Smoked Cream Cheese is perfectly seasoned, and smoked over low heat with a touch of applewood. It’s the perfect addition to any hors d’oeuvre tray, or it can be used as a dip for chips or fresh vegetables.
I don’t know about you, but when summer and fall come around – I’m all about the snacks and appetizers. You just can’t beat the ease of having snacks that you can graze on instead of sitting down for a large meal.
In this house – we are ALL ABOUT the snacks and when we can make the snacks on the Traeger – we are ALL IN. So that’s where this AMAZINGLY creamy, melty deliciousness comes in with this cream cheese recipe made on the smoker.
We are so IN LOVE with our Traeger and we are always looking for new recipes we can make on it. When we lived in NV the climate afforded us the ability to cook outdoors almost 365 days a year and we got in the habit of doing just that.
So up here in the far north of Idaho, it isn’t uncommon for us to get snow in early fall. But that doesn’t mean we don’t shovel a path to the Traeger and keep on smokin’ whatever we dream up next.
This one is perfect for parties, game day or just lunch on the back deck with friends. I know you’ll love it as much as we do.
Smoked Cream Cheese Traeger
Here are some commonly asked questions
What is smoked cream cheese?
Smoked cream cheese is a type of cheese that has been smoked. Smoking gives it a characteristic smoky flavor and a super creamy texture.
Why Do You Need To Try This Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe Today?
This is a delicious, creamy treat that is great for parties and special occasions. Smoking this cheese makes it extra rich and flavorful. It’s easy to make, and there are lots of variations you can try.
You can smoke it with just about any flavor or seasoning you like- from basic smoked salt to more complex flavors like chipotle pepper or coffee beans.
It also makes an excellent base for other recipes- such as quesadillas or salads- so there are endless possibilities when it comes to how you can use this amazing food item!
What are the best flavors for smoked cream cheese?
There are many different flavors for this cheese, and you can choose whichever one best suits your taste.
Some popular flavors include bacon, blue cheese, buffalo chicken, and cheddar cheese. Mix and match your seasonings, add toppings – your creativity is the only thing holding you back from creating your favorite flavor combination.
What are some ideas for seasoning smoked cream cheese?
Some ideas for seasoning this cheese include adding spices, herbs, or other flavors. You can also add toppings such as fruit, or nuts.
More Great Appetizers Made on the Smoker
The Best Smoked Little Smokies
smoked appetizers
Ingredients for Smoked Cream Cheese
- cream cheese
- olive oil
- chili powder
- paprika
- onion powder
- ⅛ tsp granulated garlic
How can I use smoked cream cheese?
This awesome cheese recipe is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes. It’s perfect for dips, spreads, and sandwiches. You can also use it as a snack by eating it with crackers or fruit.
What are some ideas for serving this creamy appetizer?
Some ideas for serving smoked cream cheese include as a dip, on crackers, in sandwiches, and we even spread it inside our tortilla before filling up our tacos.
How to reheat smoked cream cheese?
Reheating this smoked cream cheese is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. You can either microwave it or heat it up in the oven.
Microwaving: Microwave the cheese for about 20-30 seconds, or until slightly melty.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the leftover cheese on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until slightly melty.
What to serve with Smoked Cream Cheese
When it comes to recipes like this we like to have a full spread. Here are some of the other recipes we include on our appetizer table.
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Pretzel Dogs
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Jalapeno Artichoke Dip
- Poutine
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Cheese Log
- Air Fryer Ravioli
- Smoked Olives
Smoked Cream Cheese Dip
How long does smoked cream cheese last?
Smoked cream cheese can last in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s best to store it in an airtight container so it doesn’t go bad.
How do I store smoked cream cheese?
Smoked cream cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
Can I Freeze Smoked Cream Cheese?
You can freeze smoked cream cheese to keep it fresh. Simply place the smoked cream cheese in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw the frozen cream cheese out by placing it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before you will serve it again. Then microwave for about 30-90 seconds or until hot when serving.
How to transfer the cheese to a serving plater
The key to transferring this warm and melty cheese is to be patient and not try to do it right after you remove it from the smoker. Allow the cheese to cool a bit.
Then when it has firmed up a little, take 2 spatulas and slide one under each side of the cream cheese so that the whole thing is supported. Carefully move it onto the serving tray and then slide the spatulas out from underneath the block.
Pellet vs wood smoker?
Pellet smokers are a newer type of smoker that uses pellets instead of firewood. The pellets are small pieces of wood that have been tightly compressed. They tend to be easier to use than traditional smokers, and definitely more convenient.
