Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe

[Kurt]

Surely will be your favorite!

Making smoked cream cheese is a delicious and straightforward process, perfect for spreading on bagels, crackers, or enjoying as a dip. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:​

• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite seasoning blend (e.g., Everything Bagel seasoning, ranch seasoning, or a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika)
• Wood chips or chunks for smoking (hickory, apple, or cherry wood are popular choices)
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:​

1. Prepare the Smoker:
   • If using a smoker, preheat it to around 225°F (110°C). If you don't have a smoker, you can use a grill set up for indirect heat with a smoke box or pouch.
2. Season the Cream Cheese:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with your chosen seasoning blend. Mix well until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
3. Shape the Cream Cheese (optional):
   • You can shape the cream cheese into a log or any desired shape using plastic wrap or parchment paper if you want a neat presentation after smoking. Alternatively, you can simply leave it in the block shape.
4. Prepare for Smoking:
   • Tear off a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap around the cream cheese block. Place the seasoned cream cheese on the foil.
5. Smoke the Cream Cheese:
   • Place the foil-wrapped cream cheese block directly on the smoker grate or on the indirect heat side of the grill. If using a smoker, add wood chips or chunks (pre-soaked for 30 minutes if using chips) to produce smoke.
6. Smoke for Flavor:
   • Smoke the cream cheese for about 1-2 hours. The longer you smoke it, the stronger the smoky flavor will be. Aim for a light to moderate smoke level to complement the creamy texture of the cheese.
7. Chill and Serve:
   • Once smoked, carefully remove the cream cheese from the smoker and let it cool to room temperature. For best results, refrigerate the smoked cream cheese for a few hours or overnight before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the smoked cream cheese with bagels, crackers, or use it as a dip for vegetables. It's delicious on its own or paired with your favorite snacks.

This smoked cream cheese will add a delightful smoky twist to your usual spreads and dips, perfect for any occasion!

 

[jannababe]

This smoked cream cheese recipe looks absolutely amazing! The smoky flavor combined with creamy goodness sounds like a match made in heaven. I can't wait to try this out at my next BBQ! Thanks for sharing!