Smoked Cream Cheese
A creamy, smoky, and effortless appetizer that’s perfect for any BBQ or gathering. This smoked cream cheese is seasoned, slow-smoked, and served warm with crackers or veggies.
- Total Time: 1 h 35
- Yield: Serves 8+ as an appetizer 1x
Ingredients
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
1–2 tbsp olive oil
1–2 tbsp BBQ dry rub (savory, sweet or spicy)
Optional toppings:
Hot honey or BBQ sauce
Jalapeños
Bacon bits
Pecans or green onions
Crackers or veggies for serving
Instructions
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
Score the top of the cream cheese block in a crosshatch pattern.
Brush with olive oil and coat with your chosen dry rub.
Place the block on foil or in a cast iron pan.
Smoke uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours until golden, puffy, and soft.
Top with honey, bacon, or herbs. Serve warm with crackers or veggies.
Notes
Use a gas grill with wood chips if you don’t have a smoker.
For sweet versions, try cinnamon sugar and honey.
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave for a creamy texture again.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 1 h 30
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: ~90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Smoked Cream Cheese
Smoked Cream Cheese is the viral BBQ appetizer you didn’t know you needed. Creamy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, it’s one of the easiest and most impressive dishes you can throw on the smoker — no prep skills required. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or looking for your next game day hit, this dish delivers flavor with almost zero effort.
Let’s dive into this must-try recipe and see why smoked cream cheese is now a staple for BBQ lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe
✅ Incredibly easy – Just season and smoke
✅ Perfectly creamy & smoky – Amazing texture and flavor
✅ Budget-friendly – One block feeds a crowd
✅ Versatile – Sweet, savory, spicy… anything goes
✅ Great for parties – Serve with crackers, chips, or veggies
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons dry rub (savory, spicy, or sweet)
- Optional toppings:
- Hot honey or BBQ sauce
- Jalapeños
- Chopped pecans
- Bacon bits
- Green onions
- Crackers, chips, or sliced veggies (for serving)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat smoker – Set to 225°F (107°C) using wood of your choice (hickory, applewood, pecan are great).
2️⃣ Prep the cheese – Score the top of the cream cheese block with a knife (like a hashtag pattern). Drizzle with olive oil and coat all sides with your dry rub.
3️⃣ Smoke – Place the cream cheese on a foil-lined tray or cast iron pan. Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours until softened, golden, and slightly puffed.
4️⃣ Add toppings & serve – Drizzle with hot honey or BBQ sauce, top with crunchy bits, and serve warm with crackers or bread.
Flavor Variations
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Use Cajun rub or add chili flakes and jalapeños
🍯 Sweet & Savory – Try cinnamon sugar + honey or maple syrup + pecans
🧄 Garlic Herb – Season with Italian blend, garlic powder, and top with chopped fresh herbs
🥓 Bacon Ranch – Use ranch seasoning and sprinkle with crispy bacon and green onions
Smoked cream cheese is incredibly adaptable — make it your own!
Budget Tips for Smoked Cream Cheese
✅ Buy cream cheese in bulk when on sale
✅ Use store-brand seasonings or DIY spice blends
✅ Serve with homemade crostini or leftover bread instead of fancy crackers
✅ Use one block for multiple guests — it stretches far!
Smoked Cream Cheese gives you maximum impact for minimal cost — perfect for students or family gatherings.
Student-Friendly Hacks for Smoked Cream Cheese
✅ Don’t have a smoker? Use a gas grill with indirect heat and wood chips wrapped in foil
✅ No rub? Use taco seasoning, ranch powder, or just paprika + garlic salt
✅ Use a toaster oven with smoked paprika for a shortcut smoky effect
✅ Serve it in a dorm common kitchen with chips or pretzels — instant crowd-pleaser!
Nutrition (approx. per 2 tbsp serving, plain with rub only)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
Additions like honey, bacon, or sauces will increase the values.
FAQ: Smoked Cream Cheese
How long do you smoke cream cheese at 225 degrees?
Typically, you should smoke cream cheese at 225°F (107°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours. This gives it enough time to soften, absorb the smoky flavor, and develop a beautiful golden crust without melting.
Why does smoked cream cheese not melt?
Unlike other cheeses, cream cheese has a high fat content and low moisture, which allows it to hold its shape when smoked at low temperatures. The outer layer firms up slightly while the inside becomes creamy and spreadable — perfect for dipping.
How to smoke cream cheese on a pellet grill Pit Boss?
To smoke cream cheese on a Pit Boss:
Preheat your grill to 225°F.
Score and season your cream cheese block.
Place it on foil or a cast iron pan.
Close the lid and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours using woods like hickory or pecan.
Optional: finish with toppings like hot honey or green onions.
Can you smoke soft cheese?
Yes! While cream cheese is the most popular, you can also smoke brie, camembert, and even mozzarella. Just make sure to use indirect low heat and place them in a dish or wrap in foil to prevent melting or mess.
Conclusion
Smoked Cream Cheese is your go-to appetizer for impressing guests without stressing out. Whether you go spicy, sweet, or savory, this recipe is easy, affordable, and unforgettable.
Try making your own Smoked Cream Cheese and see why it’s become a viral BBQ favorite — and don’t forget to share your favorite topping combos!