Smoked Cream Cheese

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Smoked Cream Cheese is the ultimate easy appetizer. Just season, smoke, and serve with crackers, chips, or veggies for a crowd-pleasing dip!

Prep Time5

Cook Time2

Total Time2 5

Course: Appetizers and Snacks

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Jamie Sherman

Equipment

Ingredients

1 block cream cheese 8 ounces, cold
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning (or another seasoning your prefer)

Instructions

Preheat the smoker to 220°F.
Place the unwrapped cream cheese on a heat-proof pan, like a mini cast iron skillet.
Brush the cream cheese with olive oil to coat.
Score the top in a crisscross pattern, cutting about ½ inch deep.
Sprinkle BBQ seasoning evenly over the top.
If the smoker isn’t ready, return the cream cheese to the fridge until it is.
Once up to temperature, place the cream cheese in the smoker.
Smoke for 2 hours.
Remove from the smoker and transfer to a serving dish.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

FLAVOR TWIST IDEAS

Not feeling BBQ? Try one of these tasty seasoning swaps!

Switch things up with these delicious alternatives to BBQ rub. Whether you want savory, spicy, or sweet, there's a smoked cream cheese flavor combo for every crowd.

Everything Bagel Seasoning - A deli-style favorite that pairs perfectly with bagels or crackers.
Garlic Herb Blend - A cozy blend of garlic and Italian herbs, perfect for veggie dippers.
Ranch Seasoning - Cool, tangy, and kid-approved.
Lemon Pepper - Bright, zesty, and amazing with pita chips.
Taco Seasoning - Smoky and bold with just enough heat.
Cajun or Creole Seasoning - A spicy Southern kick that’s big on flavor.
Buffalo Seasoning - Bring the heat! Great with celery and blue cheese.
Cinnamon Sugar + Honey Drizzle - Sweet, creamy, and perfect for apple slices.
Maple Bourbon Blend - A smoky-sweet twist that works great for brunch.
Pumpkin Pie Spice - Warm fall flavors that pair well with graham crackers or fruit.

🥡 STORAGE

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Let it cool completely before transferring to a container.

♨️ REHEATING

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in 20-second bursts until soft and warm.
Air fryer: Heat at 320°F for 4-5 minutes, checking frequently.
Skillet: Warm gently over low heat, covered, until heated through.

❄️ FREEZING

Not recommended. Freezing can cause the texture to break and become grainy.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

Keep the cream cheese cold until you're ready to prep and season.
Score deeply for a larger surface area and improved smoke penetration.
Use a cast-iron or foil-lined tray to catch any drips.
Let the seasoning sit on the cream cheese for 10-15 minutes before smoking for extra flavor.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

Oven: Bake at 250°F for 60 minutes. It won’t be smoky, but it will still be tasty.
Pellet grill: Works just like a smoker - same temperature and time.
Charcoal grill: Use indirect heat and a foil packet of wood chips for smoke.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

Spread on bagels, toast, or sandwiches.
Stir into mashed potatoes or pasta for a smoky twist.
Serve chilled as a cracker spread the next day.

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