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Step up your dip game and make this Smoked Cream Cheese. This dip can be coated with a simple dry rub and enjoyed with your favorite cracker, pretzel, or chip. The best part is that you get to use the smoker. 

smoked cream cheese on tray with vegetables and chips
Serve the Smoked Cream Cheese with your favorite vegetables and dippers

Are you looking for an easy dip to make for a crowd? This dip is so good that you can eat it right off the grill. If you prefer it cold, you can also put it in the fridge for later. There is no wrong way to enjoy this deliciousness. 

What is smoked cream cheese?

Smoked cream cheese is a type of soft, spreadable cheese that has been flavored and smoked. It is often used as a topping for crackers or baked potatoes or as an ingredient in recipes.

ingredients for smoked cream cheese
Grab your ingredients for the Smoked Cream Cheese

Ingredients to use when smoking cream cheese

  • Cream cheese – This recipe calls for an 8-ounce block of cream cheese. You can double or triple the recipe.
  • Dry rub  – The second part of this recipe calls for a dry rub. You can choose your favorite.

What is my favorite dry rub to use?

Many different dry rubs can be used to flavor your cream cheese. Some of my favorites include smoky paprika, spicy chili powder, and tangy lemon zest.

How to Make Smoked Cream Cheese Dip

You are going to start with your favorite brand of cream cheese. I always prefer the store brand, but you choose your favorite.

I like to use a little secret when smoking cream cheese: rub it down with olive oil. This step will help ensure the seasoning sticks to the cream cheese.

cream cheese scored with a knife and seasoning blends in glass bowls
First you will need to score the cream cheese with a knife

Go ahead and score the top of the cream cheese block. Place the cream cheese onto the prepared baking sheet 

Start by preheating the smoker to 215° F. Then, you’ll want to line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

cream cheese on foil lined pan on Traeger smoker
Now it’s time to smoke the cream cheese

You are then going to sprinkle the rub onto the top and sides of the cream cheese. Place the baking sheet on the smoker and smoke for 1 ½ to 2 hours.

smoked cream cheese on Traeger smoker
The Smoked Cream Cheese is ready to serve

Flavor Variations for Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese

  • Sweet – Coat with a sugar-cinnamon blend and drizzle with honey when served.
  • Mexican – Coat with taco seasoning, add Rotel tomatoes and pickled jalapenos to the top when done, and serve with taco chips and Frito scoops.
  • Bacon – Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the cream cheese before smoking. Garnish with more crumbled bacon and serve with crackers.
  • More cheese –  add more cheese to the cream cheese before smoking.
  • Serve with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables for dipping.
charcuterie board with vegetables and chips
You can use an dry rub seasoning on the Cream Cheese

Can you use low-fat cream cheese?

While it is possible to use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese to smoke, most people recommend against it. This is because the lower fat content can result in a drier and less flavorful finished product. If you do choose to use low-fat or nonfat cream cheese for your smoked cheese dip, you may need to add additional seasonings or ingredients to compensate for the reduced flavor and creaminess.

smoked cream cheese on a plate with vegetables and pretzels
What would you serve with your Cream Cheese?

Should I eat this hot or cold?

You can always cut the cream cheese in half and try both options. Eating the smoked cheese hot or cold is going to produce two different flavor versions of the recipe. Give both a try and let us know what you think.

What wood pellet choices do I have for this recipe?

 It is recommended that you use Apple, Pecan, or Competition Blend.

Grab your favorite crackers and make this appetizer with cream cheese ASAP! What’s your favorite part of making dips for your family to enjoy?

Charcuterie board with vegetables and chips
Smoked Cream Cheese makes a great appetizer

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS SMOKED CREAM CHEESE?

While this cream cheese goes with just about every type of smoked meat, here are a few suggestions:

Traeger Chicken Wings – if you are looking for a fun party idea or maybe something for the big game, you can’t go wrong with smoked wings.

Smoked Bologna – while this recipe is a bit different than your normal smoked meat, it would be great with the smoked cream cheese.

Traeger Pulled Pork – well we couldn’t pass up everyone’s favorite pulled pork.

Smoked cream cheese served with crackers, veggies and pretzels | Pin Graphic for Pinterest
Step up your dip game and make this Smoked Cream Cheese. Coated with a simple rub and enjoyed with your favorite cracker, pretzel, or chip.
smoked cream cheese on tray with vegetables and chips

Smoked Cream Cheese

Step up your dip game and make this Smoked Cream Cheese. This dip can be coated with a simple dry rub and enjoyed with your favorite cracker, pretzel, or chip. The best part is that you get to use the smoker.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Smoked Cream Cheese, Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 102kcal
Author: Mark Rogers

Equipment

  • Wood Pellet Choices Apple, Pecan, Signature/Competition Blend

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block)
  • 2 tablespoons Favorite Dry Rub

Instructions

  • Preheat the smoker to 215° F.
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Score the top of the cream cheese block, about a 1/2 inch deep and spaced 1 inch apart.
    cream cheese scored with a knife and seasoning blends in glass bowls
  • Place the cream cheese onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle the rob onto the top and sides of the cream cheese.
    seasoning on cream cheese
  • Place the baking sheet on the smoker and smoke for 1 ½ to 2 hour.
    smoked cream cheese on Traeger smoker
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sides.
    smoked cream cheese on a plate with vegetables and pretzels

Notes

  • Flavor Variations
    • Sweet – coat with a sugar cinnamon blend and drizzle with honey when served.
    • Mexican – coat with taco seasoning, add Rotel tomatoes and pickled jalapenos to top when done, and serve with taco chips and Frito scoops.
    • Bacon – Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the cream cheese before smoking.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 407IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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