Smoked Cream Cheese

Today, I’m diving headfirst into the wonderful world of smoked cream cheese. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat that’ll knock your socks off. Imagine that creamy, tangy goodness you know and love, but with a smoky twist that adds a whole new dimension to your snacking experience. Trust me; it’s a game-changer.

How To Make Smoked Cream Cheese

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this delicious concoction. It’s easier than you might think, and the results are mind-blowing.

1. Prep Time: First, get your smoker fired up and preheated to about 225°F (around 107°C for our friends across the pond). You want a nice, low, and slow smoke for this creamy delight.
2. The Cheese: Grab yourself a block of cream cheese. Go ahead, use the good stuff, none of that low-fat nonsense!
3. Season It Up: Now, here’s where the magic happens. Sprinkle your cream cheese with a blend of your favorite seasonings. You can go wild here, folks! Some like it spicy with a dash of chili powder, while others prefer the savory goodness of garlic and herbs. It’s all about personal preference.
4. Wrap It Up: Wrap your seasoned cream cheese block in aluminum foil. This keeps it from turning into a gooey mess on your smoker grates.
5. Smoke Time: Place that foil-wrapped treasure onto your smoker grates, and let it soak up that beautiful wood smoke for about an hour. Mesquite and hickory woods are fantastic choices, but feel free to experiment!
6. Chill Out: After an hour, remove your smoked cream cheese from the smoker and let it chill in the fridge for a bit. This step helps all those smoky flavors meld together.

What Type of Wood Is Best

Now, about that wood choice! You’ve got options, my friends. Mesquite and hickory add a robust, smoky flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try fruitwoods like apple or cherry for a sweeter, milder touch. The choice is yours, so go with what tickles your taste buds.

What Seasonings To Use 

Seasonings? Oh boy, this is where you can get seriously creative. I’m talking about garlic powder, onion powder, cracked black pepper, dried herbs, or even a sprinkle of your favorite rub. It’s like a flavor party, and everyone’s invited!

Can I Use Low Fat

I know, some folks are all about the low-fat options. But when it comes to smoked cream cheese, I say go for the full-fat goodness. You won’t regret it. The creaminess just can’t be beat, and trust me, it’s worth the indulgence.

How To Serve

So, you’ve smoked that cream cheese to perfection, and now you’re wondering how to serve it up. Well, the possibilities are endless!

• Bagel Buddy: Spread it on a toasted bagel for the ultimate breakfast upgrade.
• Dip Delight: Use it as a dip with crackers or fresh veggies.
• Sandwich Star: Slather it on sandwiches for a smoky twist.
• Burger Bliss: Elevate your burger game with a dollop of smoked cream cheese.
• Baked Potato Brilliance: Top your baked potatoes with a generous scoop.
• Grilled Cheese Guru: Add a schmear to your cheese sandwich for that extra oomph.

Storing

Now, let’s talk about storage. If, by some miracle, you have leftovers (trust me, it’s rare), just wrap it back up in foil or pop it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for a week or so.

Well, there you have it, folks – the lowdown on how to make smoked cream cheese that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. It’s a snack that’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and bursting with smoky goodness.

So, why wait? Gather your friends and family, fire up that smoker, and get ready to embark on a flavor journey that’ll leave you craving more. Thanks for hanging out with me today, and remember, life’s too short for bland snacks. Go ahead and indulge in some smoky, creamy goodness – you deserve it!

Catch you on the smoky side, my friends!

Print

Smoked Cream Cheese

Discover the tantalizing flavors of our smoked cream cheese recipe. Perfect for spreading on bagels or using as a dip. Try it today!

Course Snack

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Servings 8

Ingredients

• 2 blocks of cream cheese 16 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite seasoning blend e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• Wood chips mesquite, hickory, apple, or cherry
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

Preparing the Cream Cheese

1. Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place a handful of your chosen wood chips in a water container to soak while the smoker heats up.
2. Season the Cream Cheese: Combine the cream cheese blocks and your favorite seasoning blend in a mixing bowl. Mix well until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese. Add the cracked black pepper and mix again.
3. Wrap in Foil: Lay out a large sheet of aluminum foil and place the seasoned cream cheese mixture in the center. Fold the foil around the cream cheese, sealing it tightly to prevent any leakage during smoking.

Smoking the Cream Cheese

1. Add Wood Chips: Once your smoker has reached the desired temperature, drain the soaked wood chips and add them to the smoker box or directly onto the hot coals, depending on your smoker type.
2. Place on the Grates: Carefully place the foil-wrapped cream cheese on the smoker grates. Close the smoker lid.
3. Smoke for an Hour: Let the cream cheese smoke for approximately one hour, maintaining a temperature of 225°F (107°C). Keep an eye on the temperature using a grill thermometer to ensure it stays within the desired range.

Chilling and Serving

1. Remove and Chill: After an hour of smoking, carefully remove the foil-wrapped cream cheese from the smoker. Be cautious; it'll be hot! Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This step allows the smoky flavors to meld with the cream cheese.
2. Serve: Once the smoked cream cheese is chilled, it's ready to enjoy! Serve it with your favorite accompaniments, such as crackers, bagels, or fresh vegetables. It's incredibly versatile and makes for a fantastic appetizer or snack.