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Loaded Brisket Queso Dip

Loaded Brisket Queso Dip - featured image

This Loaded Brisket Queso Dip is a creamy, smoky, and hearty appetizer packed with real smoked brisket, melty cheeses, and bold Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or any gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s dangerously easy to make and customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Ro-Tel), undrained
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked smoked brisket, chopped or shredded
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fried onions or crispy bacon pieces (optional)
  • Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir to coat the onions and garlic with spices.
  3. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add cubed cream cheese and pour in milk. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is creamy. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth between each addition.
  4. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (including liquid). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until combined and silky.
  5. Reserve a handful of chopped brisket for topping. Fold the rest into the hot queso base, letting it warm through for 2 minutes. If using, drizzle in barbecue sauce and stir lightly.
  6. Pour the queso into a serving bowl or oven-safe skillet. (Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for a bubbly, golden top.) Top with reserved brisket, pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and crispy onions or bacon, if using.
  7. Serve immediately with tortilla chips. If the queso thickens as it sits, stir or microwave for 30 seconds to loosen.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese for a smoother dip. Keep heat low to avoid grainy queso. Substitute brisket with pulled pork or chicken if desired. For a vegetarian version, use black beans or roasted corn. Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties. Adjust spice level with more or less jalapeño or chili powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: queso dip, brisket queso, Super Bowl appetizer, game day dip, cheese dip, Tex-Mex, party snack, loaded queso, brisket dip