Here’s a recipe for smoked queso without Velveeta:
Ingredients for Smoked queso without velveeta:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Once the cheese is melted, stir in the milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner queso.
- Season the queso with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
- Transfer the queso to a heatproof dish or cast iron skillet suitable for the smoker.
- Place the dish or skillet in the smoker and smoke for about 30-45 minutes, or until the queso is bubbly and lightly browned on top, with a hint of smoky flavor.
- Once smoked to your liking, remove the queso from the smoker and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite dipping accompaniments.
Enjoy your delicious smoked queso without Velveeta!
FAQs
1. Is queso just melted cheese?
No, queso typically refers to a creamy, melted cheese dip that is often seasoned with various spices and mixed with ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, onions, or herbs. While melted cheese is a key component of queso, the addition of other ingredients enhances its flavor and texture, distinguishing it from plain melted cheese.
2. How do you make smoked queso less thick?
To make smoked queso less thick, you can gradually add more liquid such as milk, cream, or even chicken broth while cooking. Adding the liquid slowly and stirring continuously allows you to control the consistency of the queso. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more liquid until you reach your desired thickness.
3. What is Velveeta Queso Blanco cheese?
Velveeta Queso Blanco cheese is a type of processed cheese product made by Kraft Foods. It is a smooth and creamy white cheese with a mild flavor, specifically formulated for making queso dips. Velveeta Queso Blanco melts easily and smoothly, making it a popular choice for creating cheesy dips and sauces.
4. What can I dip in queso besides chips?
Besides chips, there are numerous options for dipping in queso. Some popular choices include:
– Sliced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, celery, or cucumbers.
– Breadsticks, pretzels, or crackers.
– Tortilla strips or wedges.
– Cooked chicken or steak strips.
– Soft pretzel bites or nuggets.
– Miniature meatballs or sausage bites.
– Nachos or tater tots.
Feel free to experiment with different dippers to find your favorite combination with queso!
