Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers and BBQ enthusiasts! Ready to blow your taste buds away with something absolutely divine? Today, we’re diving into the smoky, creamy, utterly irresistible appetizer of smoked cream cheese. Yes, you heard me right—smoked cream cheese! 

Picture this: a rich, velvety block of cream cheese, beautifully infused with the tantalizing aroma of smoldering wood and barbecue rub, drizzled with sweet hot jalapeno jelly or hot honey, creating a flavor explosion that will leave you and your guests begging for more.

It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, turning a humble ingredient into the star of your summer gatherings.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, this is the game-changer your BBQ repertoire has been waiting for.

So, dust off your smoker, grab a block of cream cheese, and let’s whip up this tasty appetizer. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be spreading (pun intended) the word to all your friends. Let’s get smokin’!

Smoke the cream cheese at the lowest setting (usually 225°F, but can go lower) for 20-30 minutes.

Topping The Cream Cheese: So Many Great Choices

You’ll want to choose a sweet-hot topping (or I have some creative dessert and seasonal combinations listed below). We pick up various jams and jellies on our travels and they make creative toppings for smoked cream cheese.

Candied Jalapenos known as Cowboy Candy is also a terrific topping. Here is my recipe if you’d like to make your own.

Smoked Cream Cheese Substitutions/FAQS

FAQS

• This great appetizer can be made on a pellet smoker, a griddle, gas grill, a stick smoker, or even a campfire (tented with aluminum foil).
• For the calorie conscious low-fat cream cheese or a block of Neufchatel cheese may be substituted.
• For extra razzle dazzle this easy smoked cream cheese can be the center of a charcuterie board with additional meats, cheeses, and assorted jams.
• This is a delicious recipe for the holidays, potlucks, and family get-togethers. It can be smoked, covered with a piece of foil, and reheated in the oven at a friend’s house.

Commonly Asked Questions

Making smoked cream cheese is a simple process that anyone can do! But here are some common questions we’ve received…

How To Store Leftover Smoked Cream Cheese Dip

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days, or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. Store crackers and chips in a separate container.

​How Can The Cream Cheese Be Prepped Early For A Party?

You can place the bricks of cream cheese in aluminum pans and score the cheese ahead of time. Season the cream cheese bricks and store them refrigerated until ready to place on the smoker. 

How Many People Will One Block Of Cream Cheese Serve?

One block of cream cheese and crackers can serve about 4-6 people. This is the perfect appetizer to double or triple for a crowd!

How Long To Smoke Cream Cheese?

In 20-30 minutes the block of cream cheese will be golden and warm throughout. The surface level of the dry rub will have the best smoky flavor. The longer it smokes the more smoky flavor you will achieve. 

What Types Of Pellets Should Be Used When Smoking Cheese?

Cheese isn’t picky and can be smoked with whatever wood you are using for the main course. Woods classically linked to smoked cheese are applewood, pecan, and hickory, but this is a personal preference.

For best results, use the type of pellets already on hand and then experiment as you wish.

What Temperature Should Cream Cheese Be Smoked At?

225°F or the lowest heat possible, so that the cream cheese gets as much smoke flavor as possible. If your pellet smoker has a low setting for extra smoke, use that. 

Some electric smokers start at 200°- 225° F, which is low enough. Even cold smoking cream cheese is possible, though you will want to warm it up for serving.