Looking for an easy but flavorful appetizer? This smoked cream cheese recipe is a need to try! It transforms regular cream cheese into a smoky, savory pleasure with minimum attempt. Learning the way to smoke cream cheese is simple—simply coat the cheese block with the nice rub for smoked cream cheese, and permit the smoker to do the magic. The result is a creamy, delicious dip best for pairing with crackers, chips, or veggies.
You also can discover a laugh smoked cream cheese versions by including toppings like jalapeños, bacon, or the whole lot bagel seasoning to fit any occasion!
Ingredient and Substitutions
- Cream Cheese – Stick with a block of cream cheese instead of the whipped kind.Full-fat cream cheese is first-class because it gives the richest, creamiest texture and holds up better throughout cooking.
- Sweet BBQ Rub – Any shop-sold mixture will do, however, I love making my own at domestic to quality-music the stability of spices. The ideal rub is each candy and spicy, with just the right amount of black pepper for an ambitious kick.
- Vegetable Oil – While everyday vegetable oil works nicely, olive oil adds a chunk of extra complexity with its subtle floral notes. Avocado oil is another amazing desire for an impartial flavor and excessive smoke point.
- Onions & Jalapeños – These are optional, but in addition, this combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors enhances the overall aroma
Equipment:
Smoker (or grill with a smoker box)
Wood chips (Applewood, hickory, or mesquite recommended)
Foil or baking sheet
Nutritional Information (Per 2 tbsp serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 90kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 95mg |
Instructions: How to Smoke Cream Cheese:
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F. If using a grill, set it up with oblique heat and add a smoker field with wood chips.
- Prepare the cream cheese: Place the block on a foil-covered tray. Score the pinnacle right into a crosshatch sample to help the seasoning take in.
Brush with olive oil and sprinkle generously with your preference of rub. - Smoke for 2 hours at 225°F (or ninety mins at 250°F) until the top is golden brown and gentle.
- Serve immediately with crackers, chips, or bread, and enjoy the warm, smoky taste.
Key Tips for the Best Smoked Cream Cheese
Adjust the Temperature
If you’re smoking other objects simultaneously, healthy the smoker’s temperature to the one’s dishes. The cream cheese will still turn out extremely good whether or not you smoke it at 225°F, 250°F, or maybe 275°F.
Use Your Favorite Rubs
BBQ rubs, taco seasoning, or maybe Everything Bagel seasoning work well. Feel unfastened to test primarily based on your possibilities.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until softened.
How to Serve Smoked Cream Cheese
- Vegetables: Celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell peppers add freshness
- Crackers or Bagel Chips: Sturdy crackers complement the soft texture.
- Toasted Baguette: Perfect for a more filling snack or appetizer.
- Kettle Chips: Add a satisfying crunch alongside the creaminess.
Creative Variations
Jalapeño Popper Smoked Cream Cheese
Top with jalapeños and bacon bits for a highly spiced kick.
Sweet Option: Apple Pie Smoked Cream Cheese
Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey for a dessert-like treat.
Mediterranean Style
Add olives, oregano, and solar-dried tomatoes for a savory twist.
Everything Bagel Cream Cheese
Use Everything Bagel seasoning and serve with bagel chips for a fun brunch appetizer.
Smoked Cream Cheese
Equipment
- Smoker (or grill with a smoker box)
- Wood chips (applewood, hickory, or mesquite recommended)
- Foil or baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 block of cream cheese (8 oz, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1-2 tbsp BBQ dry rub (or any seasoning of your choice)
- Olive oil (for brushing (for brushing)
- Optional toppings: jalapeños, hot honey, bacon bits, or pecans
For BBQ Dry Rub :
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp kosher salt (avoid substituting with table salt—see notes)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- ½ tbsp onion powder
- ½ tbsp smoked or normal paprika
- ½ tbsp chili powder (add more if you prefer extra heat)
- r½ tablespoon smoked or regular paprika½ tablespoon chili powder (add more if you prefer extra heat)
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F. If using a grill, set it up with oblique heat and add a smoker field with wood chips.
- Prepare the cream cheese: Place the block on a foil-covered tray. Score the pinnacle right into a crosshatch sample to help the seasoning take in.
- Mix collectively your dry rub if you're making it now.
- Brush with olive oil (absolutely coating the outer surface) and sprinkle generously with your preference of rub.
- Smoke for 2 hours at 225°F (or ninety mins at 250°F) until the top is golden brown and gentle.
- Serve immediately with crackers, chips, or bread, and enjoy the warm, smoky taste.
Notes
How Long Does It Take to Smoke Cream Cheese?
At 225°F, it takes approximately 2 hours. If smoking at 250°F, lessen the time to 90 mins.
Does Cream Cheese Melt within the Smoker?
No, it softens however holds its form. The crosshatch scoring facilitates it to take in flavors without collapsing.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, even though the feel can be barely more impregnable, and the taste less wealthy.
How Do You Store Smoked Cream Cheese?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a few days in an airtight field
Can I Freeze Smoked Cream Cheese?
Freezing isn’t always recommended, as it may alter the texture whilst thawed.
Final Thoughts:
Smoked cream cheese is a smooth and low-price way to have an effect on site visitors or enjoy a comfortable nighttime. With only some elements and minimal attempt, you may create a scrumptious appetizer that pairs nicely with loads of dips and dippers. Whether you decide on particularly spiced, sweet, or savory, there’s a model of smoked cream cheese for each flavor. Try it at your next gathering—you won’t be disappointed!
