Take your appetizer game to new heights with this unique Everything Smoked Cream Cheese! Warm, smoky, and flavorful, it’s perfect for spreading or dipping and will keep every mouth at your next party or barbecue busy until dinner is ready!
Remember how I said you can really smoke anything? This is the perfect example of that.
Everyone knows how delicious smoked Gouda and Gruyere cheese is in mac & cheese, right? How about smoked Provolone on a grilled cheese?
You can probably smoke any cheese, to be honest – but cream cheese was truly made for smoking.
I promise, this recipe will surprise you!
This page includes step by step instructions, as well as tips and notes. If you’d like to skip all that, feel free to scroll down to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Why smoked cream cheese?
Smoking cheese has been around for centuries, used as a way to extend the shelf life of dairy products before refrigeration. The smoke acts as a natural preservative, warding off bacteria and mold while adding a unique flavor.
Over time, smoking cheese has evolved into a culinary art form, with enthusiasts using different types of wood chips and methods to achieve specific flavors.
Smooth and sturdy cream cheese is a natural choice for smoking. The process involves exposing the cream cheese to low heat and smoke, allowing the flavors to infuse into the cheese. The result is a velvety spread with a delightful smoky twist.
Versatility and delicious, the appetizer can be enjoyed as a standalone spread, a dip, or used in various dishes for an added smoky element. You can even elevate your morning bagel with it!
Ingredients
This smoked app recipe only requires two ingredients!
- Cream cheese – I rec an 8-ounce block of full-fat cream cheese, but Neufchatel can work, too! Just don’t try it with fat-free cream cheese, as it doesn’t soften properly.
- Everything bagel seasoning – Trader Joe’s put this stuff on the map, but you can find several brands making their own version in supermarkets now.
- Dippers! Grab your favorite crackers, crostini, tortilla chips, or bagel chips and go to town on this dip! You can also slice up your favorite veggies to serve alongside it – think sturdy veg like cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and celery.
Even more flavor ideas!
These are just a few ideas to try – let your imagination and creativity run wild with this appetizer recipe!
- Taco – a packet of taco seasoning is your best friend here. Top the smoked cream cheese with some salsa for even more flavor when serving!
- BBQ – simply use your favorite dry rub for meats.
- Garlic and Herb – press some minced garlic and chives into the cream cheese before smoking.
- Ranch – grab a packet of ranch dressing mix and sprinkle it over the cream cheese. This is excellent drizzled with a bit of Buffalo sauce – think vegetarian Buffalo wings!
- Smoky Bacon – press bacon bits around the outside of the brick of cheese. Top it with some pepper jelly for more flavor!
- Honey pecan – press chopped pecans into the outside of the cheese, then drizzle it with a bit of honey for a sweet version. Serve it with apple slices, pretzels, or shortbread cookies.
- Maple cinnamon – rub ground cinnamon and a bit of granulated sugar over the cream cheese, then drizzle it with maple syrup before smoking.
How to make smoked cream cheese
This recipe is insanely easy, and a great way to keep appetites satisfied until dinner is ready!
- Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 225 degrees F. Make sure the pellets or wood chips are full!
- Place a large piece of non-stick aluminum foil or parchment paper on a baking sheet. Place the cream cheese on the foil and cut ½-inch thick scores at an angle on the top of the cream cheese. Alternatively, you can smoke this cream cheese directly in a small cast iron skillet.
- Coat the outside of the cream cheese with everything seasoning, or your rub of choice.
- Smoke for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Serve immediately with bagel chips, crackers, or sliced veggies.
FAQ
What wood chips are best for smoking cream cheese?
Use a mild flavored pellet or wood chip, like apple, cherry, or maple, so you don’t overwhelm the delicate cheese with smoke.
How should I serve smoked cream cheese?
The possibilities are endless! Spread it on bagels, crackers, or toasted bread for a smoky and creamy breakfast delight. Use it as a dip for vegetables or pretzels. It also adds a heavenly touch to sandwiches, burgers, or stuffed mushrooms.
How do I store smoked cream cheese?
Store your smoked cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors may intensify over time, so be prepared for an even smokier experience as the days go by. As for freezing, I wouldn’t – cream cheese doesn’t handle it well.
More great barbecue and party appetizer recipes!
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Smoked Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese full fat
- 1 tablespoon everything seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 225 degrees F.
- Place a large piece of non-stick aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Place the cream cheese on the foil and cut ½-inch thick scores at an angle on the top of the cream cheese.
- Coat the outside of the cream cheese with everything seasoning.
- Smoke for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Serve immediately with bagel chips, crackers, fresh cut veggies.
Puja says
Whoa! The smoke adds a whole new dimension to plain old cream cheese.
Angela Pagliarello says
This smoked cream cheese has become one of my favorite appetizers!