Smoked cream cheese is one of our favorite easy appetizers—just season a block of cream cheese and let the smoker work its magic! Pair with crackers, pretzels, or bread for a rich, smoky spread that's perfect for sharing. This simple recipe is always a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Smoked Cream Cheese
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Ingredients: 2-6, depending on topping
Ingredients
Smoked Cream Cheese
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
- recteq Rossarooski's Honey Rib Rub
Caramelized Onion Topping
-
Kosmos Q Cherry Apple Habanero BBQ Glaze
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 large sweet yellow onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
Honey Pecan Topping
- Honey
- 1/4 cup pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat your smoker to 180°F. If your smoker doesn't go this low, any temperature between 200°F and 250°F will work.
2. Score the top of the cream cheese with a crosshatch pattern. Season all sides generously with recteq Rossarooski's Honey Rib Rub. Place in a cast iron skillet or aluminum pan.
3. Smoke the cream cheese for 1 hour. Remove from the smoker and serve as-is, or add toppings if desired.
Caramelized Onion Topping
1. While the cream cheese is smoking, thinly slice the onion.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and stir to coat. Sauté for 5–10 minutes, until softened.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the salt and stir. Continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, for about 1 hour, until the onions are dark golden brown and caramelized.
4. Top smoked cream cheese with Kosmos Q Cherry Apple Habanero BBQ Glaze and the caramelized onions. Serve with crackers and enjoy!
Honey Pecan Topping
1. Toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring continuously for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. Drizzle smoked cream cheese with honey and top with toasted pecans. Serve with crackers and enjoy!
Tips & Ways to Customize This Recipe
- Use different BBQ rubs to switch up the flavor—sweet, smoky, or spicy.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or candied nuts for a sweeter version.
- Try pepper jelly for a spicy, savory twist.
- Add a splash of bourbon to your caramelized onions for extra depth.
- Serve with bread, pretzels, or sliced apples.
- Want to make it ahead? Just reheat the cream cheese before serving.
In Conclusion
Great appetizers don’t have to be complicated. With endless topping options and a short ingredient list, smoked cream cheese is easy to throw on the smoker anytime. Feel free to switch up the flavors and make it your own. This is a go-to snack that never disappoints!