Smoked Cream Cheese: The Ultimate Savory Treat for Your Smoker

Imagine a block of cream cheese transformed into a smoky, creamy masterpiece, topped with a flavorful BBQ rub that adds just the right kick. Smoked Cream Cheese is a game-changer for your appetizer lineup, perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a solo indulgence. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly versatile, and bound to impress everyone at the table.

Whether you’re new to smoking or a seasoned pitmaster, this recipe will take your smoking skills to a whole new level.

Why Smoked Cream Cheese Is So Popular

Smoked cream cheese has taken the food world by storm—and for good reason! It combines the rich, smooth texture of cream cheese with the complex flavors of smoke and spices. The result is a dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to tweak the seasoning to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Smoked Cream Cheese

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
Cream Cheese	8 oz (1 block)	No preparation needed
BBQ Dry Rub	2 Tbsp	Homemade or store-bought
Olive Oil	1 Tbsp	For coating
Spray Oil	As needed	For greasing the foil

BBQ Dry Rub (Optional Homemade Recipe)

Ingredient	Quantity
Dark Brown Sugar	¼ cup
Kosher Salt	2 Tbsp
Garlic Powder	1 Tbsp
Black Pepper	½ Tbsp
Onion Powder	½ Tbsp
Smoked Paprika	½ Tbsp
Chili Powder	½ Tbsp

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Value
Calories	150
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fat	13g
Sodium	220mg

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Smoked Cream Cheese

1. Preheat Your Smoker

• Set your smoker to 200°F. If you’re smoking other items simultaneously, adjust the temperature to anywhere between 180°F and 250°F—the cream cheese will be fine at any temperature within this range.

2. Prepare the BBQ Dry Rub

• If making the dry rub from scratch, mix all the ingredients (dark brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder) in a small bowl.

3. Prep the Cream Cheese

• Line a small baking sheet with foil and grease it lightly with spray oil.
• Drizzle the cream cheese block with olive oil, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
• Dust the cream cheese with the BBQ dry rub, covering all sides generously.

4. Score the Cream Cheese

• Use a sharp knife to score the top of the cream cheese block in a cross-hatch pattern. This helps the smoke penetrate deeper and gives the final dish an attractive presentation.

5. Smoke the Cream Cheese

• Place the prepared cream cheese on the baking sheet and into the smoker.
• Smoke for 1–2 hours, depending on your preferred level of smokiness. Two hours will give you a deeper flavor and firmer texture.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the smoked cream cheese from the smoker and transfer it to a serving platter.
• Serve it warm with a cheese knife and your favorite crackers, or pair it with plain kettle chips as a dip.

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Cream Cheese

Smoked cream cheese is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments:

1. Crackers: Serve with buttery Ritz crackers, water crackers, or multigrain crisps.
2. Vegetables: Use it as a dip for carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips.
3. Chips: Pair with plain kettle chips or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
4. Bread: Spread it on slices of toasted baguette or warm pita bread.
5. Meats: Serve alongside smoked sausages or as a topping for pulled pork sliders.

Tips for the Best Smoked Cream Cheese

1. Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Low-fat versions won’t hold up as well during smoking and may not deliver the same creamy texture.
2. Score the Top: This allows the rub and smoke to infuse every bite of the cream cheese.
3. Experiment with Wood Chips: Use hickory, applewood, or cherrywood chips to customize the flavor profile.
4. Let It Rest: Allow the smoked cream cheese to cool slightly before serving—it will hold its shape better and be easier to spread.
5. Customize the Rub: Adjust the spices in the rub to make it sweeter, spicier, or smokier, depending on your preference.

Creative Variations of Smoked Cream Cheese

1. Sweet Smoked Cream Cheese

Replace the BBQ rub with a mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg. Serve with graham crackers or apple slices.

2. Spicy Smoked Cream Cheese

Add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to the rub for a fiery kick.

3. Herb-Infused Cream Cheese

Use a mix of dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a more herbaceous flavor.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese

Wrap the block in bacon strips before smoking for a decadent, savory twist.

5. Everything Bagel Smoked Cream Cheese

Dust the cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning instead of BBQ rub for a familiar and flavorful option.

How to Store and Reheat Smoked Cream Cheese

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover smoked cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing: Freeze the smoked cream cheese for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: Warm the cream cheese in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes to regain its creamy texture.

FAQs About Smoked Cream Cheese

1. Can I smoke cream cheese without a smoker?
Yes, you can use a grill with a smoker box or a stovetop smoking kit for similar results.

2. What if I don’t have BBQ rub?
You can use any seasoning blend you have on hand, such as Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or Italian herbs.

3. Can I smoke flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely! Flavored cream cheese, like chive or garlic, works well and adds another layer of flavor.

4. How long should I smoke the cream cheese?
Smoke it for at least 1 hour for a mild flavor, or up to 2 hours for a stronger smoky taste.

5. What kind of wood chips should I use?
Mild woods like applewood or cherrywood are great for smoked cream cheese, but you can also use hickory for a bolder flavor.

6. Can I use aluminum foil instead of spray oil?
Yes, just ensure you grease the foil lightly to prevent sticking.

Why You Should Try Smoked Cream Cheese

Smoked cream cheese is more than just a dip—it’s a culinary experience. Its rich, creamy texture combined with smoky, spiced flavors makes it a standout appetizer. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to impress your guests.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Appetizers with Smoked Cream Cheese

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor, Smoked Cream Cheese is the answer. Its smoky aroma, creamy texture, and customizable seasoning make it perfect for any occasion.

Grab your cream cheese, fire up your smoker, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious appetizers you’ll ever make!

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