Smoked Cream Cheese

Smoked cream cheese is one of the easiest and most impressive appetizers you can make on a smoker. A simple block of full-fat cream cheese, lightly brushed with olive oil and coated in your favorite barbecue rub or seasoning, becomes a smoky, savory spread that's perfect for spreading on crackers or fresh veggies. It takes just 5 minutes to prep, and you can toss it onto the smoker with anything else you're smoking.

What Is Smoked Cream Cheese

Smoked cream cheese is exactly what it sounds like: a block of full-fat cream cheese that's smoked until it becomes soft and spreadable. What makes it special is how it turns a simple grocery staple into a fantastic appetizer that tastes like you spent hours on it!

Before going on the smoker, the cream cheese is lightly brushed with olive oil and coated with a flavorful barbecue rub or seasoning blend. As it smokes, the outside forms a caramelized crust, while the inside stays soft and creamy. Scoring the top in a crisscross pattern helps the smoke penetrate the cheese and gives it a beautiful presentation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's ridiculously easy. Just 3 ingredients, 5 minutes of prep, and the smoker does the rest. It's a true set-it-and-forget-it appetizer.
• It has so much flavor with zero effort. The smoke and seasoning work together to create incredible flavor that balances well with the creamy cheese.
• It's versatile. Serve it at backyard barbecues, holiday parties, game day spreads, or as a low-carb snack. We make it every single time we start our smoker no matter the occasion!
• It's completely customizable. Use your favorite barbecue rub or seasoning blend - any flavors will be delicious! You can even make it sweet with a cinnamon and brown sugar mixture.
• It's perfect for most diets. It's naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and easily works into keto and low-carb meal plans.
• It pairs with anything. Serve it with crackers, chips, veggies, or smear it on bagels, burgers, or sandwiches. (I love making a spicy version for burgers!)

Ingredients

Just three ingredients and it takes just five minutes to get it ready for your smoker! 

• Cream Cheese: Full fat is best. I've tried making this recipe several times with low-fat cream cheese and I don't recommend it. It doesn't have the same creaminess that its full-fat counterpart does, and the texture is just slightly off. This isn't the time to save a few calories anyway!
• Olive Oil: The olive oil is there to help the spice rub adhere to the cream cheese. You don't need much-about a tablespoon or less. The surface needs to be slick but be careful not to use too much oil. I use a silicone brush to add the oil to the cheese.
• Your favorite barbecue rub or spice mix: The seasoning choice is where things get fun! I'm partial to this blackening seasoning (I've been using this rub for years and it never disappoints) but you may prefer something with a little sweet brown sugar, like this easy dry rub for ribs. See more ideas further down!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are the steps to make smoked cream cheese:

1. Prep Your Pan: Line a small sheet pan with foil, then lightly grease the foil. Use the smallest size you have that will fit however many blocks of cream cheese you're using. (Or go a bit larger if you're planning to use the pan as a serving tray. For example, make this in advance then, once the pan is cool enough, add crackers and sliced veggies to the pan around the smoked cream cheese.)
2. Prep & Season The Cheese: Unwrap a block of cream cheese and place it on the sheet pan. Using a small silicone brush, coat it lightly with a small amount of olive oil. Sprinkle on your favorite seasoning, taking care to make sure all sides are thoroughly coated.
3. Score: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cheese in a criss-cross pattern. This will help the smoke permeate the cheese, giving it that incredible flavor.
4. Smoke: Place the sheet pan on the smoker alongside whatever you're already smoking. The temp doesn't really matter, but between 200F-250F works best. You don't want the temperature too high or it'll be done before it gets enough smoke flavor, but too low and it could get too much. So try to stay within that temperature range. Plan to smoke the cheese for about two hours. It can be removed as soon as just one hour, depending on how much smoke flavor you're going for. I've found that 1 ½ to 2 hours is perfect!
5. Serve: Serve the smoked cream cheese with crackers, chips, and/or freshly sliced vegetables. (See a list of serving ideas further down).

