Lil Smokie Queso
Author
Let’s dive into one of my all-time favorite game day treats: Lil Smokie Queso. There’s something irresistible about a bubbling pot of cheesy delight that draws everyone in.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just kicking back with friends, this dish is sure to be the star of the show. Once you scoop up that gooey, cheesy dip with those little smokies, you won’t be able to stop!
Why You’ll Love It
It’s incredibly simple to prepare, letting you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the fun. The combination of melted cheese and smokies creates a flavor explosion that’s downright addictive. – It’s super flexible too-serve it with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or just dig in with a spoon (no judgment here!).
Ingredients & Tools
Let’s chat about the ingredients. We’re keeping things straightforward and delicious. You’ll need a package of Lil’ Smokies, which I like to cut into halves or thirds for easy scooping.
The star ingredient? Cream cheese-because who can resist that rich, creamy texture?
We’ll add shredded cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect melty consistency, along with a few slices of pepper jack for a hint of spice. Don’t forget the can of Rotel; it brings a zesty kick that balances the creaminess beautifully. A splash of BBQ sauce adds a sweet, smoky glaze, while a tablespoon of Blazing Star Reaper (or your favorite spicy rub) turns up the heat.
And yes, jalapeños for garnish-absolutely!
You’ll also want a skillet and either a cast iron or baking dish for this recipe. Trust me, using cast iron gives everything that ideal smoky flavor.
How To Make It
Preparation
First up, let’s brown those Lil’ Smokies. Toss them in a skillet over medium heat until they’re golden brown. This step adds depth to the flavors, giving those little bites a crispy edge that’s hard to resist.
Once they’re browned, set them aside.
Next, grab your cast iron or baking dish. In that glorious vessel, combine the cream cheese, drained Rotel, BBQ sauce, Blazing Star Reaper, and most of your diced jalapeños-save a few for garnish later. Mix everything together until you have a creamy, cheesy blend that’s just begging to be heated.
Cooking
Now, here’s where the magic happens. Preheat your smoker (or oven if you prefer) to 325 degrees. Once it’s nice and hot, pop that baking dish in for about 20 minutes.
You’ll want to see a bubbly, golden top that will have everyone drooling. The aroma? It’s going to fill your space with the enticing scent of smoky cheese and spices, making your mouth water.
When the timer goes off, take it out and let it cool for a minute-no one wants a burnt tongue! Garnish with those reserved jalapeños for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving & Variations
So how do you serve this beauty? Grab some tortilla chips and let everyone dig in. Trust me, these little smokies will vanish faster than a cold drink on a hot day.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could serve it with sliced veggies for a lighter option or even some grilled bread for dipping.
Want to spice things up? You could mix in some diced green chiles or even throw in black beans for added texture. And if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), just store it in the fridge and reheat it later for a late-night snack.
Pro Tips / Recipe Notes
Here’s a handy tip: to enhance that smoky flavor even more, consider using smoked cheddar or adding a hint of liquid smoke to the mix. It’s this little extra touch that can elevate your Lil Smokie Queso to another level.
And don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level. If heat isn’t your thing, cut back on the Blazing Star Reaper. But if you love a good kick, feel free to add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce right before serving.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it! Lil Smokie Queso is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s not only easy to whip up but also impossible to resist. You’ll definitely want to double this recipe next time-trust me on that!
Recipe created by Nick Keith for Trust Me Try It.
Ingredients
- 1 package Lil’ Smokies (cut in half or thirds)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 3 slices pepper jack
- 1 can Rotel (drained)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 Tbsp Blazing Star Reaper (or fav spicy rub)
- 2 diced jalapeños
Instructions
- Brown Lil’ Smokies in a skillet, set aside.
- In a cast iron or baking dish, combine cream cheese, Rotel, BBQ sauce, reaper, and most the jalapeño..
- Smoke at 325* for 20 min until golden and bubbling.
- Garnish with jalapeños.