Smoked Cream Cheese

This Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese is the perfect appetizer for the Holidays or your next cookout. All you need is a block of full-fat cream cheese, a pellet grill and your favorite BBQ rub. Serve this smoked cream cheese with tortilla chips, fresh veggies or your favorite crackers.

Smoked Cream Cheese

I love an easy appetizer, and it really doesn’t get much easier than this Smoked Cream Cheese recipe! I fully understand why this appetizer was all the rage on social media. We purchased a Traeger grill last summer and I have enjoyed experimenting with all the things you can smoke on a pellet grill, including cream cheese! I was skeptical at first, but now I'm sold - and it was the most popular item on my last charcuterie board.

In this version I use a traditional BBQ rub, but you can experiment with many different flavors, some of which I've included in this post.

Smoked Cream Cheese Ingredients 

• Cream Cheese: You will want to use an entire block of cream cheese. I used the 365 organic brand from Whole Foods, but a classic like Philadelphia cream cheese would work great. Also, you will need to use full-fat cream cheese as the low-fat variety won’t have the same taste or texture.
• Dry Rub: Use your favorite dry rub! For this recipe I used some Aw Shit! Seasoning, however you can mix it up or use your favorite seasoning.
•  Olive Oil: You won’t need much, just a drizzle.

Instructions 

1. Remove the block of cream cheese from the packaging and place it on a small plate or pice of foil or parchment paper, and put it in the freezer for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees.
3. Coat the block of cheese with your dry rub. Make sure all sides of the cream cheese are covered by gently pressing the dry rub into the cream cheese.
4. Using a sharp knife score the cream cheese, with ½ inch slits to make a crosshatch pattern.
5. Place the block of cream cheese in a lightly oiled cast iron skillet or a disposable aluminum pan and smoke at 225 for 2.5 hours. You can also drizzle the top with a little avocado oil if you’d like.
6. Remove from the smoker and transfer to your serving dish and enjoy!

Variations

• Seafood Style: I love using Primal Palate's New Bae Seasoning (it’s their version of the classic Old Bay Seasoning). This variation is a perfect pairing with Salmon or for mixing with Tuna, or serving alongside crab cakes.
• Taco: Use your favorite taco seasoning mix for a fun variation. This version pairs well with tortilla chips, and can also be used on taco salads, or in tacos and burritos.  
• Everything But The Bagel: Use the popular Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning for a flavor filled adventure! This seasoning would be ideal if making this smoked cream cheese for a bagel brunch board.
• Sweet: Try adding brown sugar, jam and a drizzle of honey on top of the cream cheese for a sweet variation.
• Hot Honey: If you love hot and sweet items, add a drizzle of hot honey to any of these variations for a little extra kick!

Tips And Tricks

• Freeze for 15 min before scoring: Freezing the cream cheese makes it easier to score.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet Instead Of Foil: I try to avoid using aluminum as much as possible, and you can make an easy swap here by using a cast iron skillet instead of a disposable foil pan.  Additionally, you can serve it straight out of the cast iron for a rustic look!
• Use A Sharp Kitchen Knife For Scoring: Make sure the knife you score the cream cheese with is sharp! If you don’t have a sharp knife a clean razor blade will work. For clean scoring lines, wipe your knife off during the process, as the cream cheese and try rub can accumulate on your knife. 
• Making This For A Party: As this recipe is super simple, if you are planning to feed a crowd, I’d suggest smoking 2-3 blocks of cream cheese. You can also vary the flavors of each one.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (that’s a big if!), add this smoked cream cheese to a bagel with smoked salmon for a tasty breakfast.

What To Serve With Smoked Cream Cheese

You can use smoked cream cheese on so many things. Here are a few ideas!

• Crackers
• Veggies
• Bagels
• Crostini
• Tortilla Chips
• Apple slices
• Pita chips

Other Ways To Use Smoked Cream Cheese:

• Use it in a Quesadilla
• Add it to pasta
• Spread it on a bagel
• Add it to your favorite sandwich
• Mix it in to scrambled eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Smoked Cream Cheese Keto?

Yes, this homemade smoked cream cheese dip is keto friendly! However, you will need to be mindful of the seasoning choice you choose to avoid any added sugar. To serve this as a keto friendly snack, pair it with keto crackers or fresh veggies.

Does Cream Cheese Melt When You Smoke It?

When cream cheese is cooked on a pellet smoker at a low temperature, it will not melt, rather it will turn into a drier and more spreadable version of cream cheese with an incredibly smoky flavor.

Does Smoked Cream Cheese Need To Be Refrigerated?

Yes, even though this cream cheese is smoked, it will still need to be stored in the refrigerator. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 2-3 hours (depending on the outside temperature), but after that you will want to place it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge.

How Long Does Smoked Cream Cheese Last?

Smoked Cream Cheese will last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. 

Can I Smoke Low-Fat or Fat-Free Cream Cheese?

You will want to use full-fat cream cheese for this recipe. Low-fat cream cheese will not hold its shape the way the full-fat variety will.

What Type Of Wood Chips Should I Use?

I really love using a mesquite pellet for this recipe, however hickory, apple wood or pecan would also be nice. That being said, I wouldn’t sweat it and use whatever flavor of pellets you have on hand.

How Long Does It Take To Smoke Cream Cheese?

It depends on the cooking temperature, which is usually between 200 and 250 degrees. At that temperature range you can smoke cream cheese for anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours. 

How To Serve:

This smoked cream cheese block is best served warm, right off of the smoker. Serve it up with some chips, bread, veggies or crackers for dipping.

How to Store: 

If somehow you have any smoked cream cheese left, you will want to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

You May Also Like:

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Smoked Hot Dogs On A Pellet Grill

Traeger Smoked Burgers

Whipped Feta With Blistered Tomatoes 

Mango Habanero Salsa

Simple And Creamy Hummus

Italian Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

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