Seasoning Ideas

One of the best things about smoked cream cheese is how easy it is to customize. Here are some favorite ways to switch it up:

• Use your favorite taco seasoning. Serve with tortilla chips, salsa, or guacamole. Add a little chipotle powder if you want a little more smokiness.
• Try an Italian seasoning or Greek herb blend. You can top it with sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives (even chopped, fresh cucumber)!
• Cajun, Creole, or blackening seasoning are fantastic spicy options.
• Jerk seasoning
• Adobo seasoning
• Montreal Steak seasoning
• Everything but the Bagel seasoning (especially good with veggie dippers or bagel chips)
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Mix cinnamon and brown sugar for a dessert version! Serve it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or apple slices. Drizzle it with a little honey just before serving.
• If you live near a Trader Joe's, you should definitely check out their spice section. I always find new combinations I can't find anywhere else!

Serving Suggestions

This smoked appetizer can be served in all kinds of ways! Here are our favorites:

Crackers and Chips

• Crackers
• Tortilla chips
• Pita chips or bagel chips
• Pretzel thins or rods

Fresh Veggies for Dipping

• Carrot sticks
• Celery
• Cucumber rounds
• Bell pepper strips
• Snap peas or radishes

These are especially great for low-carb, keto-friendly, or gluten-free guests.

As a Spread

• Spread it on bagels, toast, or crusty bread
• Smear some onto grilled burgers or even hot dogs
• Add a swipe inside a wrap or breakfast burrito

On a Snack Board

Include it on a charcuterie board or grazing table alongside:

• Cured meats like salami or prosciutto
• Pickled veggies
• Olives, nuts, or roasted peppers
• Crunchy crostini for spreading then topping with any of the above

Leftover Ideas

• Mix it in some mashed potatoes
• Use the filling a a stuffing for mushrooms
• Add a spoonful to scrambled eggs
• Spread on bagels or toast
• As a spread for sandwiches, burgers, or wraps
• A dip for chips, veggies, or even soft pretzels

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Smoked cream cheese is best served warm and fresh off the smoker, but it stores well and can absolutely be prepped in advance. Here's how to get the most out of your leftovers if you have any!

How to Store It

• Wrap the smoked cream cheese in foil or place it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For the best texture, allow it to come to room temperature before serving again.
• Avoid freezing. It will not have a good texture after it thaws.

Make-Ahead Tips

• You can fully prepare and smoke the cream cheese up to a day in advance.
• After smoking, let it cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate.
• Reheat it gently in a warm oven (250°F for 10-15 minutes) or on a cool section of your smoker until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Full-fat cream cheese holds its shape better and will have the creamy texture you want.

What's the best kind of wood to use?

Mild to medium woods like apple, pecan, or hickory are best. A stronger wood can overpower the flavor of the cheese.

Do I need a smoker, or can I make it another way?

A smoker will definitely give you the best results, but you can also use a grill with indirect heat and a smoker box. You could also use a tiny amount of liquid smoke in the seasoning and bake it low in the oven. It's not quite the same, but still tasty.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can smoke the cream cheese up to 24 hours in advance, then cover it and refrigerate. Reheat it gently before serving for the best texture, or just bring it to room temperature.

How long can smoked cream cheese sit out?

For food safety, don't leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you're serving it at a party, just keep an eye on it. It's always been one of the first things to go at our parties though, so you likely won't have that problem!

Can I freeze smoked cream cheese?

I do not recommend freezing it. Freezing will affect its texture, and it will be crumbly and watery after it thaws. It's not a matter of taste, it really isn't something you'll want to try.

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If you love how easy and flavorful smoked cream cheese is, you're going to want to keep that smoker fired up! Try pairing it with a tender, fall-apart smoked pork butt or a seasoned smoked turkey breast for a main course. For a side dish, you can't go wrong with baked beans on the smoker, creamy smoked mac and cheese or this smoky corn side dish. And if you need another appetizer, be sure to check out chicken wings in the smoker!