Smoked Queso With Roasted Poblano Tomatillo Salsa

September 12, 2025

Some recipes were made for the smoker, and this queso is one of them. At its heart is a roasted poblano tomatillo salsa that layers smoky, earthy heat with tangy brightness. Fold that salsa into a creamy base of cheese, evaporated milk, and half & half, then let the smoker finish the job. The queso absorbs just enough wood smoke to deepen the flavor without losing its silky texture. Every bite delivers a balance of fire-roasted salsa, melty cheese, and bold seasoning from Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub. This is queso that turns a bowl of chips into the centerpiece of the party.

Smoked Queso With Roasted Poblano Tomatillo Salsa

Rated 5.0 stars by 4 users

Cuisine

Amreican

Author: Glenn Connaughton

Glenn Connaughton

Servings

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

1 hour

Calories

260

When queso hits the smoker, it transforms into something bigger than the sum of its parts. The salsa verde, made with skillet-roasted poblanos and tomatillos, brings brightness and gentle heat, while the creamy cheese base provides richness and comfort. By seasoning with Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub instead of plain salt and pepper, you build in layers of savory, peppery depth that tie the whole dish together. The final touch comes from the smoke itself, infusing the queso with a flavor that can’t be replicated on the stovetop. Top it with more salsa before serving, and you’ve got a showstopper dip for any backyard cookout or game day spread.

Cook Mode

Ingredients

For the Roasted Poblano Tomatillo Salsa

4 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed
2 poblano peppers
2 cloves garlic, peeled
½ small white onion, quartered
1 jalapeño, stemmed (optional, for extra heat)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub

For the Queso

2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola, avocado, or vegetable oil)
½ medium white onion, minced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon flour
1 5-ounce can evaporated milk
1 large pinch Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub
3 cups Mexican-blend shredded cheese
¾–1 cup half & half (start with ¾ cup, add more if needed for a looser consistency)

Directions

Char the Salsa Vegetables: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomatillos, poblanos, garlic, onion, and jalapeño (if using). Cook, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are charred and softened on all sides, about 10–12 minutes. Remove vegetables from the skillet and transfer to a blender.
Make the Salsa: Blend the charred vegetables with cilantro, lime juice, and kosher salt until smooth. Set aside.
Start the Queso Base: In the same cast-iron skillet, heat neutral oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sauté about 5 minutes until softened.
Build the Roux: Sprinkle flour over onion mixture, stir, and cook for 2 minutes.
Add Dairy and Seasoning: Stir in evaporated milk, cooking 3–5 minutes until thickened and hot. Season with a large pinch of Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub.
Melt the Cheese: Add shredded cheese and stir until incorporated (mixture will be thick). Slowly stir in ¾ cup half & half, adding up to 1 cup if needed until queso is slightly looser than your final desired texture. It will thicken on the smoker.
Stir in Salsa: Mix the roasted poblano tomatillo salsa into the queso until very hot and blended.
Smoke the Queso: Place the skillet directly on a 225°F smoker using mild wood like hickory, apple, or pecan. Smoke for 30–45 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Serve: Remove from smoker and spoon additional roasted poblano tomatillo salsa over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Recipe Note

This smoked queso with roasted poblano tomatillo salsa is the perfect dip for backyard BBQs, game day gatherings, or anytime you want a bold, crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of creamy cheese, smoky salsa, and savory seasoning from Revolution Barbecue Texas Beef BBQ Rub makes it a standout. Find this recipe and more at Revolution Barbecue.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, and should only be used as an approximation

Serving Size 1 serving (125 grams)
Calories 260, Fat 18 grams, Polyunsaturated Fat 2 milligrams, Monounsaturated Fat 6 milligrams, Carbs 10 grams, Protein 13 grams, Potassium 270 milligrams, Fiber 1 grams, Sodium 540 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, Iron .6 milligrams