Easy Smoked Cream Cheese

This Easy Smoked Cream Cheese is a delicious and easy appetizer that combines the creamy texture of cream cheese with a rich, smoky flavor. Perfect for gatherings, it pairs well with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies. Here’s how to make it!

Easy Smoked Cream Cheese

Ingredients

• Cream Cheese:
• 1 block (8 oz) of full-fat cream cheese
• Seasoning:
• 1 tablespoon of your favorite dry rub (BBQ rub, taco seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning work well)
• Oil:
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Smoker:

• Preheat your smoker to 225°F. You can smoke the cream cheese at any temperature between 180°F and 250°F, but 225°F is ideal for a good balance of heat and smoke.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese:

• Unwrap the cream cheese block and place it on a piece of parchment paper or in a small cast iron skillet.
• Use a sharp knife to score the top of the cream cheese in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the smoke penetrate better and creates a nice presentation.

3. Season the Cream Cheese:

• Drizzle a little olive oil over the top (optional) and generously coat the scored surface with your chosen dry rub, making sure to cover all sides.

4. Smoke the Cream Cheese:

• Place the prepared cream cheese in the smoker. Let it smoke for about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how smoky you want it. For a milder flavor, aim for around 1 hour; for a stronger smoke flavor, go for 2 hours.

5. Serve:

• Once done, remove the cream cheese from the smoker and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to try different seasonings based on your preference. Sweet rubs like brown sugar can create a unique dessert-style dip.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Serving Suggestions: For added flair, top with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or jalapeño jelly before serving.

Easy Smoked Cream Cheese

Easy Smoked Cream Cheese is a delicious and versatile spread that brings a smoky, rich flavor to any meal or gathering. Perfect for parties, brunches, or casual snacking, this creamy delight is incredibly simple to prepare and can be made in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients. To get started, you’ll need 8 ounces of block cream cheese, which should be at room temperature for easy mixing. Easy Smoked Cream Cheese

Begin by preheating your smoker to a low temperature, around 225°F (107°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a grill set up for indirect heat with wood chips for a smoky flavor.

Once your smoker is ready, place the block of cream cheese on a piece of aluminum foil or in a small, heat-safe dish. For added flavor, you can sprinkle the cream cheese with your choice of seasonings. A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt works wonderfully, but feel free to customize based on your taste preferences. Some people love adding fresh herbs like dill or chives for an extra burst of flavor.

Place the foil-wrapped cream cheese directly onto the smoker rack and close the lid. Allow it to smoke for about 1-2 hours. The longer it smokes, the more intense the flavor will be, so you can adjust the time based on your personal preference.

During this process, the cream cheese will soften and take on a beautiful golden hue while absorbing the smoky flavor.

After smoking, remove the cream cheese from the smoker and let it cool slightly. You can either serve it as is or transfer it to a mixing bowl and blend it with additional ingredients for a more complex flavor profile. Mixing in ingredients like diced jalapeños for a kick, or even some crumbled bacon, can elevate the dip to another level.Easy Smoked Cream Cheese

Serve the Easy Smoked Cream Cheese with a variety of dippers, such as crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced baguette. This spread is also delicious slathered on bagels or used as a sandwich spread. It’s creamy, smoky, and absolutely addictive, making it a perfect addition to any appetizer platter. Not only is this dish easy to make,

but it’s also an impressive treat that will wow your guests and elevate any meal, showcasing the delightful combination of cream cheese and smoky flavors. Enjoy it at your next gathering or as a savory snack anytime!Easy Smoked Cream Cheese

This smoked cream cheese is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile—perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!