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Pioneer Queso Blanco

Chef Mandy Tanner

Servings

8 to 10

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

A smoked Pioneer Burger crumbled into an easy homemade queso blanco is the perfect party appetizer for Cinco de Mayo. A blend of seasonings added to the burger before smoking enhances the savory and smoky flavor. This recipe can easily be made on a stovetop if you don’t have access to a smoker. Simply cook the Pioneer burger in a pan, and crumble the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula while cooking. The chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika will add lots of smoky flavor to the beef. Fresh tomatoes add some brightness to this creamy cheese dip. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, or sliced veggies for added freshness.

Pioneer Queso Blanco

Ingredients

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    • 1 (8 oz) SRF Pioneer Burger

    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

    • ½ teaspoon chili powder

    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

    • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder

    • 2 teaspoon avocado oil, or other cooking oil

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    • 2 lb white American cheese, such as Velveeta Queso Blanco, cubed

    • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

    • 2 Roma or plum tomatoes, finely diced

    • Fresh cilantro, for serving, optional

    • Lime slices, for serving, optional

    • Tortilla chips, for serving, optional

    Directions

    1. Preheat the smoker to 250°F.

    2. Prepare the Pioneer Burger Rub; In a small bowl, add the kosher salt, paprika, chili powder, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and onion powder, and stir to combine. Season the Pioneer Burger on all sides with the rub.

    3. Place the seasoned burger patty on a rack in the smoker, and smoke for 20 minutes. Remove the burger patty from the smoker.

    4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of cooking oil. Place the smoked burger patty in the pan and crumble the beef using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until browned completely, stirring frequently.

    5. Meanwhile, prepare the Queso Blanco; In a medium sauce pot over medium-low heat, add the cheese, can of chiles, and the diced tomatoes. Cook, stirring frequently until the cheese has melted and is bubbling and the flavors come together, 8-10 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.

    6. Transfer the Queso Blanco to a warm serving dish, and top with the crumbled Pioneer Burger, and garnish with cilantro, as desired. Serve warm with chips and fresh lime, if desired. Enjoy!