Description

Smoked Cream Cheese is a rich, creamy appetizer elevated with smoky flavors and a bold BBQ rub. Perfect for parties or solo indulgence, this simple recipe is a surefire hit. With minimal ingredients and prep, it’s a standout dish that pairs well with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Cream Cheese: 8 oz (1 block), no preparation needed
BBQ Dry Rub: 2 tablespoons, homemade or store-bought
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for coating
Spray Oil: As needed, for greasing the foil

Homemade BBQ Dry Rub (Optional)

Dark Brown Sugar: ¼ cup
Kosher Salt: 2 tablespoons
Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon
Black Pepper: ½ tablespoon
Onion Powder: ½ tablespoon
Smoked Paprika: ½ tablespoon
Chili Powder: ½ tablespoon

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Smoker

Set your smoker to 200°F. If you’re smoking other items, temperatures between 180°F and 250°F work as well.

2. Prepare the BBQ Rub (Optional)

In a small bowl, mix dark brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

3. Prep the Cream Cheese

Line a small baking sheet with foil and grease lightly with spray oil.
Drizzle olive oil over the cream cheese block and ensure it’s evenly coated.
Generously dust the cream cheese with the BBQ rub, covering all sides.

4. Score the Cream Cheese

Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cream cheese in a cross-hatch pattern to enhance the smokiness and 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 desired level of smokiness. For deeper flavor, opt for 2 hours.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the smoker and transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or veggies, and enjoy its rich, smoky flavor.

Notes

Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For optimal texture and flavor.
Score the Top: Enhances smoke penetration and presentation.
Experiment with Wood Chips: Applewood, cherrywood, or hickory each offer unique flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1–2 hours
Category: Appetizer
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: American