Smoked cream cheese recipe

Hey there! This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp Copy

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious dish, this smoked cream cheese recipe is a fantastic option. The rich, smoky flavor paired with the creamy texture of the cheese makes it an irresistible appetizer or snack. Follow these steps to prepare this easy, yet impressive recipe.

Ingredients for the Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe

Before you get started, you’ll need to gather a few simple ingredients:

One block of cream cheese
Olive oil
Your favorite seasoning or rub
Wood chips for smoking (apple, hickory, or cherry work well)

How to make Smoked cream cheese recipe

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Block

At first, take your block of cream cheese out of the refrigerator. Before you do anything else, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will soften it slightly, making it easier to handle.

Firstly, drizzle olive oil lightly over the entire block of cream cheese. Afterward, sprinkle your favorite seasoning or rub generously on all sides of the cheese. You want a nice even coating so that the flavors infuse properly. Basically, the oil helps the seasoning stick and adds an extra layer of richness.

2. Prepare the Smoker

Before smoking the cheese, make sure your smoker is prepped. Set the temperature to around 200°F, which is ideal for slowly smoking the cream cheese without melting it too much. During this time, add your choice of wood chips to the smoker. Because the wood you choose will affect the flavor of the cheese, consider whether you prefer something light like applewood or a stronger smoke like hickory.

3. Smoke the Cream Cheese

So, once the smoker reaches the right temperature, place your seasoned cream cheese directly on the smoker grates. Then, let it smoke for about 2 hours, which allows the smoke to fully penetrate the cheese, creating that perfect blend of flavors. During this time, the outside of the cream cheese will firm up, developing a slightly crispy, flavorful crust.

After that, you’ll notice the cheese has taken on a golden-brown color and a rich smoky aroma. Be sure to check occasionally, but avoid opening the smoker too often, as this can cause fluctuations in temperature.

4. Resting and Serving

Finally, after smoking, carefully remove the cream cheese from the smoker. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Basically, this resting period allows the flavors to settle and makes the cheese easier to cut into. Also, you can serve it with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables for a delightful appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.

Another great idea is to drizzle honey or hot sauce over the top for an added layer of sweetness or heat. Accordingly, you can also pair it with different spreads or jams to elevate the dish even further.

Variations of Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe

This smoked cream cheese recipe is versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste. After that, try experimenting with different types of rubs, such as garlic and herb, BBQ, or even a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. You can also mix in chopped herbs or roasted garlic before smoking for added depth of flavor.

Basically, this smoked cream cheese recipe offers endless possibilities for enhancing your appetizers, and the method is simple enough to prepare for any occasion.

Enjoy your smoked cream cheese and watch it quickly become a favorite at gatherings or a unique addition to your personal recipe collection!

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Cream Cheese

At first, you might think that smoked cream cheese is only good for crackers or bread, but there are so many other creative ways to serve it. Afterward, once your cream cheese is perfectly smoked, consider these ideas for serving:

Spread on Bagels: Basically, the smoky, rich flavor of the cream cheese works perfectly on a warm bagel. Pair it with lox, capers, and red onions for an upscale breakfast or brunch.
Dips and Spreads: You can turn this smoked cream cheese into a dip by mixing it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. After that, serve it with fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for a refreshing snack.
Topping for Baked Potatoes: Then, another way to enjoy this smoked cream cheese recipe is as a topping on baked potatoes. The smoky flavor complements the starchy richness of the potato, especially when sprinkled with chives or bacon.
Tacos or Wraps: Use smoked cream cheese in your tacos or wraps. Basically, it can replace traditional sour cream and add a deeper flavor to your fillings like grilled chicken or roasted veggies.

Also, if you’re hosting a gathering, after that smoked cream cheese makes for an impressive cheese board addition. Serve it alongside other cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fruits for a beautiful presentation that will be the talk of the table.

