This is the ultimate easy appetizer. I promise anyone can make it. For a delicious smoked spread, if you have cream cheese, a favorite bbq rub, and a pellet smoker you'll can make this smoked cream cheese recipe.
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What Does Smoked Cream Cheese Taste Like?
Smoked cream cheese is pretty special because its not only a creamy cheese, but it picks up a little smoke flavor, and gets nice and fluffy. It's the perfect party appetizer because you only need a couple simple ingredients and have plenty of different options for what to serve with it.
Aside from the fact this is a really tasty appetizer, you could also make this for a special breakfast or brunch. Something to think about.
Smoked Cream Cheese Ingredients
1) One block of full-fat cream cheese. You can use low-fat cream cheese, but the real deal tastes better and is creamer. (also- philadelphia cream cheese will always be my favorite). Don't try this with a tub of cream cheese.
2) Your favorite dry rub or seasoning. Some ideas:
- Traeger Rub
- Taco Seasoning
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Ranch Seasoning
- Brown Sugar if you want to go sweet
Optional Garnishes and Additions For The Smoked Cream Cheese
This is a wonderful savory appetizer on its own, but if you want to dress it up, add an extra sauce or topping.
- green onions
- crispy bacon bits
- raspberry chipotle sauce
- jalapeno jelly
- hot honey
- regular honey
- caramel sauce - if you went with the dessert version and are dipping apple slices or Nilla wafers
Helpful Supplies
- sharp knife
- vessel for the smoker like a small cast iron skillet, disposable aluminum pan, or baking sheet lined with a piece of foil.
- Traeger Grill or any other pellet grill
How To Smoke The Cream Cheese
There are only 3 steps to making this perfect appetizer:
- Use a sharp knife to score a crosshatch pattern in the top of the cream cheese block. We do this so that when the cream cheese puffs up and splits, it doesn't crack and stays pretty.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or neutral flavored vegetable oil on top of the block of cream cheese. Then, season it with your favorite seasonings.
- Fire up the Traeger Grill or whatever pellet smoker you are working with to 180°F.
- Place the the brink of cream cheese in whatever vessel you are using- it could be a disposable foil pan or small cast iron skillet.
- Pop the seasoned cream cheese in the smoker for 1 to 2 hours. Remove and serve.
This party dip is great served warm but still totally tasty at room temperature.
What To Serve With Cream Cheese Dip
It's all about how to get the cream cheese appetizer from the plate to my mouth. If its crunchy and tasty, its an option.
- bagel chips
- pita chips
- tortilla chips
- favorite crackers
- apple slices
- pretzel sticks
How To Save Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers or you want to make a batch just for yourself and eat throughout the week, all you need to do is transfer the smoked cream cheese to an airtight container. It will last up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Another option is to wrap the leftover cream cheese in plastic wrap. It's a great spread for bagels if your looking for a special shear with a smoky flavor.
More Traeger Appetizers
- Grilled Potato Skins
- Tequila Lime Chicken Wings
- Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Smoke Cream Cheese Recipe Card
If you love this smoked cream cheese recipe, please give it a rating below and share it with your friends who love easy and delicious appetizers!
Smoked Cream Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Traeger Grill or other pellet smoker
- 1 8" cast iron skillet or small baking sheet lined with foil, disposable aluminum pan
Ingredients
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 2-3 teaspoon favorite bbq rub
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Set your pellet smoker to 180F. Let it preheat with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the block of cream cheese by scoring ½" hatch marks in a diagonal lines. Be careful not to cut through the cream cheese.
- Drizzle the olive oil or vegetable oil on the top of the cream cheese and season with your favorite rub or seasoning.
- Transfer the prepared cream cheese to a cast iron skillet or disposable aluminum pan.
- Put the prepared cream cheese in the smoker and close the lid. Let it cook for 1 hour, up to two hours if you want more a smoky flavor.
- Remove from the smoker and serve with your favorite crackers or chips.
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