tin foil pan, combine all ingredients except for the heavy cream and cilantro. Place the pan in the smoker and cook for 20 minutes, letting everything begin to meld together. Give it a good stir, then add the heavy cream and chopped cilantro for creaminess and brightness. Stir again and continue to cook for another 25 minutes. This slow smoking process allows the flavors to intensify and the cheese to melt into a dreamy, smooth dip.
Step 6: Finishing Touches and Serving
Carefully remove the hot queso dip from the smoker. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro and some pico de gallo if you like. Serve immediately with plenty of crunchy tortilla chips to scoop up every delicious, smoky bite.
How to Serve Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or pico de gallo not only brightens the dish visually but also introduces fresh, herby vibrancy that cuts through the richness. A squeeze of lime can be a zesty addition as well.
Side Dishes
This queso dip pairs beautifully with classic tortilla chips, but don’t stop there. Try it alongside warm soft pretzels, crunchy veggie sticks, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. It’s an incredibly versatile dip that complements many snacking options.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins for a rustic touch. Layer it in a clear glass dish to showcase the colorful peppers and cheese. Or turn it into a dip bar with multiple toppings like sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and jalapenos so everyone can customize their own flavorful bowl of queso.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover queso dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain the best flavor and avoid condensation.
Freezing
This dip freezes surprisingly well. Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat the dip slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to bring back its smooth texture without burning. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating can help revive its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this dip without a smoker?
Yes, you can make this dip on a stovetop or in an oven. Cook the beef in a skillet first, then combine all ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 375°F, stirring occasionally, until fully melted and bubbly. While you won’t get the smoky flavor, the dip will still be delicious.
How spicy is the Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe?
The dip has a nice smoky heat thanks to the chipotle peppers and jalapenos, but you can easily adjust the spice level by removing the jalapeno seeds or reducing the amount of chipotles and adobo sauce used.
Can I substitute the Velveeta cheese?
Velveeta is key for that ultra-smooth melt. If you prefer, you can use processed cheese or other melting cheeses, but you may lose a bit of the creamy consistency that Velveeta provides.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Absolutely! This Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe makes enough to serve about 20 people, making it perfect for parties, game day, or any festive occasion.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover queso is great warmed up as a dip again or as a sauce over nachos, tacos, or even scrambled eggs. Get creative with your uses to enjoy every last bit!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe that makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time. Creamy, smoky, spicy, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect dish to share with friends and family. If you haven’t tried it yet, this recipe is definitely worth making soon to experience that amazing combination firsthand. Gather your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and get ready to dive into cheesy heaven!
Print
Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Tik Tok Smoked Queso Dip is a rich, smoky, and creamy cheese dip loaded with ground beef, chipotle peppers, jalapenos, and a blend of cheeses. Perfect for parties or game day, it combines a smoky flavor from the smoker with spicy and cheesy elements for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheeses
- 16 oz block Velveeta cheese (cut into cubes)
- 8 oz cream cheese (cut into cubes)
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese
Vegetables and Peppers
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
- 3 jalapenos (sliced, seeds optional for heat control)
- 2 banana peppers (sliced)
- ½ red onion (diced)
- 1 (10oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (drained)
Other
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro (+ more for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker and prepare skillet. Place a cast iron skillet inside the smoker and preheat it to 400°F for 15 minutes to create the right environment for cooking the beef.
- Cook ground beef. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the ground beef to the heated skillet. Break apart the meat, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning over it, close the lid, and cook until browned, about 15 minutes. Stir and turn the meat halfway through cooking. Once browned, drain excess fat and set aside.
- Lower smoker temperature. Reduce the smoker temperature to 375°F to prepare for melting cheese and blending flavors.
- Prep remaining ingredients. While the smoker temperature lowers, cut Velveeta and cream cheese into 1-inch cubes. Mince the chipotle peppers, slice the jalapenos (remove seeds if desired for less heat), slice banana peppers, dice the red onion, and drain the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Combine ingredients and smoke. Add all prepared ingredients except the heavy cream and cilantro into a large disposable tin foil dish. Place the dish inside the smoker and close the lid. Cook for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to start melting and flavors to meld.
- Add cream and cilantro and continue cooking. Stir the mixture to combine, then pour in the heavy whipping cream and chopped cilantro. Stir once again, close the lid, and cook for an additional 25 minutes until the dip is creamy and fully melted.
- Serve the dip. Carefully remove the dish from the smoker. Garnish with additional cilantro and pico de gallo if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips and enjoy the smoky cheesy goodness.
Notes
- To reduce the heat, remove seeds from jalapenos before slicing.
- Using a cast iron skillet and disposable foil dish helps with easy cleanup.
- If you don’t have a smoker, you could use a grill with smoking capabilities or an oven, though the smoky flavor will be reduced.
- For a thicker dip, reduce the heavy cream slightly or cook a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid.
- Adjust chipotle peppers according to your spice preference; they add smoky heat and depth of flavor.
