If you’re looking to wow your guests or just treat yourself to something delightfully rich and comforting, the Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey and Green Onion Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine a creamy, smoky block of cream cheese enhanced by the sweet drizzle of honey and the fresh, vibrant crunch of green onions. This combination creates a perfect balance of smoky depth, subtle sweetness, and a lively bite that’s both easy to prepare and irresistible to taste. Whether it’s for a cozy gathering or an elegant appetizer, this recipe will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about cream cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple ingredients makes this recipe a breeze, but don’t let the simplicity fool you — each element plays an essential role in flavor, texture, and presentation.
- 8 oz. block cream cheese: The smooth and luscious base to carry smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors.
- 2 tablespoons easy dry rub: Adds a savory depth and a hint of spice that transforms plain cream cheese into something special.
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil: Optional but helps the dry rub adhere and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Brings a luscious sweetness that beautifully contrasts the smoky and savory notes.
- Thinly sliced green onion: Offers a crisp, bright, and mildly pungent garnish that lifts the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey and Green Onion Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Ingredients
Begin by setting your pellet grill to a steady smoke at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is perfect for slowly infusing the cream cheese with a gentle smoky flavor without melting it.
Step 2: Coat the Cream Cheese in Dry Rub
On a rimmed plate, spread your dry rub evenly. Roll and press your cream cheese block gently into the rub, making sure every side gets a flavorful coating. This seasoning step is crucial because it introduces the bold, savory spice layer beneath the smoke.
Step 3: Score and Oil the Surface
Carefully score the top of the cream cheese in a cross-hatch pattern; this helps the smoke and honey soak in better and adds a lovely texture. If you like, drizzle or spray the surface with olive oil to help the dry rub stick and to introduce a smooth richness.
Step 4: Smoke the Cream Cheese
Place the prepared cream cheese in a disposable aluminum pan to catch any drips, then transfer it to your grill. Smoke the cream cheese for 2 hours, allowing the smoke to infuse the cream cheese, enhancing its flavor without melting its creamy texture.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once smoked, drizzle the cream cheese with honey and scatter the thinly sliced green onions on top. This final sweet and fresh touch makes the dish come alive with layers of flavor and beautiful color contrast.
How to Serve Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey and Green Onion Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions add a lively contrast to the smoky, creamy base, but consider adding finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley for extra brightness. A little cracked black pepper can also highlight the sweet-savory contrast beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish with sliced French bread, crisp crackers like Ritz, or even toasted baguette slices. The crunch pairs wonderfully with the soft cream cheese, creating a satisfying texture combo that your guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the smoked cream cheese on a wooden board surrounded by fresh fruits, nuts, and charcuterie items for a stunning appetizer platter. Alternatively, use it as a flavorful spread for bagels or sandwiches to add a gourmet touch to simple meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover smoked cream cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled ensures the flavors stay fresh and the texture maintains its creamy consistency without drying out.
Freezing
While cream cheese can be frozen, the texture might change slightly, becoming a bit crumbly once thawed. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
This dish is best eaten cold or at room temperature to appreciate the smoky flavor and creamy texture fully. If you want to warm it slightly, do so gently in the microwave for a few seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese from melting completely.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of block cream cheese?
Yes, but block cream cheese holds up better to smoking and scoring without losing shape, so it’s preferred for this recipe.
What type of wood chips are best for smoking cream cheese?
Fruitwoods like apple or cherry provide a milder smoke flavor that complements rather than overwhelms the cream cheese’s delicate taste.
Is there a substitute for the dry rub?
You can create a simple mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne if you don’t have a pre-made dry rub, but using an easy dry rub ensures consistent and balanced flavor.
Can I prepare this indoors without a smoker?
Smoking imparts unique flavor, but you could lightly sear the cream cheese in a pan with the dry rub or use a smoke-flavored ingredient, though the authentic experience is best achieved outdoors on a smoker.
How long will this recipe keep its best flavor?
It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days of smoking to enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors before they start to fade.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an appetizer that’s bursting with personality and comfort, this Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey and Green Onion Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a simple yet brilliant way to elevate cream cheese into an irresistible showstopper that’s as surprising as it is delicious. Trust me, once you light up that smoker and see how the flavors come together, you’ll make this a kitchen staple and a highlight at every gathering!
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Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey and Green Onion Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Smoked Cream Cheese is a flavorful appetizer that combines the creamy texture of cream cheese with the deep, smoky aroma imparted by a pellet grill. This easy recipe is enhanced with a dry rub, olive oil, and a touch of honey, garnished with fresh green onions to create a perfect spread for crackers or sliced French bread. Ideal for casual gatherings or adding unique flair to your appetizer tray.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz. block cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons easy dry rub
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Thinly sliced green onion, for garnish
- Sliced French bread and Ritz crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill: Turn your pellet grill on and set it to the smoke setting at 250°F (121°C) to create a steady smoking environment.
- Apply Dry Rub: Spread the easy dry rub evenly on a rimmed plate. Roll the block of cream cheese in the dry rub, gently pressing it to ensure the entire surface is coated.
- Score Cream Cheese: Using a knife, score the top of the cream cheese block in a cross-hatch pattern. This helps the smoke penetrate and enhances flavor absorption.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the cream cheese with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil or spray lightly with olive oil spray to add slight moisture and help the dry rub adhere better during smoking.
- Transfer and Smoke: Place the coated cream cheese in a disposable aluminum pan to contain any drips. Place the pan on the grill and smoke at 250°F for 2 hours to infuse the cheese with a rich smoky flavor.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the smoked cream cheese from the grill, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey for a subtle sweetness, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with sliced French bread and Ritz crackers as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- If you don’t have a pellet grill, you can improvise with a regular smoker or a charcoal grill using wood chips for smoke.
- The cross-hatch scoring allows the smoke and seasonings to penetrate more effectively into the cream cheese.
- Adjust the amount of honey and green onions to taste for sweeter or more savory variations.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
