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Smoky, melty, and ridiculously loaded-this Texas Brisket Queso is the cheesy dip your game day food dreams are made of!
Imagine juicy BBQ brisket layered over a creamy, three-cheese queso and finished with a fresh scoop of pico de gallo. Serve it up with tortilla chips, and you've got the ultimate appetizer with brisket-perfect for Super Bowl snacks, potlucks, or your next big backyard BBQ.
As a South Texas home cook with over 25 years of experience, I know what it takes to make a dip that truly stands out.
I've tested and served this recipe at countless gatherings-football watch parties, holiday feasts, and every kind of get-together in between.
One Super Bowl, my brisket queso vanished before halftime-my guests still beg for it every season! This queso is always the first dish gone and the one guests ask for again and again. If you love bold Tex-Mex flavors and real Texas BBQ, this dip is for you!
Table of Contents
Recipe At A Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Yield | 10 servings |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Skill Level | Easy |
| Make Ahead? | Yes, reheats well |
| Main Flavors | Smoky, melty, Tex-Mex, cheesy dip |
| Crowd Pleaser? | Always the first gone! |
| Best For | Game day food, Super Bowl snacks, BBQs, potlucks, parties |
Why You'll Love This Brisket Queso
- Cheesy Dip, Upgraded: Creamy, melty, and packed with flavor-this queso is next-level, crave-worthy game day food.
- Super Bowl Snack Essential: Tailor-made for football season, tailgates, and your holiday appetizer spread.
- Leftover Brisket Magic: The best way to use up BBQ brisket-no boring leftovers here!
- Easy & Foolproof: Tested in my Texas kitchen for reliable results every time.
- Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Mix and match cheeses, adjust the heat, or try it with pulled pork or rotisserie chicken.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, nachos, and all your favorite appetizers.
Why Brisket is Preferred
Brisket isn't just another protein-it's the key to bold, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Adding brisket to queso transforms an ordinary cheesy dip into a true Texas showstopper-juicier, heartier, and absolutely unforgettable. This is the appetizer with brisket your guests will talk about long after the party ends!
Ingredient Notes
- Evaporated Milk & Cornstarch: For a silky, scoopable cheese sauce-no roux needed.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess.
- Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack & Mozzarella: The dream team for melty, stretchy queso with just the right hint of spice.
- Chopped Green Chiles: Classic Tex-Mex flavor and a little kick.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the whole dish.
- Tex-Mex Spices: Chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin bring that authentic flavor.
- Chopped Brisket: Smoky, juicy, and hearty-the star of your game day food lineup.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh, zesty finish (try my homemade pico de gallo).
- Tortilla Chips: For dunking, scooping, and building the best brisket nachos.
Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients with quantities.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- No brisket? Use smoked pulled pork, rotisserie chicken, or seasoned ground beef for a fun twist on this cheesy dip.
- Cheese Options: Swap in white American or Velveeta for classic, extra-smooth queso.
- Like it spicy? Add minced jalapeño or hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free? Try your favorite plant-based cheese and sour cream.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Brisket Queso
- Start the Sauce:
In a large cast iron pan over medium-high heat, pour in the evaporated milk and whisk in the cornstarch. Bring to a simmer and whisk until the milk thickens slightly. - Add Sour Cream:
Stir in the full-fat sour cream and heat through. - Melt in the Cheese:
Add Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Mozzarella a little at a time, stirring as it melts, until the queso is smooth and stretchy. Remove from heat. - Flavor Boost:
Stir in chopped green chiles, fresh lime juice, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. - Prepare the Toppings:
Mix up your pico de gallo in a separate bowl (or use store-bought). See my Pico de Gallo Recipe for the full step by step recipe. - Warm the Brisket:
Heat the chopped brisket in a pan or microwave until hot. - Assemble & Serve:
Pour the queso into a serving dish, top generously with warm brisket and pico de gallo, and serve immediately with tortilla chips.
Pro Tips for Success
- Thin your queso with extra milk for a pourable dip, or leave thick for nachos.
- Ultra-Smooth Texture: Swap some cheese for white American if you love that classic, silky finish.
- Keep Warm: A slow cooker set to "warm" keeps queso melty at parties or as part of your holiday game day spread.
- Make Ahead: Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream if making in advance.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Ground Beef or Pulled Pork Queso: Swap in your favorite protein for endless game day food variety.
- Velveeta Queso: Use Velveeta or white American cheese for a retro party vibe.
- Brisket Nachos: Layer this cheesy dip over tortilla chips and pile on extra brisket, pico, and any other toppings you love.
- Queso Burritos or Baked Potatoes: Spoon over burritos, baked potatoes, or grilled meats for a hearty main dish.
What to Serve with Brisket Queso
- Crispy Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Zesty Pico de Gallo
- Creamy Game Day Guacamole
- Try alongside other crowd-pleasing appetizers, your game day food lineup, or your next grilled meal!
- Use leftovers for brisket queso nachos, burritos, or even over baked potatoes for a quick lunch.
FAQs
Yes-gently reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Whisk constantly while melting the cheese and don’t overheat.
Best fresh, but can freeze-reheat slowly and stir well.
Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack melt perfectly; add mozzarella for stretch, or use Velveeta/American for classic smoothness.
More Dip Recipes
Want more cheesy dip inspiration or easy Super Bowl snacks? Check out all my appetizer recipes and game day favorites for your next crowd-pleasing feast!
Give It A Go!
Make your next game day or party unforgettable with this ultimate Texas Brisket Queso!
Tried it? Leave a comment and rating below-or tag @flavormosaic on Instagram with your brisket queso creations.
Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce can) evaporated milk
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 cup sour cream full fat
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 (4-ounce can) chopped green chiles
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 pound chopped brisket
- Tortilla Chips for serving
- 1 recipe pico de gallo
Instructions
- In a large cast iron pan, over medium-high heat, pour in the milk, and add the cornstarch. Whisk the milk and cornstarch together.
- Bring to a simmer and whisk until the milk begins to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the sour cream and heat through.
- Add the cheeses a little at a time and stir until melted, then add some more, until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the chilis, lime juice, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Combine all the ingredients for the pico de gallo in a separate bowl and stir to combine.
- Heat the brisket in a separate pan until warm (or in the microwave.)
- Top the cheese sauce with the brisket and pico de gallo and serve with chips.
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