Storage Tips for Smoked Cream Cheese

Afterward, if you have leftovers from this smoked cream cheese recipe (though it’s unlikely because it’s so delicious!), you can store it in the refrigerator. Here’s how:

Wrap it properly: At first, wrap the leftover smoked cream cheese tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerate: Then, store the wrapped cream cheese in the fridge, where it can last for up to a week. Because the cheese has been smoked, the flavors will deepen over time, making it even tastier after a couple of days.
Freeze: You can also freeze smoked cream cheese, but before doing so, it’s important to note that the texture might change slightly once thawed. Basically, the cream cheese could become a little grainier, but it’s still great for dips or spreads.

Flavor Pairings with Smoked Cream Cheese

When it comes to flavor pairings, this smoked cream cheese recipe is incredibly versatile. Accordingly, here are some flavor combinations that can elevate your dish:

Sweet and Savory: At first, pair the cream cheese with sweet elements like honey, fig jam, or roasted grapes. The contrast between the sweetness and the smoky, salty flavor of the cream cheese is delightful.
Spicy Kick: So, if you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the smoked cream cheese. Basically, this creates a spicy, smoky combo that pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or toasted bread.
Herbaceous Additions: After that, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to complement the rich creaminess of the cheese. Also, consider mixing in some garlic powder or onion flakes into your rub for a more robust flavor profile.
Citrus Zest: For a fresh, tangy twist, zest some lemon or orange over the smoked cream cheese. Basically, the acidity of the citrus will cut through the richness and give the dish a lighter, refreshing taste.

Additional Tips for the Best Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe

Use Quality Cream Cheese: Before you begin, opt for high-quality cream cheese to ensure the best flavor and texture. Full-fat cream cheese works best because it holds up well to the smoking process.
Season Generously: During the preparation stage, don’t be afraid to be generous with your rub or seasoning. Basically, the cream cheese can handle bold flavors, and the smoke will mellow the overall taste.
Monitor the Temperature: So, smoking cream cheese requires maintaining a steady temperature. After that, make sure the smoker stays around 200°F, and avoid opening the smoker too often, as this can cause temperature drops and affect the outcome.
Experiment with Different Woods: Another fun way to tweak this recipe is by experimenting with different wood chips. So, try mesquite for a stronger, earthy flavor, or go with cherry for a sweeter, fruitier smoke.

Other Cottage cheese recipes

recipes with cottage cheese
Cottage cheese bread recipe
smoked mac and cheese recipe
cottage cheese recipe
philadelphia cream cheese cheesecake recipe
starbucks grilled cheese recipe
cheese crisps recipe
cottage cheese dessert recipes
cottage cheese flatbread recipe
cream cheese filling recipe
old fashioned pimento cheese recipe

FAQs About Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe

How long does it take to smoke cream cheese?

It typically takes about 2 hours to smoke cream cheese at 200°F. Basically, this allows the cheese to absorb the smoky flavors without melting too much.

What type of wood is best for smoking cream cheese?

Apple, cherry, and hickory wood chips are popular choices. So, if you want a mild, sweet flavor, go for applewood or cherrywood. Basically, hickory will give a stronger, more robust smoke flavor.

Can I add other flavors to the cream cheese before smoking?

Absolutely! Before smoking, you can mix in chopped herbs, roasted garlic, or even dried fruits like cranberries to the cream cheese. After that, proceed with the recipe as usual for a more flavorful result.

Can I smoke flavored cream cheese?

Yes, you can use flavored cream cheese like garlic and herb or chive and onion. Basically, smoking it will add another layer of flavor.

What do I serve smoked cream cheese with?

Smoked cream cheese is versatile. So, you can serve it with crackers, fresh vegetables, bagels, or use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Can I use a gas or charcoal grill to smoke cream cheese?

Yes, you can. Basically, just set up your grill for indirect heat and use wood chips to create smoke. Afterward, place the cream cheese on the grill and follow the same process.

So, If you enjoy, please Follow my facebook page to be notified every time I publish a recipe!

Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!