Wood smokers are the oldest type of smoker, and they use chunks or whole logs of hardwood (usually oak) for fuel. The smoke from the burning wood gives Wood Smokers their characteristic smoky flavor profile.
They can be more expensive than pellet smokers and more maintenance and knowledge go into cooking on one, but they give a smokier flavor.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to preheat the pellet smoker before starting.
- Try using taco seasoning, bagel seasoning, brown sugar, favorite bbq rub, dry seasonings, sweet rubs, garlic powder, and cinnamon sugar for a dessert version, for an added flavor twist to this seasoned cream cheese.
- Serve with bagel chips, favorite crackers, tortilla chips, apple slices, graham crackers, pita crisps, pepper jelly, salty crackers, and bacon jam.
- Use a disposable aluminum pan, pieces of aluminum foil, cast iron skillet, iron pan, disposable foil pans, small baking sheet, or sheet pan when making this great recipe.
- Make sure you are starting with a brick of cream cheese or blocks of cream cheese when smoking cream cheese.
- We like to use full-fat cream cheese.
- Add this as the center of your favorite charcuterie board ingredients.
making smoked cream cheese on a pellet grill
How to Make Smoked Cream Cheese
- Preheat the smoker (electric pellet grill) to 180 degrees.
- While the smoker is preheating, place the cream cheese on a small tray and prepare by slicing the top of it in a cross-hatch pattern. (or whatever pattern you choose)
- Drizzle the oil over the top and then gently brush it in, so it soaks into all the slices you just made.
- Combine the chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and granulated garlic in a small bowl and stir to mix.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the top of the prepared cream cheese.
- Place the cream cheese in the preheated smoker and let it smoke for about 2 hours.
- Once done, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before trying to move it to a serving plate or platter.
- Serve warm with chips, crackers, pork rings, pita chips, or spread it on whatever you like.
Why This Works
This recipe for smoked cream cheese is a great way to add flavor and variety to your appetizer spread. By using different spices and flavors, you can create something that is unique and perfect for your taste.
Additionally, by preparing it in advance, you can spend more time with guests. This is a super quick prep and then everyone can gather around when it comes off the smoker.
What type of pellets work best for this recipe?
Alder is a great type of wood for smoked cream cheese because it has a strong, smoky flavor and is easy to work with. Other good woods to use for smoked cream cheese include oak, hickory, and pecan. We always love to use applewood as it gives a slight sweetness to our smoked recipes.
Why score cream cheese?
Scoring the cream cheese helps to let the flavors soak into the cheese as well as gives it a beautiful texture when serving later on.
Will the cream cheese be a puddle after 2 hours?
Nope – the smoker is set at such a low temperature that the cheese stays in its block shape. Now – once in a while the cheese will separate a little from the scoring – you can see that in my pics below. The edge started to pull away from the remainder of the block.
This is a simple fix. Just take the side of a knife or a thin spatula and push the side back into the block. As the cheese cools it will hold its shape again.
More Cheesy Recipes to Try
- Mini Bacon Onion Ranch Cheese Balls
- Cheese Log
- Pretzel Cheese Dip
- Sausage Cheese Dip
- Ham & Cheese Hot Spinach Dip
- Bacon Alfredo Cheese Cups
- Easy Cheese Ball Recipe
Products I love when making smoked cream cheese…
This easy smoked cheese recipe is SUPER delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made cheese on your smoker before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this smoked appetizer recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)
Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe
If you love this easy smoked cream cheese recipe, you’re going to love these other smoker recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
Other Delicious and Easy Dips
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Smoked Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ⅛ tsp chili powder
- ⅛ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp granulated garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker (electric pellet grill) to 180 degrees.
- While the smoker is preheating, place the cream cheese on a small tray and prepare by slicing the top of it in a cross-hatch pattern. (or whatever pattern you choose)
- Drizzle the oil over the top and then gently brush it in, so it soaks into all the slices you just made.
- Combine the chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and granulated garlic in a small bowl and stir to mix.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the top of the prepared cream cheese.
- Place the cream cheese in the preheated smoker and let it smoke for about 2 hours.
- Once done, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before trying to move it to a serving plate or platter.
- Serve warm with chips, crackers, pork rings, pita chips, or spread it on whatever you like.
Equipment
- 1 Traeger or Pellet Grill Smoker
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Elsie S. Stewart says
I tried this recipe and it’s really good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the recipe.