Description
This Smoked Cream Cheese recipe offers a flavorful twist on traditional cream cheese by infusing it with a delicate smoky aroma and BBQ seasoning. Perfect as a spread or dip, it’s easy to prepare with just a few ingredients and a smoker, making it an impressive appetizer or snack for gatherings.
Ingredients
Smoked Cream Cheese Ingredients
- 8 oz block cream cheese
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp BBQ rub
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker: Set your smoker to 200°F using indirect heat and create a light smoke environment. This low temperature is essential to gently infuse the cream cheese with smoke without melting it.
- Prepare the cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese block from its packaging. Use a sharp knife to score the top in a crosshatch pattern, cutting about ¼ inch deep. This helps the smoke and seasoning penetrate and enhances flavor absorption.
- Season the cream cheese: Lightly brush the scored surface with yellow mustard or olive oil to help the BBQ rub adhere better. Then generously sprinkle BBQ rub evenly over all sides of the cream cheese block.
- Smoke the cream cheese: Place the prepared cream cheese on a wire rack or a cast iron skillet. Transfer it to the preheated smoker and allow it to smoke for 1½ to 2 hours. Smoke until the cream cheese softens slightly and the score marks become pronounced.
- Rest the smoked cheese: Carefully remove the cream cheese from the smoker and let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes to develop flavor and cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately alongside chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, or spread on bagels. For an optional touch, drizzle with hot honey to complement the smoky and savory flavors.
Notes
- Scoring the cream cheese helps the smoke and seasoning penetrate better.
- If you don’t have yellow mustard, olive oil is a great alternative to help the rub stick.
- Adjust the smoking time between 1½ to 2 hours depending on how soft and smoky you want the cheese.
- Serve smoked cream cheese fresh for best flavor; leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.
- Use a mild wood like apple or cherry for a subtle smoke flavor that won’t overpower the cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
