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