Elevate your appetizer game with our guide on how to make smoked cream cheese. This smoky, creamy delight is perfect for adding a gourmet touch to your snacks and spreads. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking to enhance your everyday meals, smoked cream cheese offers a unique and flavorful twist that will impress your taste buds.
How to make smoked cream cheese
Smoked Cream Cheese: Smoked cream cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that adds a smoky flavor to the creamy texture of the cheese. It's perfect for spreading on crackers or bread and can be customized with various seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wood chips for smoking (such as hickory, applewood, or cherrywood)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese. Remove the cream cheese from its packaging and place it on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cream cheese, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Season the Cream Cheese. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the cream cheese, pressing it gently to adhere.
- Prepare the Smoker. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you don't have a smoker, you can use a grill set up for indirect smoking.
- Add your choice of wood chips to the smoker or grill according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Smoke the Cream Cheese. Place the seasoned cream cheese directly on the smoker or grill grate.
- Smoke the cream cheese for 2 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature of 225°F (107°C).
- Serve. Remove the smoked cream cheese from the smoker or grill and let it cool slightly
- Serve warm or at room temperature with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables
Notes
If you don’t have a smoker, try these methods!
Alternative Methods to Smoke Cream Cheese
1. Using a Grill with a Smoker Box
- Setup: If you have a grill, you can create a smoker effect by using a smoker box or a foil pouch filled with wood chips.
- Instructions:
- Soak a handful of wood chips in water for about 30 minutes.
- Drain the wood chips and place them in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil, poking a few holes in the foil to allow smoke to escape.
- Place the smoker box or foil pouch on one side of the grill and preheat the grill to medium-low heat.
- Place the seasoned cream cheese on the opposite side of the grill, away from direct heat.
- Close the grill lid and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, maintaining a temperature of around 225°F (107°C).
2. Using a Stovetop Smoker
- Setup: A stovetop smoker is a great indoor option for smoking small items like cream cheese.
- Instructions:
- Line the bottom of the stovetop smoker with aluminum foil and add a small amount of wood chips.
- Place the drip tray and rack over the wood chips.
- Place the seasoned cream cheese on the rack.
- Cover the smoker and place it over medium heat on the stovetop.
- Smoke for about 30-45 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the wood chips are producing smoke.
3. Using Liquid Smoke
- Setup: Liquid smoke can be used to impart a smoky flavor without actual smoking.
- Instructions:
- Mix a few drops of liquid smoke into the olive oil before drizzling it over the cream cheese.
- Proceed with the seasoning and baking steps as described in the original recipe.
- Bake the cream cheese in a preheated oven at 225°F (107°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Additional Serving Suggestions for Smoked
Cream Cheese
- Charcuterie Board:
- Serve the smoked cream cheese as part of a charcuterie board with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, and fresh fruit.
- Bagels and Lox:
- Spread the smoked cream cheese on bagels and top with smoked salmon, capers, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh dill.
- Stuffed Vegetables:
- Use the smoked cream cheese as a filling for mini bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber cups.
- Sandwich Spread:
- Spread the smoked cream cheese on sandwiches or wraps for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs well with turkey, ham, or roast beef.
- Baked Potatoes:
- Dollop the smoked cream cheese onto baked potatoes and sprinkle with chives and bacon bits for a smoky twist on a classic side dish.
- Pasta Sauce:
- Stir the smoked cream cheese into hot pasta for a creamy, smoky sauce. Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a complete meal.
- Crackers and Bread:
- Serve with an assortment of crackers, crostini, or toasted baguette slices for an easy and delicious appetizer.
- Grilled Vegetables:
- Use the smoked cream cheese as a dip for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus.
| Nutritional Information (Per Serving) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 0% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 2% DV |