This heavenly vat of cheesy goodness is destined to be the MVP of your next tailgate

If you’re looking for an easy way to make new friends — or simply to impress the ones you already have — doling out a generous serving of Chance Cozby’s delectable smoked queso dip at your next gathering is a slam-dunk strategy.

Cozby, whose food-focused social media accounts (@3PiecesofPecan) boast more than 1.5 million followers, counts this easy-to-make concoction among his popular parking lot go-tos.

“This is not the time to think about healthy options,” he says. “Game-day food should be hearty and something everyone will enjoy. For me, that means making a killer queso with all my favorite ingredients.”

Cozby’s dip delivers a spicy kick, thanks to generous portions of pep- per jack, jalapeños and barbecue rub. While adding protein like chicken or beef is an option, Cozby opts to go without, because the mix of cheeses is heavy enough.

“Growing up in Oklahoma, queso was just a way of life on game day,” he says. “The mix of melted cheese, fire-roasted Rotel, jalapenos and spices on a Frito Scoop or tortilla chip fills you up and gets you ready for kickoff.”

Food

The secret that elevates Cozby’s dip is the Velveeta, thanks to its smooth and creamy texture. He also loves this recipe because it’s easily portable in a slow cooker or foil pan, making it a crowd-pleasing companion at tailgates and any other outdoor gathering.

“You can also put this in an oven-safe container on a low- heat grill to keep it warm,” Cozby says.

Of course, no tailgate dip is complete without a frosty beverage. For Cozby, that means a chilly cerveza like Coors Light or Miller Lite, but he concedes that any cold beer will do.

“On game day we keep it simple,” he says. “Queso and cold beer.”

So, whether you’re getting ready to watch football or the PGA Tour’s Fall Series, make sure this dip is in the mix. You might consider making a double batch because a pre-gamer this delicious will likely be gone before halftime (or the back nine).