This quick and easy Smoked Cream Cheese has it all. Creamy cheese flavor, infused with deep hickory smoke and dusted with a robust dry rub that adds depth and umami to every bite. Spread on a bagel, or used as a dip for crackers, this smoked cream cheese elevates your dip game to the next level.
This smoked cream cheese recipe looks and tastes fancy – but is incredibly easy to make!
It’s one of those comfort foods that’s always a hit at ladies’ nights or game day parties or even the monthly poker gatherings.
And with this recipe, you get the creamy consistency of traditional cream cheese paired beautifully with the infusion of rich hickory smoke – yielding a deeply flavorful cheese spread that goes well on any medium, whether that’s chips, artisan crackers or even bagels.
How To Make Smoked Cream Cheese
This recipe is super simple – it only has 3 steps.
First we dust the cream cheese with our dry rub.
Then we score our cream cheese.
And lastly, we smoke our cream cheese.
It’s really easy to make, so it can be the perfect last minute appetizer for your next gathering or family barbecue!
What Is The Best Dry Rub To Use For Smoked Cream Cheese?
I really like this Traeger Garlic & Chili Pepper Rub. It’s got a good balance of smokiness, spiciness and a slightly sweet after taste that perfectly compliments the cream cheese. But honestly, any savory rub you have will work well with this smoked cream cheese recipe.
Key Elements Of This Recipe
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese: The original flavored cream cheese works best
- Traeger Garlic & Chili Pepper Rub: A little smokey, a little spicy, with a slightly sweet after taste – perfect for this smoked cream cheese recipe
The Ingredients for Smoked Cream Cheese
- 1 block Philadelphia Cream Cheese (original, 8 oz)
- 1/4 cup Traeger Garlic & Chili Pepper Rub
The Equipment Needed
- Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grill (or any other quality smoker)
- Aluminum Baking Pan
How To Smoke Cream Cheese
Start by placing your unwrapped block of cream cheese in the middle of your aluminum baking pan.
Generously dust your cream cheese with the Traeger Garlic & Chili Pepper Rub – making sure to cover all sides, and also the bottom.
Score the cream cheese with deep 1/2 inch grooves, to allow the cheese to spread as it smokes.
Set your smoker to 200°F.
Place your seasoned & scored cream cheese in the middle of the smoker and let it smoke for 90 minutes.
Then remove from the smoker and plate your smoked cream cheese dip with crackers or chips and serve!
Pro Tip: Drizzle a bit of Brown Sugar Simple Syrup on top, to add a hint of sweetness to contrast the savoriness of the cream cheese.
If you liked this recipe, you’ll love these too:
Smoked Cream Cheese (2 Ingredients)
Equipment
- Traeger Ironwood Wood Pellet Grill, (or any other quality smoker)
Ingredients
- 1 block Philadelphia Cream Cheese, (original, 8 oz)
- 1/4 cup Traeger Garlic & Chili Pepper Rub
Instructions
How To Smoke Cream Cheese
- Start by placing your unwrapped block of cream cheese in the middle of your aluminum baking pan.
- Generously dust your cream cheese with the Traeger Garlic & Chili Pepper Rub – making sure to cover all sides, and also the bottom.
- Score the cream cheese with deep 1/2 inch grooves, to allow the cheese to spread as it smokes.
- Set your smoker to 200°F.
- Place your seasoned & scored cream cheese in the middle of the smoker and let it smoke for 90 minutes.
- Then remove from the smoker and plate your smoked cream cheese dip with crackers or chips and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is just an estimate derived by an online calculation tool.
FAQ
How long do you smoke cream cheese?
For this recipe, we smoke at 200°F for 90 minutes.
What is the best wood for smoking cream cheese?
I’ve found that hickory wood is the best for creating that deep, rich smokey flavor.
At what temperature do you smoke cream cheese?
Low and slow is the key here – smoke at 200°F for 90 minutes.
Harriet Young
Oh my gosh I couldn’t believe how delicious this was! Used it as a dip with tortilla chips and it was amazing. So easy, so tasty.
Umamiology
Yes, easy but so tasty!
Ieva
Wonderful idea that I simply have to try! We have friends coming over for a game night tomorrow, and I know what I am making! I can almost smell the smoke looking at your gorgeous photos!
Umamiology
Hope it turns out great!
Tara
Oooh, you had me at only 2 ingredients. This cheese looks absolutely amazing and I especially love that color.
Umamiology
Yes – it looks and tastes great!
TAYLER ROSS
I made this smoked cream cheese for a get together last night and it was incredible! Everyone loved it!
Umamiology
Glad you all enjoyed it!
Gianne
So simple with just two ingredients, but the flavor was out of this world. The smokiness added a whole new dimension to the creamy cheese.
Umamiology
Smoked cheese is the best!
Anjali
Omg this might be my new favorite way to eat cream cheese! It had so much flavor and the smoky notes were to die for!
Umamiology
Glad you enjoyed it!
Saif
I love cream cheese. I never thought smokiness will enhance the flavor. Looks really good.
Umamiology
Yes, smoke and cream cheese together is amazing!
Sara Welch
This was such a unique and unexpected recipe that does not disappoint! Quick, easy and flavorful; definitely, a new favorite recipe!
Umamiology
Glad you liked it!
Jules
What a beautiful idea! The presentation is unique and the flavor sounds divine.
Umamiology
Thanks!
Amy Liu Dong
I thought it was a meat at first! But then i’m not disappointed because the cream cheese still looks delicious and will go well with the chips!
Umamiology
Yes – it certainly is good enough to be a meal!
Paula
This was so unique and tasted INCREDIBLE! Will definitely make it again.
Amy Liu Dong
.
Heather
I recently made this Smoked Cream Cheese, and it was absolutely delicious! The deep smoky flavor infused into the cream cheese is a game changer. It’s so simple to make yet adds such a luxurious touch to our snacks. Thank you for sharing this flavorful recipe!
Todd Greene
Yes! OMG! Can’t wait until 🏈 season is here to make for tailgating!!! Thank you, Umamiology and Traeger Garlic and Chili Pepper Rub! 5*’s
Umamiology
Pleasure is mine – glad you enjoyed!
Adri
This is genius! That added smoky flavour makes the cream cheese utterly irresistible for dipping, spreading, or even snacking in big spoonfuls!
Gianne
The smoky flavor infused perfectly into the creamy cheese, creating a rich and savory treat that was a hit at our last gathering. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and tastes like a gourmet appetizer – I can’t wait to make it again!
Ann
I didn’t even know this was a thing until now. Can’t wait to try. Thanks!
Cathleen
Anything that uses minimal ingredients is an instant hit in my kitchen. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, I am planning on making it on the 4th of July!!
Carrie Robinson
Such a great idea for summer entertaining! 🙂 I just love how easy this is to make.
suja md
Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!
kushi
Loved the presentation. This smoked cheese look fantastic. Thanks for sharing.