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Smoked cream cheese is one of the easiest appetizers you can make. Just season, smoke, and serve. It transforms a simple block of cream cheese into a warm, smoky, spreadable dip that pairs perfectly with crackers and pepper jelly.
Ideal for barbecues, game days, and casual entertaining, we’ve served this a number of times and every time it’s always one of the first finished!
Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Total Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you need a super low-effort, high-reward appetizer, this smoked cream cheese recipe is your new go-to. The cream cheese warms slowly in your Traeger smoker grill (or any smoker grill) until it becomes soft, creamy, and infused with delicious smoky flavor. Paired with Ritz crackers and pepper jelly, it delivers the perfect mix of creamy, smoky, salty, and sweet in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 block Philadelphia cream cheese (or your preferred brand)
- Your favorite grilling seasoning (we love Traeger Rub or Meat Church The Gospel)
- Ritz crackers, for serving
- Hot pepper jelly, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker grill to 275°F.
- While it heats, coat the entire block of cream cheese generously on all sides with your grilling seasoning, then place the seasoned cream cheese into a rectangular baking dish.
- Once the smoker reaches temperature, set the baking dish inside and smoke for 1.5–2 hours.
- Carefully remove the dish from the smoker.
- We love using mini oven mitts for hot dishes!
- Serve warm with Ritz crackers and hot pepper jelly. Enjoy!
Notes
You can score the top of the cream cheese with a knife before seasoning to help the smoke penetrate and create a prettier presentation.
For extra depth of flavor, chill the seasoned cream cheese for 20–30 minutes before smoking—this helps the rub adhere.
Try experimenting with sweet rubs, spicy rubs, or even everything bagel seasoning for different flavor profiles. This smoked cream cheese recipe works with just about anything.
This smoked cream cheese recipe can be served warm or at room temperature and still tastes incredible.
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