How to Make Delicious Traeger Smoked Queso

Chili con queso, a beloved party staple, gets an upgrade with the smoky flavors of Traeger's wood pellet grills. This recipe, crafted by Doug Scheiding, combines the robust flavors of pork sausage, two types of cheese, and a hint of spice from chiles. Let's explore this delectable smoked queso dip and how you can recreate it for your next gathering.

Ingredients

To prepare this smoky and cheesy delight, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 Pound Hot Pork Sausage: Adds a spicy, savory base to the dip.
• 2 lb Block of Velveeta Cheese (cut into large pieces): Provides a creamy texture.
• 1 Pound Smoked Gouda Cheese (cut into cubes): Adds a rich, smoky flavor.
• 1 Can (10 oz) RO*TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Offers a mild heat and tang.
• 1 Can (10 oz) RO*TEL Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Enhances the smokiness.
• 1 Can (10 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a silky consistency.
• 4 Tablespoons Traeger Coffee Rub: Imparts a unique, robust seasoning.
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped): Adds freshness and color.
• Tortilla Chips: For serving and dipping.

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Sausage:

   • Heat a medium cast iron skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the pork sausage and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into small chunks. Remove from heat.

2. Preheat the Grill:

   • Set the Traeger grill to 350°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a 4-5 quart cast iron Dutch oven or oven-safe dish, mix Velveeta, smoked Gouda, RO*TEL tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cooked sausage, and Traeger Coffee Rub.

4. Smoke the Queso:

   • Place the Dutch oven on the grill grates.
   • Close the lid and smoke for about 45 minutes, stirring 3-4 times until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
   • Add most of the cilantro in the last 5 minutes of smoking.

5. Serve:

   • Sprinkle the remaining cilantro on top.
   • Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy your smoked chili con queso.

Tips for the Perfect Smoked Queso

• Use Quality Wood Pellets: Hickory pellets add a robust flavor that complements the cheese and sausage.
• Stir Regularly: This ensures even melting and prevents the cheese from sticking to the pot.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of Traeger Coffee Rub or add other spices to suit your taste.

Conclusion

This smoked chili con queso is a rich, flavorful dip that's sure to impress your guests. By following this recipe, you'll create a deliciously smoky and creamy queso perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the blend of cheeses, the kick from the sausage and chiles, and the unique smokiness that only a Traeger grill can provide.