In this recipe, we have a tantalizing treat that will take your appetizer game to the next level. It's a dish that's been making waves on Instagram, and it's called Smoked Cream Cheese. That's right, we're taking this creamy, tangy staple and giving it a smoky, savory twist that will make your taste buds sing.
Picture this: a warm and cheesy dip that's begging to be scooped up with your favorite chips, crackers, or veggies. Smoked Cream Cheese is the ultimate party spread, offering an unparalleled level of flavor options that will satisfy all your guests. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make.
So, let's get started on this dip-making adventure, where we'll explore the endless possibilities of flavor combinations, from sweet to spicy and everything in between. Join me as we take a block of cream cheese, add our favorite rub, and transform it into a silky, creamy and smoky dip that will be the talk of your next gathering. Get ready to impress your guests with this show-stopping appetizer in just a few simple steps.
What is Smoked Cream Cheese?
Smoked Cream Cheese is a unique twist on a classic appetizer that has taken social media by storm. This trendy dish is made by smoking a block of cream cheese to create a creamy and smoky dip that is perfect for serving with chips, crackers, or vegetables. The result is a dip that is rich and flavorful, with endless options for seasoning and spice levels. Whether you prefer a hot and spicy dip or a sweet and savory one, smoked cream cheese offers an unparalleled level of flavor options that will make it the star of your next party spread. So, if you're looking for a new and exciting way to elevate your appetizer game, look no further than smoked cream cheese!
What are the best flavors to use on Smoked Cream Cheese?
1: Smoked Bros' Pecan Recon, would be a perfect match for Smoked Cream Cheese. The smoky and nutty flavor of the pecans would complement the smoky cream cheese, while the touch of sweetness from the maple would balance out the savory flavors. The blend of sugar, salt, and spices in this rub would also provide a perfect amount of seasoning to enhance the overall taste of the cream cheese. By using this rub on Smoked Cream Cheese, you'll get a unique and delicious appetizer that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.
2: Smoked Bros' Honey Badger is a perfect combination of sweet and smoky flavors, with the added kick of chipotle. The sweetness of honey mixed with the spicy chipotle pepper gives this seasoning a unique flavor profile that will make your taste buds sing. When paired with Smoked Cream Cheese, it creates a deliciously balanced dip with a bit of heat and a touch of sweetness that will be a crowd-pleaser. The smoky flavor of the paprika in the seasoning complements the smoky notes of the smoked cream cheese, making Honey Badger an ideal seasoning to use on Smoked Cream Cheese.
3: Smoked Bros' Cherry Blast would add a unique fruity sweetness to the smoky creaminess of smoked cream cheese. The blend of brown sugar, garlic, and spices in the rub would provide a well-balanced flavor profile with just the right amount of heat. The beautiful color this rub creates would make for an eye-catching presentation when used as a topping for smoked cream cheese. The sweet and spicy notes of Cherry Blast would make it a perfect pairing for crackers, chips, and vegetables.
What is the best wood to use when Smoking Cream Cheese?
When it comes to smoking cream cheese, choosing the right wood is crucial. You want a wood that will impart a mild, delicate smoke flavor that won't overpower the cream cheese. Fruitwoods like apple, cherry, and peach are excellent choices as they provide a subtle sweetness that complements the cream cheese's creamy texture. These woods also burn at a lower temperature than hardwoods, which is ideal for smoking cream cheese. Remember, the goal is to add a touch of smokiness without overwhelming the cheese's flavor profile. So choose your wood wisely and enjoy the unique and delicious taste of smoked cream cheese
Ingredients
8-ounce block of cream cheese
Your favorite Smoked Bros Spice Blend or Dry Rub
Foil
BBQ smoker or grill with mild flavored wood
Instructions
Unwrap the cream cheese block from the packaging. Place it on a piece of foil and place it in the freezer for 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to firm up and makes it easier to prep. Otherwise, it can get stuck to everything.
Determine the rubs that you want to use. Because you can make different flavors, cut the 8-ounce brick of cream cheese in half and cover each half with the rubs on separate pieces of foil. For example, you can use Smoked Bros Chili Packet for savory and zesty and Honey Badger for sweet heath for the other.
Coat both half blocks of cream cheese with the rubs. Make sure to coat every side and the bottom as well. Make shallow slits into the top. This makes a nice presentation, but also for a practical sense, it makes it easier for your guests to dive into it with their crackers when trying to dip and serve themselves. The crack expands as they smoke and show off the gooey cheesy goodness inside.
Smoke the cream cheese in your BBQ smoker or grill at 225°F for 2-3 hours until the outside is slightly golden and the cream cheese is soft and melty.
Remove the smoked cream cheese from the foil and place it in a small serving dish. Let it cool down for a few minutes before serving it with your favorite dipping options.
Technical Notes
For the best flavor, use full-fat cream cheese without many preservatives. Any bricks of cream cheese or low-fat Neufchatel cheese will work for this. However, avoid using fat-free cream cheese as it will not soften properly.
You can use any rub that tastes good with the cream cheese. Try it with your favorite Smoked Bros Craft Spice Blend.
Let the cream cheese cool down for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Ultimate Smoked Cream Cheese Variations
Introducing some delicious variations for your smoked cream cheese! For those with a sweet tooth, try the dessert variation by coating your cream cheese with your preferred sweetener and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve it up with fruit or sweet chips for a perfect ending to any meal.
For a classic savory appetizer, the Pepper Jelly variation is a must-try. Smoke your cream cheese without any seasonings, then top it off with a delicious pepper jam for a sweet and tangy twist.
Looking for some Mexican flavors? Score your cream cheese and generously sprinkle it with taco seasoning. Serve it up with tortilla chips and salsa for a spicy kick.
If you're a fan of ranch, coat your cream cheese with a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. It's the perfect dip for veggies or crackers.
Another favorite variation is the Everything Bagel Seasoning. Use it liberally to coat your cream cheese and serve it up with bagel chips for a delicious and easy snack.
Lastly, for bacon lovers, top your smoked cream cheese with cooked crumbled bacon or mix it into softened cream cheese before smoking. Let it firm up in the fridge and then enjoy it with crackers or bread.
So why not try these tasty variations and take your smoked cream cheese to the next level!
What are Smoked Bros Premium Craft Spices?
Smoked Bros Craft Spices are a line of high-quality seasoning blends designed to take your cooking to the next level. Each blend is carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, including herbs, spices, and natural flavors, to give your food an unparalleled taste and aroma. Whether you're grilling up some juicy steaks, smoking a brisket, or roasting a chicken, Smoked Bros Craft Spices have got you covered. With a variety of flavors to choose from, including Cherry Blast, Sweet Heat, and Garlic Butter, you can easily add a burst of flavor to any dish. So why settle for bland and boring meals when you can spice things up with Smoked Bros Craft Spices?
