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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
- Place the cream cheese onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the rob onto the top and sides of the cream cheese.
- Place the baking sheet on the smoker and smoke for 1 ½ to 2 hour.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sides.
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.