Traeger smoked queso recipe

Here’s a recipe for Traeger smoked queso:

Ingredients for Traeger smoked queso recipe:

• 1 pound block of Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/4 cup diced green chilies
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger pellet grill to 250°F (120°C) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large disposable aluminum pan or a cast iron skillet, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and shredded pepper jack cheese.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, diced red onion, diced bell peppers, and chopped fresh cilantro to the cheese mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the cheese and vegetable mixture. Stir again until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Place the pan or skillet directly on the preheated Traeger grill grate. Close the lid and smoke the queso for about 1 hour, or until it is hot, bubbly, and has absorbed a nice smoky flavor. Stir the queso occasionally to ensure even smoking.
6. Once the queso is ready, carefully remove it from the grill using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Be cautious as the pan or skillet will be hot.
7. Serve the smoked queso immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious Traeger smoked queso as a tasty appetizer or snack!

FAQs

1. What wood do you use to smoke queso?

Answer: When smoking queso, you can use a variety of wood pellets or chips to impart different flavors. Popular options include hickory, mesquite, applewood, pecan, or cherry wood. Each type of wood offers its own unique aroma and intensity, allowing you to tailor the flavor profile of your smoked queso to your preferences.

2. How do you make smoked queso less thick?

Answer: If your smoked queso turns out thicker than desired, there are a few ways to adjust the consistency. One method is to gradually stir in small amounts of liquid, such as milk or cream, until you reach the desired thickness. Alternatively, you can add additional cheese or a bit of salsa or diced tomatoes to help thin out the queso. Remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the flavor balance. Adjusting the heat or cooking time during the smoking process can also influence the thickness of the queso. Experiment with these methods until you achieve the perfect creamy texture for your smoked queso.