This Smoked Cream Cheese has been seasoned with a homemade BBQ rub and then grilled to create a smooth and spreadable texture. The smoking process gives the cheese a distinctive smoky flavor while leaving it soft and creamy to spread on crackers, bread, or bagels. You can use a Traeger or any smoker or pellet grill.
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Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Smoked cream cheese can be served as a dip or spread for crackers, bread, or vegetables. It can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
The smoky flavor of the cheese pairs well with savory and salty foods, and it can also be complemented by sweet or fruity flavors, such as figs or apricots. It looks great on Charcuterie and Cheese Boards!
How to Season it
I like to use my Homemade BBQ Rub. It's truly the best! Here are some more options:
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor
- Paprika: Smoky, slightly sweet flavor, and vibrant red color.
- Black pepper: Ads a spicy kick to the cream cheese.
- Dill: Fresh, slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with smoked cheese.
- Chives: Mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Red pepper flakes: Nice spicy kick and a slightly smoky flavor.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and a hint of smokiness.
- Onion powder: Savory and slightly sweet flavor.
- Smoked sea salt: Adds a smoky flavor and a subtle crunch.
Scoring
Scoring the top of the cream cheese is optional. It's a method that will make it easier to blend the spices with the cheese and will also create a decorative presentation.
Use a sharp knife and make shallow, diagonal cuts across the top of the cream cheese, about ¼ to ½ inch apart. Make a second set of diagonal cuts perpendicular to the first set, creating a diamond-shaped pattern on the surface of the cream cheese.
How to Make Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Drizzle a cast iron skillet or metal pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Optional: Score the top of the cream cheese.
- Rub BBQ spices/rub onto the cream cheese.
- Place the cream cheese in the pan and out on the smoker. Smoke.
Temperature
I recommend 220 degrees. That way the cream cheese doesn't cook or brown too quickly and it has time to soak in the smoky flavor from the grill.
Cook Time/How Long to Smoke
Smoke the cream cheese for 1 to 2 hours or until it has reached the desired level of smokiness. You can also add more smoke flavor by smoking it for longer. I go for 2 hours.
What Flavor of Wood to Use
Fruit blends and the Traeger Signature Blend are my favorites for this dish. Here are more options:
- Hickory: Classic wood that is used for smoking, and it adds a strong, smoky flavor.
- Apple: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Mesquite: Bold, earthy flavor that is best suited for those who enjoy strong flavors.
- Alder: Mild and sweet, it is often used for smoking fish or poultry. It can also work well with cream cheese.
- Cherry: Sweet, fruity flavor.
- Pecan: Nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
The type of wood you use will also impact the color of the cream cheese. Hickory and mesquite will produce a darker color. Apple and cherry may create a lighter color.
How to Store it
Leftovers should be stored tightly covered and sealed in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze it for up to two months. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
What to Pair it With
- Crackers or Crostini
- Bagels
- Vegetables: Dip vegetables such as celery, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes.
- Fruit: Serve with sliced apples, strawberries, pears, or grapes.
- Charcuterie board: Add smoked cream cheese to your next charcuterie board for a unique flavor.
- Grilled meats
- Sandwiches: Use it as a spread on your favorite sandwich for an extra boost of flavor.
- Baked potatoes: Add a dollop to a baked potato for a delicious and easy side dish.
- Soups: Use it as a garnish for soups such as tomato soup or chili for an added smoky flavor.
More Traeger and Smoker Recipes
Traeger Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked Baked Potatoes
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Smoked Baked Beans
Smoked Asparagus
Use it in These Recipes
Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab and Shrimp
Lobster Pizza
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese
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Ingredients
- olive oil To prevent sticking.
- 8 oz cream cheese
Homemade BBQ Rub (Feel free to use your favorite BBQ rub).
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or sweetener
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 200 degrees.
- Drizzle a cast iron skillet or metal pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Optional: Score the top of the cream cheese. Use a sharp knife and make shallow, diagonal cuts across the top of the cream cheese, about ¼ to ½ inch apart. Make a second set of diagonal cuts perpendicular to the first set, creating a diamond-shaped pattern on the surface of the cream cheese.
- Rub the spices onto the cream cheese. I like to season all 4 sides. Add additional spices if you need them and if there are unseasoned spots.
- Place the cream cheese in the pan and out on the smoker. Smoke for 1-2 hours or until the cream cheese has a smoky flavor. I smoke for 2 hours.
- Allow the cream cheese to cool before removing it from the pan and serving. Be careful if you don't want it to break apart.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
wilhelmina says
This is just unbelievably delicious! It's going to be a staple for our parties and holiday dinners from now on!
staysnatched says
Perfect for that!
Marsha says
This was incredible and so irresistible!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!