Incredibly delicious appetizer, this smoked cream cheese is a game-changer. With just two essential ingredients, this dish transforms into a smoky, creamy, and utterly addictive treat. A generous coating of a flavorful dry rub and two hours of slow smoking on a pellet grill result in a velvety smooth, savory delight that’s perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – All you need is cream cheese and a homemade or store-bought BBQ rub to create a rich, indulgent appetizer.
Effortless Preparation – Just coat, score, and smoke—it’s that easy!
Versatile Serving Options – Pair it with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies for the perfect bite.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack – Whether hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night, this smoky cream cheese will be a hit.
Essential Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a richer and creamier texture. Reduced-fat or fat-free varieties tend to lack the depth of flavor and the same smooth consistency.
Dry Rub: A great dry rub is key to infusing the cream cheese with layers of sweet, smoky, and spicy goodness. A combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder creates the perfect balance. If short on time, a quality BBQ rub from the store will work just as well.
Optional Additions:
Olive Oil – A light drizzle before smoking enhances the richness and helps lock in moisture.
Honey – A touch of honey at the end balances the smoky and savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Green Onion – Freshly sliced green onion adds color and a mild bite, complementing the creamy texture.
How to Make Smoked Cream Cheese Like a Pro
Step 1: Prepare Your Pellet Grill Preheat your pellet grill to 250°F. This low and slow cooking method allows the smoky flavor to penetrate deeply into the cream cheese, enhancing its taste and texture.
Step 2: Coat the Cream Cheese Pour your dry rub onto a plate and press the cream cheese into the seasoning, ensuring an even coating on all sides. The seasoning will form a flavorful crust that intensifies as it smokes.
Step 3: Score the Top Using a sharp knife, gently score the top of the cream cheese block in a crosshatch pattern. This step is crucial as it helps the smoke infuse evenly and allows for better heat distribution, ensuring a perfectly warm and creamy center.
Step 4: Smoke the Cream Cheese Place the seasoned cream cheese in a disposable aluminum pan or cast-iron skillet. Transfer it to the smoker and let it absorb the smoky flavors for two hours. The exterior will firm up slightly, while the inside remains velvety smooth.
Step 5: Finishing Touches Drizzle with honey for a hint of sweetness and garnish with fresh green onions. Serve immediately with crispy crostini, crackers, or sliced baguette.
Pro Tips for the Best Smoked Cream Cheese
Use a Sharp Knife to Score – Prevent sticking by lightly wetting your knife before scoring.
Check for Doneness – The edges should begin pulling apart, and the center should be warm to the touch.
Make It for a Crowd – Smoke multiple blocks of cream cheese at once to accommodate larger gatherings.
Delicious Ways to Serve Smoked Cream Cheese Enjoy your smoked cream cheese with a variety of dippers, such as:
Crackers & Crostini – Perfect for a crunchy contrast.
Sliced French Baguette – A classic pairing with smoky, creamy flavors.
Fresh Veggies – Carrots, celery, and cucumber slices add freshness.
Apple Slices – A sweet and tangy contrast to the smoky richness.
Pita Chips & Tortilla Chips – Great for scooping up every bit of flavor.
FAQs About Smoked Cream Cheese
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Cream cheese works best because of its creamy texture, but you can also try ricotta or brie for a variation.
Q: How long can smoked cream cheese be stored?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a smoker?
A: Yes! Bake the cream cheese in an oven at 250°F for a similar effect, adding a dash of liquid smoke for flavor.
Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe
Smoky and Creamy Two-Ingredient Appetizer A simple yet flavorful smoked cream cheese recipe that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or a delicious snack. Just season, smoke, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Appetizer
Method: Pellet Grill
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
8 oz. block of full-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons dry rub (homemade or store-bought)
Optional:
1–2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons sliced green onion
Instructions:
Preheat the pellet grill to 250°F.
Spread the dry rub on a plate.
Coat the block of cream cheese evenly with the dry rub.
Score the top of the cream cheese in a crosshatch pattern.
Place the seasoned block in an aluminum pan or cast-iron skillet.
Smoke for 2 hours until the edges pull apart and the center is warm.
Drizzle with honey and garnish with green onion.
Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 103
Sugar: 1.1g
Sodium: 89.5mg
Fat: 9.9g
Carbohydrates: 2.3g
Fiber: 0.1g
Protein: 1.9g
Cholesterol: 28.7mg
Enjoy this smoky cream cheese as a rich and creamy appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress!
