Smoked Cream Cheese is a shockingly simple and surprisingly flavorful addition to your next backyard BBQ!
American BBQ culture has its roots in the 1950s, when a wave of migration to the suburbs meant more people had yards. The invention of the Weber Kettle Grill ushered in an era of backyard chefs. But in the late 1980s, a new culture emerged. Spinning off of wood pellet stoves used to heat homes, backyard smokers, led by the industry favorite Traeger, turned a whole new generation into smoked meat experts.
Most backyard chefs with their own smoker have a specific type of meat that they’re known for, like Smoked Brisket or pulled pork. But if you ask me, the best parts of any grill out are the sides and starters. Classics like mac and cheese and pasta salad have always been my favorites—until I discovered smoked cream cheese.
Salty, savory BBQ rubs are balanced out with the creamy base, which also serves to soak up that smoky flavor. Coupled with crackers, tortilla chips, chopped veggies, or even pita squares, this is the kind of side that backyard chefs become known for, and that disappears from the table faster than you can say “cheese.”
Plus, if you’re already firing up the smoker, this ultra-simple recipe is one that you can easily sneak in, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time preparing a side.
Is Smoked Cream Cheese Healthy?
The main ingredient in this recipe is cream cheese, which isn’t known for being low-calorie or packed with many nutritional benefits. If you want to reduce the calorie count, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese instead without sacrificing taste.
One area that this dish does shine is if you’re trying to increase your veggie intake. Smoked cream cheese makes for a tasty veggie dip you won’t want to stop eating. Red, green, and yellow peppers, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and carrots all go well with most BBQ rubs. But if you know that you’ll be pairing this dish with fresh veggies, consider using ranch seasoning instead of BBQ rub.
What if I Don’t Have a Smoker?
To make a true smoked cream cheese, you’re going to need a backyard smoker. But these large, costly backyard grills may not be something you want to invest in just to make this recipe. If you live in a condo or apartment, a smoker might not be an option anyway.
While you might not be able to perfectly replicate this recipe without a smoker, it’s still possible to make a tasty dip with the same ingredients and the household appliances you already own. You can easily prep the cream cheese and pop it in the oven for an hour for a warm and gooey dip. Some BBQ rubs even have a smoky flavor that will help make up for the lack of real smoke.
How to make ahead and store
This is one dish that’s best fresh. But if you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to four days. When you’re ready to dig in, pop it in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes to bring it back to its gooey goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Smoked cream cheese is ready in just an hour or two, making it a great appetizer to enjoy while you wait for your other smoked dishes, like a savory Smoked Pork Tenderloin or Smoked Pork Chop. To round out your backyard BBQ, pair this starter with Smoked Corn On The Cob and some creamy Mac and Cheese.
While it might taste as smoky and flavorful as a smoked brisket or pork, smoked cream cheese is a vegetarian-friendly side—a rarity at some BBQs! If you’re inviting a veggie-loving friend to your grill out, Smoked Cabbage is a delicious alternative to meat dishes and goes perfectly with smoked cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons your favorite BBQ dry rub
- 2-3 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Coat the cream cheese block with a layer of olive oil and then apply the BBQ dry rub on all sides, patting it gently.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cream cheese in a cross-hatch pattern.
- Place the prepared cream cheese on a smoker-safe dish and smoke at 225°F for 1-2 hours, depending on your desired level of smokiness.
- Remove the smoked cream cheese from the smoker. Serve with preferred crackers, bread, or veggies.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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